Veterinary Technology Information
GENERAL INFORMATION
Associate of Applied Science Veterinary Technology
Mission of the Veterinary Technology Program
The mission of the Veterinary Technology program at Kent State Trumbull is to provide quality learning opportunities for caring and compassionate individuals from a dedicated and professional faculty. Qualified students are challenged with knowledge, as well as technical and critical thinking skills that will enable them to perform as professionals in order to enhance the Veterinary Medical Team. Students will have the opportunity to gain skills that will encourage life-long learning and professionalism. Successful graduates will become excellent providers of quality care for animals and outstanding members of our society.
Introduction
- Kent State Trumbull looks for highly motivated and academically successful students interested in becoming Veterinary Technicians. The program also looks for individuals with veterinary experience who have an understanding of the field of veterinary medicine.
- The Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology degree program at Kent State University Tuscarawas is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
- The Veterinary Technology program allows one admission per year with up to 32 students admitted at the TUSCARAWAS and TRUMBULL Campus.
- The Veterinary Technology curriculum provides combined studies of college-level general education courses and rigorous coursework in science, animal health, management, and veterinary medical concepts.
- All students graduating from an AVMA-accredited program are required to pass a written board examination in order to earn a Registered Veterinary Technician License for the State of Ohio.
Admission Process to Kent State Trumbull and Veterinary Technology
The Veterinary Technology program includes a selective admission process. Below are the steps for applying for admission.
Admission to Kent State
- Submit an application for admission to Kent State Trumbull. Your application can be completed online at www.kent.edu/addmissions/applyor by contacting 330-675-8967 and requesting an application packet.
- Arrange to have official transcripts of all previous high schools and colleges attended sent to Kent State Trumbull. Verify that official transcripts have been received and are on file.
- You will receive your acceptance packet via land mail. Follow all instructions on your acceptance letter, including setting up your Placement Assessment.
- Be sure to obtain information about applying for Financial Aid, including but not limited to scholarships, loans, grants or payment plans.
- You must complete DKSTAR: Destination Kent State @ Trumbull Advising & Registration. This is the university orientation. This orientation is separate from the VTEC Orientation.
Admission to Veterinary Technology Program
- Submit an online Application for Admission to the Veterinary Technology program by March 15 each year for acceptance into the program. The program only starts during the Fall semester. The application is found on our webpage http://www.kent.edu/trumbull/veterinary-technology
- Submit the Field Experience form. Printable form and an upload link are found on the webpage: http://www.kent.edu/trumbull/veterinary-technology
Frequently Asked Questions Q: How long is the program?
A: The curriculum is 63 semester hours – not including any required prescription courses. Students may elect to attend on a part-time or full-time basis. The length of time varies depending upon how many hours are completed each semester. Each student should meet with an academic advisor in order to register for classes and establish a timeline for completion of the program. All program requirements must be completed within five years.
Q: What classes should I think about taking now?
A: Students interested in Veterinary Technology are strongly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor in order to schedule classes. All new students are required to meet with an academic advisor. It is required for students to complete placement and HIGHLY recommended to complete general studies/core courses prior to applying to the program.
Below is a list of related courses students can take prior to admission into the program. It is important to note that some students may need to take prescribed math, reading or English courses as designated by the ALEKS and ACCUPLACER assessment test and/or other science courses recommended by their academic advisor.
CHEM 10050 Fundamentals of Chemistry or CHEM 10055 Molecules of Life BSCI 20021 Basic Microbiology
BSCI 20022 Microbiology Lab
VTEC 10001 Introduction to Veterinary Technology
Q: What are the minimum admission requirements for the Veterinary Technology program?
A: Admission to the Veterinary Technology program is selective and competitive. Below are the minimum requirements:
- High school graduate or GED equivalency;
- Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or higher for college-level students, including CCP courses, and 3.0 for all high school-level students;
- Completion of high school biology, chemistry, and algebra;
- Field experience of at least fifteen (15) REQUIRED hours under the supervision of a registered veterinary technician demonstrating exposure to the Veterinary Technology field.
- All math placement courses completed before admission into the program are required.
- If less than a 16 ACT Math subscore, students will need to complete Basic Algebra II if required by ALEKS testing, and MATH 10675 or MATH 11010, or any Math course that satisfies the CHEM 10050 or CHEM 10055 pre-requisites.
- If the ACT Math subscore is higher than 16, students will need to complete any prerequisite math courses based on ALEKS testing.
Q: What are the criteria for prioritizing admissions?
