2010 Mississippi Curriculum Framework: Postsecondary Veterinary Technology. (Program CIP: 51.0808 - Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant)
Author: Glenn, Bobby
Date: 2010-00-00
Type: Reports - Descriptive
Subjects: Guidelines,Multiple Literacies,Veterinary Medical Education,Veterinary Medicine,Paraprofessional Personnel,Certification,Work Experience,Vocational Education,Curriculum Design,Course Descriptions,Program Descriptions,Standards,Job Skills,Postsecondary Education,Competency Based Education,Minimum Competencies,Equipment,Student Evaluation,Community Colleges,Associate Degrees,Allied Health Occupations,Allied Health Occupations Education,Technological Literacy

As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate effectively; think creatively, solve problems, and make decisions; and interact with each other and the technologies in the workplace. Vocational-technical programs must also adopt these practices in order to provide graduates who can enter and advance in the changing work world. The curriculum framework in this document reflects these changes in the workplace and a number of other factors that impact local vocational-technical programs. The Veterinary Technology program is a 2-yr program offered by the Agriculture Department of Hinds Community College. This program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Graduates may become a certified veterinary technician upon passing the certification examination offered by the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Board. Employment opportunities for veterinary technicians include small and large animal practices, medical research, pharmaceutical research, wildlife rehabilitation, humane societies, zoological parks, and government agencies. Applicants must have attained level 3 math standing prior to admission to the program. Students successfully completing the program are prepared to enter various animal technology careers such as Veterinary Technician (Animal Health) in small animal practice, small animal emergency practice, mixed animal practice, large animal practice, equine practice, and food animal practice. Veterinary Technology programs may be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Graduates may become registered veterinary technicians through the Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine. Graduates would also be prepared for the following: (1) Taking the Technology Laboratory Animal Technician certification examination to become an assistant laboratory animal technician; (2) Taking the Laboratory Animal Technician certification examination after attaining assistant laboratory animal technician certification; and (3) Taking the Laboratory Animal Technologist certification examination after attaining laboratory animal technician certification and completing 4 years of work experience in a laboratory animal facility. After successfully completing the program, the student will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree from the community/junior college. Industry standards are based on the &quot;American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities Skills List.&quot; Appended are: (1) Standards and Guidelines for Veterinary Education and Activities; (2) Related Academic Standards; (3) 21st Century Skills; and (4) National Educational Technology Standards for Students. A list of suggested references is provided for each unit. (Contains 4 footnotes.)