Veterinary Technician - A.A.S. Degree - Dakota County Technical College | DCTC - a 2-Year Minnesota School Offering Associate Degree, Certificate and Diploma Programs to the Twin Cities, MN

Veterinary Technician - A.A.S. Degree

This is a suggested sample course sequence.
Please contact your program advisor regarding your academic plans.

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2023-2024 Required Courses

First Year - Fall Semester

Course Title	Credits
BIOL 1450 Animal Biology BIOL - 1450: Animal Biology Description BIOL 1450 This lecture and laboratory-based course surveys the four unifying principles of biology (evolutionary theory, cell theory, gene theory, and homeostasis) in the context of animal body systems. Content topics include cellular structure, function, and processes; histology; inheritance; biodiversity; natural selection; basic anatomical and directional terminology; and skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems. The lab component includes application of concepts with an emphasis on observation, the scientific method, and analysis. Dissection of individual organs and whole organisms may be included. This course provides a foundation for students pursuing veterinary-related careers as well as those in non-science majors Credits: 4 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Spring 2024 Summer 2024 MNTC Goals: 3 Course Outline: BIOL1450 — PDF	4
COMS 1020 Interpersonal Communication COMS - 1020: Interpersonal Communication Description COMS 1020 This course is intended to increase student's awareness of the processes, models, and theories of interpersonal communication relative to relationships that impact people's personal and professional lives. Through self-analysis and reflection, case studies, practical application, and critical thinking, students will examine the influence of communicative behaviors on themselves, their personal relationships, groups, and society. Concepts include self-esteem, self-fulfilling prophecies, perception, ethics, emotion, conflict, cultural awareness, language, nonverbal communication, social media, and listening. Meets Goal 7. Meets MNTC Goal 1 Fall 2016 and after. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Summer 2023 Fall 2023 Spring 2024 Summer 2024 MNTC Goals: 1,7 Course Outline: COMS1020 — PDF	3
ENGL 1150 Composition I ENGL - 1150: Composition I Description ENGL 1150 This course emphasizes the process of writing expository and persuasive essays using effective writing skills and a variety of research techniques. Also included in the course content are critical reading and logical reasoning. Meets MnTC Goal 1. Prerequisites: See course details in eServices for prerequisite information. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: Please go to E-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Summer 2023 Fall 2023 Spring 2024 Summer 2024 MNTC Goals: 1 Course Outline: ENGL1150 — PDF	3
General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) INDS1020 recommended ‡ (Any MnTC Goal Area)" aria-hidden="true"> GENE - 0000: General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area) Description GENE 0000 Credits: Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None Course Outline: GENE0000 — PDF	2
HEAL 1502 Medical Terminology HEAL - 1502: Medical Terminology Description HEAL 1502 This course introduces students to medical terms and their meanings. Students will learn combining forms, word roots, prefixes, suffixes, and how these word parts apply to building medical terms. Students will also learn common medical abbreviations and symbols. Credits: 2 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Summer 2023 Fall 2023 Spring 2024 Summer 2024 Course Outline: HEAL1502 — PDF	2
Total Semester Credits:	14

First Year - Spring Semester **2nd application is required before starting this semester