A: Admission into the Veterinary Technology program is prioritized on a point system in which the Admissions Committee considers the following areas:
- Grade point average (GPA) – a minimum GPA of 2.7 (Collegiate) or 3.0 (High School) is required in order to apply to the program;
- Extent of completion of prescribed and general studies courses, related courses, and electives;
- Testing results, i.e. Acuplacer, ACT, SAT;
- Field experience in veterinary technology: field experience hours are REQUIRED. Applicants must have 15 hours of required field experience to apply to the program.
Q: What type of field experience should I have to apply?
A: Field experience is defined as volunteering, observing, or shadowing at a veterinary practice, preferably one in which a registered veterinary technician is employed.
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Performance standards are necessary for a competent veterinary health technician. These standards are necessary for the veterinary technician to be able to fulfill the basic duties of the occupation.
- Physical requirements
- Ability to tolerate walking and standing for sustained periods of time.
- Capable of lifting and/or carrying up to 50 pounds from the floor to waist level frequently.
- Capable of using hands and arms to handle, install, position and move materials.
- Capable of handling, positioning and restraining live animals.
- Sensory abilities
- Visual ability to see details at a close range and to make observations and assessments necessary in animal care. Be able to use diagnostic equipment i.e., microscope, thermometer, refractometer, etc.
- Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. Hear auscultatory sounds, monitor alarms, emergency and cries for help. Hear warning sounds from animals and humans of impending danger/injury.
- Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and to perform nursing duties such as palpation during physical exams, or administering oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous medications.
- MENTAL
- Amenable to learning the safe handling, restraining and working with any species of domestic or exotic animals without fear. These animals may be sick, injured, fractious, or aggressive without fear.
- Willingness to assist with or perform a wide variety of routine medical, surgical and diagnostic procedures common to the veterinary setting, including humane euthanasia.
- Capacities to read and hear, understand, and quickly execute complex verbal and written instructions given in English.
- Possess emotional stability when performing duties in animal life and death situations or other stressful situations.
- During emergencies, being able to respond promptly and appropriately.
Source: Adapted from Veterinary Technology Student Essential and Recommended Skills List, Accreditation Policies and Procedures, AVMA CVTEA, June 2019.
Professional and Student Resources
Below is a list of professional associations that will assist students in researching the field of Veterinary Technology and include information about the projected job market, job description and salary information.
The American Veterinary Medical Association
Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America
Kent State Trumbull Veterinary Technology program web page is available at: http://www.kent.edu/trumbull/veterinary-technology
Veterinary Technology Course Descriptions
BSCI 10005 Anatomy for Veterinary Technicians (4 credits)
Identification of anatomy and basic physiological functions of domestic small animals: skeletal, muscles, integumentary, special sense organs, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine, nerves, circulatory and immune. Prerequisite: None.
BSCI 20021 Basic Microbiology (3 credits)
Principles of microorganisms having a direct relationship on the health and well-being of humans. Prerequisite: BSCI 20020; or BSCI 10100 and 10110; or BSCI 11010 and 11020; or ATTR 25057 and 25058;
or EXSC 25057 and 25058; and CHEM 10050 or 10052 or 10054 or 10060.
BSCI 20022 Microbiology Lab (1 credit)
Laboratory experience in microbiology.
CHEM 10050 Fundamentals of Chemistry (3 credits)
Basic concepts of chemistry (including atomic structure, chemical bonding and reactions) necessary for courses in elementary organic chemistry and physiological chemistry. Prerequisite: ACT math score of 16; or MATH 10675 or MATH 11009 or MATH 11010 or MATH 11012 or MATH 12002 or MATH 12011 or MATH
12021.
CHEM 10055 Molecules of Life
An integrated introduction to molecular systems and their participation in the processes of life. Pre/corequisites: MATH 10040 or MATH 10041 or minimum C grade in MATH 10772 or MATH 10775 or any course between MATH 11009 to MATH 49998; or minimum 55 ALEKS math score; or minimum 22 ACT math score; or minimum 530 SAT math score.
ENG 11011 College Writing I (3 credits)
The study and practice of academic writing, including an introduction to rhetorical principles, the writing process, critical reading, research, and technology. All Kent campus students begin the College Writing
sequence with ENG 11011. Prerequisites: ACT English score of 18-25; or SAT writing score of 430-590; or Compass writing score of 69-94.
