BS Veterinary Technology

Courses

VST 97 Virology
Viral structure, mode of infection of human cells, replication and classification are discussed. The DNA and RNA viruses associated with human diseases as well as the resultant clinical syndromes; diagnostic procedures used to collect and detect viral antigens in clinical specimens; viral serology; viral culture and storage are also presented.
Credits: 3

VST 101 Introduction to Veterinary Sciences
A veterinary technician is described by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as a person knowledgeable in the care and handling of animals, in the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in routine and clinical procedures. He or she is an active assistant to veterinarians, biological research workers, and other scientists. This introductory survey course is designed to prepare students for entrance into the field of veterinary science and technology, by introducing them to the terminology of veterinary medicine. This course includes instructional areas of information pertaining to various classifications and breeds of animals, restraint methods, future employment potential, and basic scientific concepts regarding animal health in general. The course is intended to be an overview of the entire veterinary science and technology curriculum by providing a basic background and prerequisite knowledge that will be of benefit in other departmental course offerings. Enrollment Limited to Students in the Vet Tech Major
Credits: 3

VST 102 Veterinary Hospital Procedures and Practices
This course will acquaint the student with the principles involved in operating a veterinary practice. The legal aspects of the practice will be discussed, as well as methods of managing the personnel, financial responsibilities, ordering drugs and supplies, keeping inventory, and bookkeeping. Illustrations from actual practices will be used. Students will become familiar with medical notes format currently in use. The computer and its impact and use in veterinary medicine will be discussed. Demonstration of a sample veterinary software management system will take place.
Pre requisite of VST 101 is required.
Credits: 2
Every Spring

VST 201 Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals I
Basic principles of the structure and function of companion, food, laboratory, and exotic animals are discussed in depth for each of the organ systems. Physiology is presented from both a biochemical and organismal point of view. Basic understanding of chemistry, physics and mathematics is introduced where useful and necessary for understanding these biological phenomena. This course covers the comparative anatomy of and physiology of companion, food, laboratory and exotic animals in a systematic manner. The integumentary, circulatory, skeletal, muscular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and metabolic systems will be covered during the first course. The reproductive, endocrine, neurologic, immune and sensory systems will be covered during the second course of the two-course sequence. The laboratories will involve dissection as well as use of models and online/software materials. This course is part of a two-semester sequence (2 hours of lecture, 3 hours of laboratory).
Pre or Co requisite: BIO 103
Co requisite(s): VST 101, VST 201L - Lab Credits: 2
Every Fall

VST 201L Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals I - Lab
Lab to VST 201 Lecture
Pre or Co requisite: BIO 103
Co requisite(s): VST 101, VST 201 - Lecture
Credits: 1

VST 202 Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology
This course is a study of the drugs used in veterinary medicine, pharmacy maintenance, and the storage and proper inventory procedures for these drugs. General pharmacological principles, drugs, and classification of agents used in veterinary medicine, including drug dosage calculation, therapeutic responses to drugs, and common adverse drug reactions will be covered. Toxicology of common OTCs, plants insecticides, and household products are included.
Pre requisite(s): VST 102, VST 203 and BIO 104
Credits: 3  

VST 203 Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals II
Basic principles of the structure and function of companion, food, laboratory and exotic animals are discussed in depth for each of the organ systems. Physiology is presented from both a biochemical and organismal point of view. Basic understanding of chemistry, physics and mathematics is introduced where useful and necessary for understanding these biological phenomena. This course covers the comparative anatomy and physiology of companion, food, laboratory and exotic animals in a systematic manner. The integumentary, circulatory, skeletal, muscular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and metabolic systems will be covered during the first course. The reproductive, endocrine, neurologic, immune and sensory systems will be covered during the second course of the two-course sequence. The laboratories will involve dissection as well as use of models and online/software materials. This course is part of a two-semester sequence (2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory).
Pre requisite: VST 201
Co requisite: VST 203 L - Lab
Credits: 2  

VST 203L Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals II - Lab
Lab to VST 203 Lecture
Co requisite: VST 203 - Lecture
Credits: 1
Every Spring

VST 204 Veterinary Nursing I
Veterinary Nursing I is the first in a series of three veterinary nursing courses that will culminate in a broad knowledge and skill base when dealing with small animals, typically dogs and cats. Each course will build on the skills learned in the proceeding course. Topics covered will include handling and restraint of dogs and cats, the application of patient and personal safety measures, record-keeping, and signs and characteristics of common small animal diseases.
Pre requisite: VST 203
Co requisite(s): VST 202, VST 204L - Lab
Credits: 2