Course Title	Credits
PHIL 1350 Medical Ethics PHIL - 1350: Medical Ethics Description PHIL 1350 This course introduces students to basic issues in medical ethics. Emphasis will be placed on the process of considering ethical theory, ethical principles, and laws in the analysis of specific cases. This course will be of special interest to students in health-related programs though students in any program will find the study of medical ethics worthwhile. Suggested Accuplacer reading cut score over 78 and completion of ENGL 1150: Composition I. Meets MnTC Goal 6 and Goal 9. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Summer 2023 Fall 2023 Spring 2024 Summer 2024 MNTC Goals: 6,9 Course Outline: PHIL1350 — PDF	3
VTEC 1001 Animal Care I VTEC - 1001: Animal Care I Description VTEC 1001 Animal Care Duty (ACD) participation is required for successful completion of the Veterinary Technology program and includes: monitoring animal health, giving medications, feeding, providing clean water, cleaning kennels and kennel spaces, sanitizing animal care supplies, and keeping all animal areas cleaned and disinfected. An additional responsibility of animal care duty is notifying the Veterinarian of any animal health concerns and/or emergencies that are noted. Credits: 1 Prerequisites: BIOL 1500 General Biology COMS 1020 Interpersonal Communication ENGL 1150 Composition I HEAL 1502 Medical Terminology Corequisites: VTEC 1100 Veterinary Technology Procedures VTEC 1110 Veterinary Laboratory Skills I VTEC 1120 Calculations for Veterinary Professionals VTEC 1200 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology VTEC 1210 Veterinary Pharmacology Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC1001 — PDF	1
VTEC 1100 Veterinary Technology Procedures VTEC - 1100: Veterinary Technology Procedures Description VTEC 1100 This course is an introductory study of various aspects of the world of veterinary medicine and the role of the veterinary technician within that world. Emphasis is placed on learning the basics of animal identification, husbandry, grooming, animal behavior, and physical examinations. Students learn veterinary office economics and paperwork, medical records management, reminders, financial matters, components to popular veterinary software and the concepts of ethics and professionalism in the work place. Prerequisites: SPEE1020, HEAL1502, ENGL1150, BIOL1500, and acceptance into VET TECH Program. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: BIOL 1500 General Biology ENGL 1150 Composition I HEAL 1502 Medical Terminology SPEE 1020 Interpersonal Communication Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC1100 — PDF	3
VTEC 1110 Veterinary Laboratory Skills I VTEC - 1110: Veterinary Laboratory Skills I Description VTEC 1110 A general introduction to the veterinary clinical sciences, this course acquaints students with laboratory safety, OSHA regulations, medical asepsis, infection control, zoonotic diseases, glassware, specimen collection, laboratory calculations, and microscopy. This course includes hands-on practice of basic laboratory techniques, veterinary parasitology, an introduction to hematology and urinalysis, and basic calculations required in the veterinary medical laboratory. Prerequisites: SPEE1020, HEAL1502, ENGL1150, BIOL1500, and acceptance into VET TECH Program. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: BIOL 1500 General Biology ENGL 1150 Composition I HEAL 1502 Medical Terminology SPEE 1020 Interpersonal Communication Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC1110 — PDF	3
VTEC 1120 Calculations for Veterinary Professionals VTEC - 1120: Calculations for Veterinary Professionals Description VTEC 1120 This course instructs the student in the various mathematical calculations and equations used on a daily basis in the medical field. Students will learn calculations involving percentages, fractions, decimals, and ratios, how to convert between different measurement systems, how to calculate patient medication and fluid dosages, and how to apply these methods to real world scenarios. Prerequisites: SPEE1020, HEAL1502, ENGL1150, BIOL1500, and acceptance into VET TECH Program. Credits: 1 Prerequisites: BIOL 1500 General Biology ENGL 1150 Composition I HEAL 1502 Medical Terminology SPEE 1020 Interpersonal Communication Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC1120 — PDF	1
VTEC 1200 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology VTEC - 1200: Comparative Anatomy and Physiology Description VTEC 1200 This course explores the body systems of small animals using the cat cadaver as a model. A systems approach is used to study basic anatomy and physiology of dogs and cats. Comparative reference will be made to a few important differences in anatomical structures of various large animal and exotic pet species. Credits: 1 Prerequisites: BIOL 1500 General Biology ENGL 1150 Composition I HEAL 1502 Medical Terminology SPEE 1020 Interpersonal Communication Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC1200 — PDF	1
VTEC 1210 Veterinary Pharmacology VTEC - 1210: Veterinary Pharmacology Description VTEC 1210 This course introduces the student to the development and regulation of drugs and vaccines and their use in veterinary medicine. Commonly used drugs are studied using a body systems approach. Calculation of drug dosages is emphasized and techniques for medication administration to canine and feline patients are also covered. Prerequisites: COMS1020, HEAL1502, ENGL1150, BIOL1500, and acceptance into VET TECH Program. Credits: 2 Prerequisites: BIOL 1500 General Biology ENGL 1150 Composition I HEAL 1502 Medical Terminology SPEE 1020 Interpersonal Communication Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC1210 — PDF	2
Total Semester Credits:	14

