Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Veterinary Technology Systems

Description: Basic Dog Grooming provides an introduction to professional grooming. The entire process will be demonstrated and practiced. It includes prepping, bathing, drying, grooming, cuts and finishing. Creative grooming patterns for mixed breeds and purebreds are taught. An introduction to the dynamics of running a successful pet grooming business is discussed as well.

Description: Prerequisite: Completion of VTE-2101 Dog Training or by instructor permission. A course for first-year students designed to introduce students to the concepts and principles of stock dog training. Twice weekly practices allow students to work their dog on a variety of hoof stock: sheep, goats, and cattle. Topics covered include breed knowledge, canine behavior, basic terminology, and husbandry. Material is delivered through training sessions, lecture, training DVDs, assigned reading, and guest clinicians. Students learn about trail competition through hosting and attending cattle dog trial events. Participants must provide their own dog. The dog must be a herding breed and be older than 8 months old. Limited kennel house available on campus through application process.

Description: This class includes the clinical skills (labs) for VTE 1403 Anatomy. Basic body systems are studied at the tissue, organ and systems levels. Comparison of various species of common domestic animals is stressed. Laboratory exercises include a study of the skeletal system and dissection of dog and cat specimens. Availability of large animal organs for comparison is encouraged. The on-site instructor is responsible for lab instruction, grading of laboratory assignments and delivery of lab exams. The on-site instructor may develop an assignment (s) worth 50 points total to customize the class to their site.

Description: This on-line class studies basic body systems at the tissue, organ and system levels. Comparison of various species of common domestic animals is stressed.

Description: This lab course contains the clinical skills corresponding to VTE 1512 Animal Care. Both VTE 1512 and VTE 1511 must be taken and passed with a 70% to take Nursing I.

Description: This survey course introduces the student to canine and feline husbandry, including restraint, behavior, species and breed identification, basic technical techniques and the human-animal bond. Humane animal care and management is emphasized. The care, handling, feeding, basic nursing skills, normal values, administration techniques, basic grooming and sample collection are included. Both VTE 1512 and VTE 1511 must be taken and passed with a 70% to take Nursing I.

Description: Students explore theories and designs of bits in relation to mouth anatomy and decipline functions. History of bits to current industry trend will be explored with the goal of students gaining a thorough understanding of what a bits role is in riding.

Description: Pre req: VTS 1403 Anatomy & Physiology, VTS 2533 Lg Animal Techniques III, VTS 2593 Nursing II, or instructor permission. Students observe and assist in calving. Enrollment limited.

Description: Pre req: Intro to Laboratory Science This course will help familiarize students interested in equine health with a variety of tests and equipment available for equine diagnostics. complete blood counts, biochemical tests, urinalysis and other evaluation techniques will be discussed and practiced in this course.

Description: In this course students study the causes of equine diseases and the principles of preventive veterinary medicine pertaining to equine. Study includes investigation of specific diseases and disease control measures as well as parasite management in the equine. Important zoonoses are covered. The course includes dosage calculations, and a survey of the common drug types used in equine medicine. Adverse drug reactions are discussed, labeling and packaging requirements, handling and storage of hazardous material and controlled drugs, preparing medications and vaccines, appropriate routes and methods of drug and vaccine adminstration are included.

Description: This course will introduce students to the paperwork and record keeping associated with the horse. Medical records, breeding records, coggins papers, insurance applications, health permits for transportation to events across state borders, and other equine related record keeping will be included in the course. Equine law applications and business issues are introduced as well.

Description: Continuing education topics designed for Veterinary Technicians to meet continuing education licensing requirements. This class may be repeated for additional CE hours and can be taken by technicians, assistants, and veterinary technology students.

Description: In this elective class, the student pursues a subject of special interest to them. It may include but is not limited to research and/or group tours. The project is developed under the supervision and evaluation of a faculty member who is willing and available to contract with the student. (Pre req: VT faculty permission)

Description: Pre req: VTS 2593 Nursing II with a grade of 70% (C) or higher. Students observe and assist in animal care at an emergency clinic for a minimum of 40 hours.

Description: Prerequisite: enrollment in Veterinary Technology and permissions of VT faculty. This course involves a minimum of 80 hours of field experience at an approved location. The class is tailored to the needs of an individual and the needs of the placement of employment. Statement of objectives will be required and progress notes will be checked. The class is developed by the student under the supervision and evaluation of a Vet Tech faculty member. On site work hours must occur in a place of employment that contributes to the care and health of animals. Enrollment is limited and must be arranged with the instructor before enrolling. The class may be taken only once and is a graded class.

