Safety and humane treatment emphasized throughout course. Legal aspects of practice are discussed as well as methods of managing personnel, financial responsibilities, ordering drugs and supplies, keeping inventory and bookkeeping. Students use illustrations from actual practices and become familiar with forms currently in use. The computer and its impact and use in veterinary medicine are discussed. Hands-on experience is obtained.
Laboratories focus on quantitative measurement of physiological parameters.
Action of the most important drugs is discussed and purpose of using or not using a drug taught. Calculation of various drug dosages included. Two-course sequence providing supervised applied training by assignment to a veterinary animal hospital for one semester and an animal research facility for the other semester. Through these supervised training experiences students develop their skills as animal technicians. Performance is evaluated by supervising veterinarian or adjunct instructor.