Second Year - Fall Semester

Course Title	Credits
VTEC 1002 Animal Care II VTEC - 1002: Animal Care II Description VTEC 1002 Animal Care Duty (ACD) participation is required for successful completion of the Veterinary Technology program and includes: monitoring animal health, giving medications, feeding, providing clean water, cleaning kennels and kennel spaces, sanitizing animal care supplies, and keeping all animal areas cleaned and disinfected. An additional responsibility of animal care duty is notifying the Veterinarian of any animal health concerns and/or emergencies that are noted. Credits: 1 Prerequisites: VTEC 1100 Veterinary Technology Procedures VTEC 1110 Veterinary Laboratory Skills I VTEC 1120 Calculations for Veterinary Professionals VTEC 1200 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology VTEC 1210 Veterinary Pharmacology VTEC 1210 Veterinary Pharmacology Corequisites: VTEC 1220 Fundamentals of Veterinary Imaging VTEC 1230 Veterinary Laboratory Skills II VTEC 1240 Lab and Exotic Animal VTEC 1250 Veterinary Nursing Techniques Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC1002 — PDF	1
VTEC 1220 Fundamentals of Veterinary Imaging VTEC - 1220: Fundamentals of Veterinary Imaging Description VTEC 1220 Radiation safety and imaging techniques commonly used in veterinary medicine are covered in this course. Students develop radiographic technique charts and practice radiography using live animals. They also learn about other imaging techniques used in the medical field. Prerequisites: VTEC1100,1110,1120,1200 and 1210. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: VTEC 1100 Veterinary Technology Procedures VTEC 1110 Veterinary Laboratory Skills I VTEC 1120 Calculations for Veterinary Professionals VTEC 1200 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology VTEC 1210 Veterinary Pharmacology Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC1220 — PDF	3
VTEC 1230 Veterinary Laboratory Skills II VTEC - 1230: Veterinary Laboratory Skills II Description VTEC 1230 As an in-depth study of clinical laboratory procedures, students practice sample collection and handling for hematology, parasitology, blood chemistries, urinalysis, microbiology, cytology and serology. Emphasis is placed on the usefulness of these diagnostic techniques in the context of the animal's overall veterinary care. This course includes discussion of various diseases and disorders evaluated by laboratory testing. Zoonotic disease prevention and biosecurity-safety measures are also covered. Prerequisites: VTEC1100,1110,1120,1200 and 1210. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: VTEC 1100 Veterinary Technology Procedures VTEC 1110 Veterinary Laboratory Skills I VTEC 1120 Calculations for Veterinary Professionals VTEC 1200 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology VTEC 1210 Veterinary Pharmacology Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC1230 — PDF	3
VTEC 1240 Lab and Exotic Animal VTEC - 1240: Lab and Exotic Animal Description VTEC 1240 This course presents the fields of laboratory animal research and zoological medicine, as well as the care and management of exotic pets. Discussion will include husbandry, animal behavior, nutrition identification, restraint, common clinical conditions, nursing procedures, and preventive health care. Mice, rats, rabbits, and other exotic and laboratory animals are utilized to allow bands-on experience. Prerequisites: VTEC1100,1110,1120,1200 and 1210. Credits: 2 Prerequisites: VTEC 1100 Veterinary Technology Procedures VTEC 1110 Veterinary Laboratory Skills I VTEC 1120 Calculations for Veterinary Professionals VTEC 1200 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology VTEC 1210 Veterinary Pharmacology Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC1240 — PDF	2
VTEC 1250 Veterinary Nursing Techniques VTEC - 1250: Veterinary Nursing Techniques Description VTEC 1250 In this course students learn and practice various aspects of small animal husbandry including kennel management and sanitation, reproductive cycles and management, recognition of and response to emergency situations, preventative medicine, and nursing care. Discussion and practice of specialty physical exams will take place. This course will introduce concepts of first aid, care for critically ill patients, emergency nursing, oncology, cardiology, and neurology. There will be opportunities to perform specific nursing skills on small animals. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: VTEC 1100 Veterinary Technology Procedures VTEC 1110 Veterinary Laboratory Skills I VTEC 1120 Calculations for Veterinary Professionals VTEC 1200 Comparative Anatomy and Physiology VTEC 1210 Veterinary Pharmacology Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC1250 — PDF	3
Total Semester Credits:	12