Description: Make a difference in the lives of hundreds of unwanted animals. Do 40 hours of volunteer work at a humane society or animal shelter and receive college credit. Enrollment is limited.

Description: This course includes principles and rationale of canine training. Basic behavior, exploration of techniques and basic training goals are included. Limited enrollment.

Description: Prerequisite: Completion of two sections of VTE 1111 A course for second-year students designed to be a continuation of the material covered in VTE 1111, Stock Dog I, with additional advanced stock dog training skills. Students attend twice weekly practices to work on the skills necessary to train their dog for low stress stock handling and /or trial competition. Material is presented through in person practices, lecture, assigned reading, training DVDs, and guest clinicians. Participants travel to and host cattle dog trials where they can compete with their dog. Participants must provide their own dog. The dog must be a herding breed and be at least 8 months old. Limited kennel house available on campus through application process.

Description: This class provides an introduction into the Veterinarian's office and the knowledge essential for working in this position. It focuses on the terminology used in the clinic that is important for communication with clients, technicians, and veterinarians. Terminology expands into knowledge of areas such as infectious diseases, surgery, client relationships, animal care, and vaccinations.

Description: A beginning Spanish course to help one become familiar with terms used when working with people and animals in agriculture and animal health.

Description: This is an introductory canine and feline nutrition course. The course provides identification and function of nutrients, understanding pet food labels, and nutritional applications for well and unwell pets. It takes into account the various life stages of dogs and cats and disease processes that diet can affect.

Description: This course is designed to introduce students to the selection decisions and overall concerns of owning common exotic animal pets. Specifics about animal species, housing and nutrition requirements as well as expectations of pet behavior and interaction will be addressed within this course.

Description: This course will introduce students to the basics of bird behavior that influences training methods. The goal of the course is to help students of veterinary technology practice the best care for birds coming into the clinic by providing birds with cooperative skills via training methods. The philosophy of training without force and utilizing reinforcement will be discussed and utilized within the class.

Description: Learn about the untamed side of veterinary technician medicine. Discover the positive impact Zoos and Wildlife Rehab centers can make. Work with endangered and rescued animals. Observe the business side of these operations. Do 80 hours of volunteer work at a zoo or wildlife rehab center and receive college credit. Enrollment is limited. (Pre req: Enrollment in Veterinary Technology)

Description: Students study and assist with the daily work flow and management of animal facilities utilizing accepted animal welfare practices and standard operating procedures. Front office skill may be practiced and students have the opportunity to provide daily and special care for a selection of animals involved in the veterinary technology program. The course may include some weekend care of animals and facilities. The class is tailored to the student's interest and the division's needs. This class is offered as needed by students and must be prearranged with the division and class sponsor.

Description: This course is designed as a continuation in learning to care for exotic animals that the veterinary technician may encounter in clinical practice. Species identification, housing requirements, nursing care, dietary needs, reproduction, and potential health problems will be discussed. Emphasis is usually placed on birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and alternative livestock species. The goal of this course is to provide the student with skills essential for entry-level positions as veterinary technicians working with non-domestic animals.

Description: This course of study is intended for students with a special interest in wildlife and/or exotic animals. With the guidance of the instructor, students plan the study trip to expand their knowledge in topics outside the scope of college courses. Prior to the "safari", students will set educational goals based on research pertinent to their trip.

Description: This course will teach an understanding of and basic skills for operating room protocols and anesthesia. The class will cover anesthesia from standing sedation, to basic and commonly used drugs and the anesthetist's responsibilities for induction, through surgery and recovery. Local and general anesthesia techniques and principles will be covered. The surgery portion will cover identification of common instruments, how to prepare them for sterilization, surgical prep and surgery suite management. This information will be presented through lecture, lab and field trips.

Description: Pre req: VTE 1621 Calving Rotation I. Students observe and assist in calving (if available). Necropsy and various other experiences may present themselves. Enrollment limited.

Description: This course will introduce students with an equine interest to the nutritional management of the equine patient. Diets and needs for specific classes of horses and the unique nutritional demands placed on horses during various disease processes will be included.

Description: Students gain an understanding in theories and techniques of equine dentistry. Dentistry methods from basic floating to complete mouth balancing using hand tools, and incisor work will be covered. Equine restraint techniques for unsedated work as well as pharmacologically aided methods will be covered. (Pre req: Must be a DVM, LVT, or a student who has completed 35 hours of an AVMA accredited program)

Description: Pre req: Anatomy, Large Animal Techniques I and II, Pharmacy, and Equine Safety) This course provides information to enhance and focus a student's understanding of equine nursing concepts.

