A variety of clinical and laboratory procedures are learned. Students demonstrate the ability to provide nursing care for large and small animals in a hospital setting. Students become knowledgeable of nomenclature, drug schedules, and the indications and contraindications of drugs. Students learn the induction and maintenance of anesthesia, preparation of the patient for surgery, and surgical assisting . Students demonstrate successful skills with post-operative patient care, instrument identification, pack preparation, and the sterilization of instruments.
Students learn how to handle and restrain large animals.
They provide veterinary care and conduct various clinical procedures and methodologies used with large animals. Students learn the principles of radiology, radiological procedures and techniques, the positioning of animals, radiation safety and the processing of radiographs. Students study the culturing and identification of common animal pathogens and the diseases they cause. They learn about shipping materials, sensitivity testing, and control of infectious organisms. Students study common animal diseases and their causes, natural protective mechanisms, preventive methods, vaccinations, and sound management practices including herd health programs.