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE Determined in consultation with an academic advisor (3 credits) SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE Determined by consultation with an academic advisor (3 credits) MATHEMATICS AND CRITICAL REASONING ELECTIVE
Determined by consultation with an academic advisor (3 credits)
US 10001 Flashes 101 (1 credit)
Course aims to foster a university-wide sense of belonging; promote engagement in the curricular and co-curricular life of the university; articulate what students can expect from and contribute to their community; and help students continue to clarify their purpose, meaning and direction. This course is required for all new degree-seeking, first-time students to Kent State. The course is not required for transfer students with 30 or more credit hours or students who are admitted as an adult student. Prerequisite: None
VTEC 10001 Introduction to Veterinary Technology (2 credits)
Introduction to veterinary technician’s career: medical terminology, career choices, occupational safety, human-animal bond, pet loss, euthanasia, animal husbandry and basic nutrition, breed identification, basic animal. Prerequisite: None.
VTEC 10002 Veterinary Nursing I (3 credits)
Introduction to animal nursing: record keeping, kennel sanitation, animal restraint, syringe and needle identification/handling, injection techniques, physical exams, grooming, and administration of medications. Lecture two hours, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisite: Admission to Veterinary Technology Program.
VTEC 10204 Clinical Laboratory I (3 credits)
Introduction to clinical laboratory: equipment and equipment maintenance; hematology and serology; internal and external parasites. Lecture two hours. Prerequisite: Admission to Veterinary Technology Program.
VTEC 10205 Veterinary Nursing II (3 credits)
Clinical application off-site. Emphasis on skills from 10002: physical exam, meds, blood vessel catheterization, venipuncture, fluid therapy, wound care, dental prophylaxis, first aid, bandaging, CPR. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisites: BSCI 10100, CHEM 10050, VTEC 10002, 10204. Pre- or
corequisite: VTEC 10001.
VTEC 10206 Pharmacology (2 credits)
Regulations controlling the use of drugs and biologicals, classifications and mechanisms of action of pharmaceuticals, dosage calculations, labeling, packaging, and dispensing of veterinary products. Lecture 2 hours weekly. Prerequisites: BSCI 10100, 10110, CHEM 10052, 10053, VTEC 10001, 10002, 10204. Pre- or
corequisite: VTEC 10205.
VTEC 20008 Clinical Laboratory II (3 credits)
Continuation and application of skills from Clinical Laboratory I, including hematology, serology, urinalysis, cytology, and other laboratory skills. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisites: BSCI 10100, CHEM 10050, VTEC 10002, 10204. Pre- or corequisites: VTEC 10001, 10205.
VTEC 20215 Veterinary Office Applications (1 Credit)
Introduction to computer systems utilized in Veterinary Offices and office procedures and applications. Prerequisites: VTEC 10001, 10002, 10204.
VTEC 20009 Veterinary Nursing III (3 credits)
Continuing nursing skills/techniques emphasizing large animal species: restraint, venipuncture, behavior, breeds, feedstuffs, food safety, meds, preventive care, surgical procedures, lameness. Lecture 2 hours,
laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisites: BSCI 10110, CHEM 10052, 10053, VTEC 10001, 10002, 10204,
10205, 20008. Pre- or corequisite: VTEC 10206.
VTEC 20010 Imaging Techniques (3 credits)
Principles and application of the production of x-rays, processing, radiation safety, storage, patient positioning, and other imaging techniques. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisites: BSCI 10100, 10110, CHEM 10052, 10053, VTEC 10001, 10002, 10204, 10205, 20008. Pre-or corequisite: VTEC 10206.
VTEC 20212 Surgery and Anesthesia (3 credits)
Principles and application of the use of anesthetics, patient monitoring, pre-surgery preparation and post-surgical patient care, sterilization, surgical preparation, surgical assisting, equipment maintenance. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisites: BSCI 10100, 10110, CHEM 10052, 10053, VTEC 10001,
10002, 10204, 10205, 20008. Pre- or corequisite: 10206.
VTEC 20213 Nutrition and Disease (2 credits)
Principles of the disease process, disease control and prevention of common diseases of domestic animals. Nutrition principles especially for clinical diseases will be covered. Lecture 2 hours weekly. Prerequisites: BSCI 20021, VTEC 20009, 20010, 20212.
VTEC 20216 Exotics and Lab Medicine (2 credits)
Nursing procedures for laboratory and animal exotic procedures; procedures by a veterinary technician in a hospital environment including office and computer application. Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours weekly. Prerequisites: BSCI 20021, VTEC 20002, 20010, 20212.
.VTEC 20316 Veterinary Hospital Practicum (5 credits)
Students gain practical experience in veterinary clinic or approved clinical site to focus on mastery of all clinical skills need for this career. Prerequisites: BSCI 20021, VTEC 20009, 20010, 20212. Corequisites: VTEC 20213, 20214.