Description: This course is designed to provide a comprehensive review of the field of veterinary technology. It is intended for students that have completed the veterinary technology program and need to review specific areas before entering the work force or sitting for the national veterinary technician exam.

Description: This course is designed to provide a comprehensive review of the field of veterinary technology. Course work includes reading, writing and workbook assignments covering material from the Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians. It can be beneficial for students who want to develop a deeper level of understanding for the classes they need to take for the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician Options,. It is also intended for students who have completed the veterinary technology program and want to pursue the NCTA Alternative Path to completing the Veterinary Technician Option, It can serve Veterinary Technician graduates who want to review specific areas before entering the work force or sitting for the national veterinary technician exam.

Description: Vet Tech Prep utilizes the On-Line Vet Tech Review course. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive review of the field of veterinary technology. It is beneficial for developing a deeper level of understanding for the material covered in classes taken for the Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Assistant Options. It is also intended for students who have completed the Veterinary Technology Program and want to pursue the NCTA Alternative Pathway to complete the Veterinary Technician Option. It can serve Veterinary Technician graduates who want to review specific areas before entering the work force or sitting for the national licensing exam.

Description: (Pre req: Rabies vaccination and have passed Nursing II, Anesthesia, and Radiology classes) Dentistry for Veterinary Technicians covers practical applications of veterinary dentistry for the veterinary technician including canine and feline normal and abnormal anatomy, dental charting, oral disease, and the proper way to do a COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment). The course also covers equine dental anatomy, assessment, and treatment. The goal of the course is to increase the skill level and value of the veterinary technician in private practices.

Description: The principles of ultrasound are studied. The student is introduced to basic equipment care and use. Procedures are performed on small and large animals.

Description: This online course is designed for veterinary assistants who are working in a private practice. The course covers the dangers of radiation and how to protect our patients and ourselves from potential harm. Rules and regulations as they apply to veterinary assistants and technicians are reviewed and a clinic safety plan is developed. Successful completion of this course will allow the individual to meet the State of Nebraska's Radiation Safety requirements.

Description: This class is intended to enrich the Veterinary Technology student learning experience here at NCTA by helping the student take charge of their education. The instructor and peer study partners will assist students with keeping on track and focusing on their educational goals. The class is designed to increase a student's success in college by fostering positive relationships. Life skills are taught that are necessary for students to reach educational objectives. These skills include but are not limited to study habits, note taking, professionalism, time management, personal hygiene, budgeting, academic responsibility and accountability. The class helps make the transition to college and understand the components of being successful at college and in life. Students will formulate life and career goal and become aware of resources available to them to help achieve these goals.

Description: Medical Terminology introduces the student to basic words and word structure that are essential in reading and writing medical literature. This course is essential for anyone seeking a better understanding of veterinary medical and scientific terms.

Description: This course is specifically designed to prepare students for the mathematics used on a daily basis in veterinary nursing as well as on national certification board exams. It includes concepts needed for computations in chemistry and veterinary clinical practice classes. Major subject areas and exercises address conversions within a measurement system and between measurement systems. Computations taught in this course focus on single and multiple step dosage problems and the diluting of stock solutions to desired concentrations.

Description: Basic body systems are studied at the tissue, organ, and system levels. Comparison of various species of common domestic animals is stressed. Laboratory exercises include a study of the skeletal system and dissection of a typical mammal.

Description: A course that deals with animal handling, current issues facing the livestock industry, production trends, terminology, animal growth, structure and selection, breeds, and development.

Description: This survey course introduces the student to canine and feline husbandry, behavior, species and breed identification, and the human-animal bond. Humane animal care and management is emphasized. The care, handling, nutritional needs basic nursing skills, normal values, and administration techniques, basic grooming and obtaining objective patient data. Effective and appropriate restraint techniques are stressed. Student must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs. to take this class. This is a lecture and lab class. A 70% or above in this class is required to take Nursing I.

Description: Prerequisite: VTS 1511 Large Animal Techniques I and Rabies Vaccination Specific animal physiology of large and small farm animals is studied. The course includes an introduction to nursing procedures required in veterinary practice for farm animals. Safe and effective methods of controlling various kinds of animals are discussed and practiced in a combination lecture and hands-on laboratory format. Equine, bovine, caprine, poultry, and porcine are covered, as well as other species.

Description: (Pre req: 20 hours of veterinary clinic observation and completing the NCTA Veterinary Technology Clinic Observation Hours Form) Students study the management of animal holding facilities and the implementation of accepted animal welfare practices. Each student will participate in weekly kennel rotations providing the opportunity to care for the wide variety of animals involved in the veterinary technology program. This includes weekend care.