Second Year - Spring Semester

Course Title	Credits
VTEC 1003 Animal Care III VTEC - 1003: Animal Care III Description VTEC 1003 Animal Care Duty (ACD) participation is required for successful completion of the Veterinary Technology program and includes: monitoring animal health, giving medications, feeding, providing clean water, cleaning kennels and kennel spaces, sanitizing animal care supplies, and keeping all animal areas cleaned and disinfected. An additional responsibility of animal care duty is notifying the Veterinarian of any animal health concerns and/or emergencies that are noted. Credits: 1 Prerequisites: VTEC 1220 Fundamentals of Veterinary Imaging VTEC 1230 Veterinary Laboratory Skills II VTEC 1240 Lab and Exotic Animal VTEC 1240 Lab and Exotic Animal VTEC 1250 Veterinary Nursing Techniques Corequisites: VTEC 2110 Large Animal VTEC 2120 Anesthesia and Pain Management VTEC 2131 Vet Surgical Nursing & Dentistry Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC1003 — PDF	1
VTEC 2100 Animal Diseases and Nutrition VTEC - 2100: Animal Diseases and Nutrition Description VTEC 2100 This course introduces students to the signs, diagnostic methods, and treatments of diseases in domestic animals. Prevention, zoonosis, and client education regarding common diseases will be covered. Animal nutrition, and the use of therapeutic nutrition and dietary management of disease will also be discussed. Diseases of each body system, as well as systemic and oncology cases will be presented. An understanding of animal behavior will be introduced. Prerequisites: VTEC1220,1230,1240 and 1250. Credits: 2 Prerequisites: VTEC 1220 Fundamentals of Veterinary Imaging VTEC 1230 Veterinary Laboratory Skills II VTEC 1240 Lab and Exotic Animal VTEC 1250 Veterinary Nursing Techniques Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC2100 — PDF	2
VTEC 2110 Large Animal VTEC - 2110: Large Animal Description VTEC 2110 This course introduces the livestock and equine industry and the various species of large animal livestock. This includes livestock terminology, breeds, production systems, basic management practices, preventive medicine, lameness examinations and conditions, necropsy procedures and animal products and by-products. Techniques covered will include restraint, behavior, and medical and surgical nursing procedures of large animals and equine. This course includes field trips. Prerequisites: VTEC1220,1230,1240 and 1250. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: VTEC 1220 Fundamentals of Veterinary Imaging VTEC 1230 Veterinary Laboratory Skills II VTEC 1240 Lab and Exotic Animal VTEC 1250 Veterinary Nursing Techniques Corequisites: None Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC2110 — PDF	3
VTEC 2120 Anesthesia and Pain Management VTEC - 2120: Anesthesia and Pain Management Description VTEC 2120 The course will cover basic anesthetic principles and monitoring. The course applies basic utilization of anesthetic agents, the use and operation of allied machines, monitoring and care of the anesthetized animal patient, and the pre-operative considerations and duties for anesthesia. Other topics include understanding of veterinary dental techniques, emergency procedures, and control of post-surgical pain. Prerequisites: VTEC1220,1230,1240 and 1250. Credits: 3 Prerequisites: VTEC 1220 Fundamentals of Veterinary Imaging VTEC 1230 Veterinary Laboratory Skills II VTEC 1240 Lab and Exotic Animal VTEC 1250 Veterinary Nursing Techniques Corequisites: VTEC 2131 Vet Surgical Nursing & Dentistry Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC2120 — PDF	3
VTEC 2131 Vet Surgical Nursing & Dentistry VTEC - 2131: Vet Surgical Nursing & Dentistry Description VTEC 2131 Students will learn the basics of routine veterinary surgical assisting. This course will cover instrumentation, aseptic technique, proficiency in the proper preparation of the operating room and general nursing care. This course will also cover pre-surgery preparation and post-surgical care of small animals, principles of surgery, aseptic technique, fluid therapy, and surgical assisting through practical experience. Other topics include performance of routine veterinary dental prophylactic techniques, emergency procedures, and control of post-surgical pain. Prerequisites: VTEC1220,1230,1240 and 1250. Credits: 4 Prerequisites: VTEC 1220 Fundamentals of Veterinary Imaging VTEC 1230 Veterinary Laboratory Skills II VTEC 1240 Lab and Exotic Animal VTEC 1250 Veterinary Nursing Techniques Corequisites: VTEC 2120 Anesthesia and Pain Management Future Offering: Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC2131 — PDF	4
Total Semester Credits:	13

Second Year - Summer Session

Course Title	Credits
VTEC 2970 Veterinary Technology Internship VTEC - 2970: Veterinary Technology Internship Description VTEC 2970 Students participate as Veterinary Technician intern in an off-campus learning experiences in business, industry, and/or the public sector. The student is involved in the day-to-day work of the facility, including restraint and handling of animals, office procedures, clinical laboratory techniques, radiography, pharmacology, and surgical preparation and monitoring. Prerequisites: Completion with a C or better of all previous VTEC coursework and approval of the program director Credits: 6 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Summer 2023 Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC2970 — PDF	6
VTEC 2980 Veterinary Technician Capstone VTEC - 2980: Veterinary Technician Capstone Description VTEC 2980 This course facilitates the transition of the student to the CVT role and to the workplace. Concepts related to career development options that enhance career mobility are reviewed. Preparation and registration for certification by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) is covered. Prerequisites: Completion with a C or better of all previous VTEC coursework Credits: 1 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Summer 2023 Fall 2023 Course Outline: VTEC2980 — PDF	1
Total Semester Credits:	7

Total Credits:	60

‡ Select General Education electives from specified MnTC goal area or from any MnTC goals if none specified.

** 2nd application is required before starting the second semester.
** Veterinary Technician students are required to obtain a C- or higher on all VTEC and general education courses.

Veterinary Technician - A.A.S. Degree

2023-2024 Required Courses

First Year - Fall Semester

First Year - Spring Semester **2nd application is required before starting this semester

Second Year - Fall Semester

Second Year - Spring Semester

Second Year - Summer Session

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STUDENT LINKS

LOCATION

Rosemount Campus