Veterinary Technology

Students will learn the common infectious diseases of dogs and cats and apply the principles of immunology, vaccination and biosecurity for these diseases as it relates to veterinary practice and client communication.

This course is designed to familiarize the student with common medical procedures involved in veterinary practice in routine and critical care cases. Students will practice basic animal handling, the physical exam, administering medication and vaccines, blood collections and other medical procedures that are necessary to become a skilled technologist. Students gain valuable hands on experience in small groups in the NAIT Animal Clinic.

This course integrates three sciences: anatomy, physiology and pathology. The primary domestic species discussed in this class include the dog, cat, horse and cow. Other species are included occasionally for comparison. This course focuses on tissues and body cavities, the skeletal system, the muscular system, equine and bovine limbs, the common integument, the nervous system and special senses.

Students will be introduced to the maintenance of laboratory equipment while integrating safety procedures in a laboratory setting. Hematology skills will include performing manual and automated diagnostic testing of blood cells to achieve results for a complete blood count. Students will be able to identify and discuss the production and morphology of blood cells in all life stages.

Students will be able to explain safe animal handling techniques of common small and large animals. Students will be able to explain learning theory in animals, normal behaviour and behaviour problems in dogs, cats and horses. Breed and colour recognition is also a part of this course.

Students will learn to use veterinary medical records as tools for continuity of patient care, to document client communication and in compliance with legislated requirements. Students will use current veterinary software to document patient care using medical records, organize workplace appointments and schedules and maintain veterinary patient records and documents. Medical terminology will also be introduced.

This course will familiarize students with instruments, supplies, and basic surgical, dental and medical procedures involved in veterinary practice. Students will practice basic restraint, handling and treatment techniques, and medical and surgical skills that are necessary to become a skilled technologist. In addition, students learn their role in dealing with acute and chronic conditions along with common emergencies in domestic animals.

This course integrates three sciences: anatomy, physiology and pathology. The primary domestic species discussed in this class include the dog, cat, horse and cow. Other species are included occasionally for comparison. This course focuses on the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, endocrine and urogenital systems.

Students will learn general principles of anesthesia in the common domestic animal species. The following topics will be introduced: preoperative evaluation and preparation of the anesthetic patient, set-up and operation of anesthetic equipment, anesthetic drugs, assessment of the depth of anesthesia, monitoring and maintenance of patients under anesthesia, use of local anesthetics, postanesthetic care and recognition and response to anesthetic complications and emergencies.

This course is an introduction to various laboratory departments and testing. There is a theory and lab component that covers urinalysis of animals, chemistry testing in the lab, introduction to cytology including the identification of some cells as well as an introduction to microbiology procedures.

This lecture/laboratory course will emphasize skill in performing topical and fecal examinations for parasitic infestations in both small and large animals. The student will be able to define parasitic terminology, explain the characteristics, diagnosis, and prevention in selected parasitic species and demonstrate diagnostic procedures for selected parasites.

This course will provide students with knowledge of their role and the role of other veterinary professionals to achieve patient and client goals. This course will emphasize communication and interprofessional skills within the animal health team to ensure collaborative, responsive and responsible care.

Students will learn common infectious diseases and vaccines of horses and food animals. Students will apply principles of biosecurity, vaccination guidelines and infectious diseases of horses and food animals as it relates to veterinary practice and client communication.

Veterinary medicine is complex and specialized; this course will give students an overview of specialized veterinary medicine. Students will also learn safe handling procedures for lab, zoo, wildlife and exotic animals.

Students will study the commonly used drugs in veterinary medicine. Major classes of drugs will be discussed and described. Emphasis is on client education when dispensing medications and fielding inquiries concerning side effects, contraindications and withdrawal times.

Students will gain clinical experience assisting a veterinarian or an RVT in the NAIT Animal Clinic by performing dental procedures, treatments, surgery assisting and laboratory diagnostic procedures. Students rotate through clinical positions: client services, anesthesia, surgery, laboratory duties and dentistry.

Students learn equine management, medical and surgical care, and how to work safely with horses while performing a variety of specified clinical procedures. Students practice skills including handling and restraint, physical exam, blood sampling, injections, oral medication administration, bandaging, sedation and assisting with equine dental procedures. The laboratory portion of this course takes place off campus.

Students will apply the theory learned in Diagnostic Imaging Foundations to generate diagnostic images and practice positioning, restraint and safety techniques for imaging animals. Contrast media and alternative imaging modalities will also be explored.

The roles that key nutrients play in animal health are discussed. Students will learn to assist in client education regarding the variety of feeds available, as well as discuss and advise on feeding programs for different life stages and nutritionally responsive disorders.

Students will gain clinical experience assisting a veterinarian or an RVT in the NAIT Animal Clinic by performing examinations, restraint, nursing care, treatments, surgery assistance and laboratory diagnostic procedures. Students rotate through client services, anesthesia, surgery assisting and laboratory duties and dentistry. Students will also gain knowledge and experience in dealing with acute conditions and emergencies in small animals.

Students learn management, medical and surgical care of food animals, and how to work safely with them while performing a variety of specified clinical procedures. Students practice skills including handling and restraint, physical exam, blood sampling, injections, oral medication administration, intravenous catheters, local anesthesia and sedation. The laboratory portion of this course takes place off campus.

This student centered course explores different aspects of veterinary medicine including one health, animal welfare, wellness, resiliency, inventory control and marketing in a veterinary practice.

Through interprofessional education, students will practice working in their role and reflect on the role of other veterinary professionals to achieve patient and client goals. This course will emphasize communication with the patient care team, including clients/patient owners, in a collaborative, responsive and responsible manner. Students will practice and apply their skills in simulated scenarios throughout this course and in off site experiences. To advance the process of reconciliation and address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action, students will examine the history, impact, and legacy of colonialism on Aboriginal health in Canada and develop intercultural competence to provide culturally competent care and services.

Animal Health training will be continued at a veterinary site performing various procedures in accordance with the clinical outcomes. This clinical provides the students with an orientation to the profession and opportunity to apply concepts, procedures, and patient care while directly supervised by a registered veterinarian or registered veterinary technologist. Additionally, students acquire experience in professional behaviour and critical thinking skills.