Description: A study of biological and chemical principles and how they pertain to living systems. Through the application of fundamental biology and chemistry, students will survey the biological world in association with production, companion animals and human health. Topics include parasitology, hematology, bacteriology, virology and an overview of laboratory procedures. The goal of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the world of microbes as a foundation for an integrated approach to understanding and managing for optimal, as well as economic, animal health decisions.

Description: Pre req: A 70% (C) or higher in VTS 1313 Math for Vet Techs and Rabies Vaccination. This course includes the study of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, dosage calculations, and a survey of the common drug types used in veterinary practice. Adverse drug reactions are discussed.

Description: (Pre req: 18 years of age and passing of 60% (D) in VTS 1403 Anatomy & Physiology, and Rabies Vaccination) The student is presented with an overview of radiation safety, the generation of x-rays, machine operation and maintenance, patient positioning, radio-graphic film exposure, film developing, CI imaging, care of darkroom equipment, evaluation of x-ray quality, and correction in techniques for producing an x-ray the veterinarian can use for diagnostic purposes. The laboratory portion is spent applying radiation safety principles and positioning of animals for radiography using various x-ray machines, film developing and computerized imaging storage techniques. A grade of 70% (C) or higher in Radiology I is required to take Radiology II. Students must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs. and to perform the practical skills to do well in this class. It is important to remember that the hands-on skills in this class must be performed at an adequate entry skill level to do well in the class or on the job.

Description: Pre req; Rabies Vaccination This course will provide students the opportunity to develop their "intercultural knowledge and competence" and "information literacy" skills and abilities. It will include group activities to help formulate career goals, improve academic success skills, develop a resume and cover letter, select and prepare for an appropriate internship. The course provides preparation for future employment. Students will review OSHA standards and learn about types of performance reviews common in the work place. Goal setting skills will be sharpened by developing objectives and a way to accomplish them as well as a measure for recognizing success in each area chosen. Students will develop job seeking skills as they locate an internship site.

Description: Pre req: Completion of or enrolled in VTS 2241 Career Strategies, a CGPA of 2.0 or higher, successful completion of 24 credits in the chosen VTS option, and Rabies Vaccination. The internship is for a period of 8 weeks. Internship may be done during school breaks that are of at least one week in length or upon completion of all course work. Internship locations and agreements must be approved. For the Veterinary Technician Option, internship must be done with a supervising veterinarian or veterinary technician designated by the veterinarian. Agreements may include more than one site. Official agreements are entered into between the student, the employer, and the college. Students identify learning objectives, design a methodology to accomplish them during the internship and must show substantial progress toward completion of these goals through weekly reports, pictures and evaluations. Students are encouraged to carry their own medical, disability, and liability insurance and receive pre-exposure Rabies vaccination.

Description: Pre req: Rabies vaccination or concurrent enrollment, VTS 2652 Parasitology, VTS 1822 Radiology I, and VTS 2583 Nursing I. This class provides practical experience and preparation for working in a veterinary clinic setting. The students will be working in the Dr. Walter Long Veterinary Technology Teaching Clinic where basic technician based services are offered to the clinic clientele consisting of NCTA student, faculty and staff owned animals. As a field experience, students work for a minimum of 64 hours during the semester.

Description: Prerequisite: VTS 1521 Large Animal Techniques II with a grade of 70% (C) or above, and Rabies Vaccination. This course includes nursing procedures, radiology, and surgery for production animals and equine. Safe and effective methods of controlling various kinds of livestock are discussed and practiced in a combination of lecture and hands-on laboratory format. Equine, bovine, ovine, caprine, procine and poultry as well as other species may be covered.

Description: Pre req: grade of 70% (C) or better in VTS 1511 Large Animal Techniques I. Students will have several extended days (32+ hours) of experiential learning opportunities with various large animal clinics/operations in the area, where they will assist in physical exams, vaccinations, pregnancy checks, necropsies, surgeries, and other large animal procedures (as available).

Description: Pre-req; Rabies Vaccination This course is an introduction to the care of the smaller furred, feathered, and scaled animals that veterinary technicians may encounter in clinical practice. Species identification, housing requirements, dietary needs, reproduction, and potential health problems will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on birds, rodents, small mammals, and reptiles housed at NCTA. This class includes a lecture and lab component.

Description: Pre req: A 70% (C) or higher in VTS 1313 Math for Vet Techs and VTS 1513 Animal Care, and Rabies Vaccination . Basic animal nursing skills that are vital to the veterinary technician career are introduced. A large variety of skills are studied and practiced. This class includes a lecture and lab component. This class must be passed with a 70% (C) or higher to take Nursing II.

Description: Pre req: VTS 1542 Facility Mgt. and VTS 2583 Nursing I, and Rabies Vaccination. This course is a continuation of Nursing I. Advanced animal nursing skills are studied and practiced. This class includes a lecture and laboratory component. This class is a pre req for VTS 1713 Pharmacy-Anesthesia.

Description: Pre req: VTS 1604 Intro to Laboratory Science with at least a 70% (C), and Rabies Vaccination. Students study parasitic life cycles and parasite identification methods for both internal and external parasites of domestic animals, lab animals and birds. This class includes the collection and preparation of samples and diagnostic tests commonly used by veterinary technicians in the field and those available through commercial laboratory analysis. A survey of current therapy and products available for use will be included in this course.

Description: Pre req; Rabies Vaccination Student will learn skills pertaining to the study of blood. Included in the class will be: principles of laboratory safety, proper operation and maintenance of clinical laboratory equipment (microscope, centrifuge, hemacytometer, refractometer, and hemoglobinometer) and preparation of microscopic slides (collection of samples, staining techniques, identification of blood elements, reporting of results, and identification of blood parasites). Correct techniques for performing total blood counts, hematocrits, differentials, reticulocyte counts, coagulation tests and hemoglobin determinations will also be included in this course.

Description: Pre req; Rabies Vaccination Students will continue laboratory testing in the areas of hematology (including blood chemistries); parasitology (including skin scraping analysis); bacteriological culturing, isolation and identification; urinalysis and sample submission.

Description: Pre req: VTS 1403 Anatomy and Physiology and VTS 1604 Intro to Laboratory Science and Rabies Vaccination. Students study the causes of animal diseases and the principles of preventive veterinary medicine pertaining to livestock, dogs, cats and laboratory animals. Study includes investigation of specific diseases and disease control measures including biosecurity as well as parasite management in animals. Important zoonoses are covered as well. The necropsy lab provides students the opportunity to learn proper necropsy technique, sample collection and submission for diagnostic tests and appropriate disposal procedures.

Description: Pre req: 60% (D) or higher grade in VTS 1822 Radiology I. This course is a continuation of Radiology I with emphasis placed on principles governing x-ray generation, establishment of technique charts, automatic film development, computerized imaging, exotic, equine, canine and feline radiographs and small animal contrast studies.

Description: (Pre req: 18 years of age and passed Anatomy with a 60% or above). The student is presented with an overview of radiation safety, the generation of x-rays, the principles governing x-ray generation, OFA, and other health standard radiographic evaluations, equine, dental radiographs, small animal contrast studies, machine operation and maintenance, patient positioning, radiographic film exposure, film developing, computerized imaging, digital imaging, care of darkroom equipment, evaluation of x-ray quality, and correction in techniques for producing an x-ray the veterinarian can use for diagnostic purposes. We will also cover the basics and equipment for ultrasound, endoscopy, and fluoroscopy. Students should be able to lift and carry 50 lbs to perform the practical skills to do well in this class. It is important to remember that the hands-on skills in this class must be performed at an adequate entry skill level to do well in the class or on the job.

Description: Pre req; Rabies Vaccination Principles of small animal inhalation anesthesia, pre-anesthetics, induction and maintenance anesthesia are covered in this class. Pre-surgical patient evaluations, risk classifications, monitoring techniques, equipment, inhalation machines, systems and safety are all studied in both a lecture and lab format. A 70% or higher in Anesthesiology is a pre-requisite Surgery Prep.

Description: Pre req; Rabies Vaccination This short course will cover the physiology, assessment, and treatment of pain as well as the ethics and social issues concerning treatment of farm and lab animals for pain. We will cover the types of medications that can be used, as well as other modalities for treatment of pain. The ability to recognize pain in various species is an important first step in the treatment of pain, and veterinary technicians are a first line of care for a painful animal. The goal of this course is to prepare you to know how pain is transmitted in the body, how to asses pain in various species, and what modalities can be used to treat it.

Description: Pre req: Assistant Option: 60% or higher in Pharmacology, Anesthesia, Nursing II, Radiology, Clinical Pathology, or concurrent enrollment. See instructor for required paperwork. Technician Option: 70% or higher in the above listed classes or concurrent enrollment. The student is introduced to the proper preparation of the surgical theater, instruments, equipment and the animal for aseptic surgery. Students perform all the supporting operating room tasks including pre-surgical screening, anesthesia, patient preparation, surgical assisting, suite set-up, pack preparation and recovery. Correct pre-operative and post-operative care of the patient is stressed. The lab is an integral portion of this course. Students must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs. and to perform the practical skills to do well in this class. It is important to remember that the hands-on skills in this class must be performed at an adequate entry skill level to do well in the class or on the job.