VST 211 Veterinary Clinical Laboratory Techniques
Veterinary technicians function as a component of a diagnostic and therapeutic team. This course will explore the diagnostic and therapeutic processes with emphasis placed on the roles that technicians have in these operations. Focus will be given to laboratory analyses; however, it is intended that students gain an appreciation for the manner in which ancillary diagnostics integrate with the entire diagnostic process. Various aspects of veterinary hematology which are important to LVTs. Focus on urology, clinical chemistry, clinical serology, digestive function tests, laboratory microbiology and laboratory parasitology. Laboratory sessions concerned primarily with collection, storage, handling and analysis of blood, feces and other bodily secretions and excretions.
Pre requisite(s): VST 202, VST 204
Co requisite: VST 211L - Lab
Credits: 2  

VST 211L Veterinary Clinical Laboratory Techniques - Lab
Lab to VST 211 Lecture
Co requisite: VST 211 - Lecture
Credits: 1

VST 212 Large Animal Health, Diseases and Nursing
Farm animal nursing provides the student with the knowledge and understanding of basic health principles relating to large farm type animals including dairy and beef cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and poultry. The course exposes the student to the areas of restraint methodology, clinical techniques utilized in physical examinations for diagnosis, and therapeutics of large animals. In addition, the course is designed to impart a basic understanding of diseases of farm animals, with an emphasis on etiology, pathogenesis, signs, treatment, and prevention. Safety and humane treatment of animals will be emphasized throughout the course.
Pre requisite: VST 215
Co requisite: VST 212P
Credits: 2

VST 212P Large Animal Health, Diseases and Nursing
Farm animal nursing provides the student with the knowledge and understanding of basic health principles relating to large farm type animals including dairy and beef cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and poultry. The course exposes the student to the areas of restraint methodology, clinical techniques utilized in physical examinations for diagnosis, and therapeutics of large animals. In addition, the course is designed to impart a basic understanding of diseases of farm animals, with an emphasis on etiology, pathogenesis, signs, treatment, and prevention. Safety and humane treatment of animals will be emphasized throughout the course. Note that the practicum involves an additional laboratory fee.
Co requisite: VST 212
Credits: 1  

VST 213 Veterinary Externship I
A three-course externship sequence provides the student with supervised applied training in a veterinary hospital/facility. This is the first course in the sequence. Students will experience a minimum of 120 hours of supervised clinical experience. Through this supervised, applied training, the student will develop his/her skills as a veterinary technologist. In addition, there will be a one-hour class held on campus each week. Performance in the clinic will be formally evaluated by a program preceptor twice a semester. The on campus class will cover didactic material as well as reflections on clinical experiences. Registration in the course requires that the student purchase liability insurance through the college. Students are required to provide their own transportation to off campus field experiences.
Pre requisite: VST 214
Co requisite: VST 213P
Credits: 1

VST 213P Veterinary Externship I – Practicum
A three-course externship sequence provides the student with supervised applied training in a veterinary hospital/facility. This is the first course in the sequence. Students will experience a minimum of 120 hours of supervised clinical experience. Through this supervised, applied training, the student will develop his/her skills as a veterinary technologist. In addition, there will be a one-hour class held on campus each week. Performance in the clinic will be formally evaluated by a program preceptor twice a semester. The on campus class will cover didactic material as well as reflections on clinical experiences. Registration in the course requires that the student purchase liability insurance through the college. Students are required to provide their own transportation to off campus field experiences.
Co requisite of VST 213 is required.
Credits: 2

VST 214 Veterinary Nursing II
Veterinary Nursing II is the second in a series of three veterinary nursing courses that will culminate in a broad knowledge and skill base when dealing with small animals, typically dogs and cats. Each course will build on the skills learned in the preceding course. Topics covered will include patient positioning, knowledge of radiology, knowledge of cardiology, clinical and post-surgical nursing, bandaging, dental prophylaxis, continued handling and restraint, continued practice of injection techniques, continued practice of blood withdrawal and continued experience in well-care.
Pre requisite: VST 204
Co requisite: VST 214 L - Lab
Credits: 2  VST 214L

Veterinary Nursing II – Lab
Lab to VST 214 Lecture
Co requisite: VST 214 - Lecture
Credits: 1
Every Spring

VST 215 Veterinary Diseases and Parasitology
An introduction to the principles of basic parasitology with an emphasis on identification, classification, life history, prevention and control of the internal and external parasites of economic importance to the animal industry. In the laboratory the student develops the routine procedures and techniques necessary to deliver accurate laboratory results in parasite examination. Common diseases that are caused by parasites will be discussed.
Pre or co requisite: VST 214
Co requisite: VST 215 L - Lab
Credits: 2

VST 215L Veterinary Diseases and Parasitology
Lab to VST 215 Lecture
Co requisite: VST 215 - Lecture
Credits: 1

VST 233 Veterinary Business Management
Introduces scope and responsibilities of administrative office management of the clinical veterinary practice and other veterinary-related businesses. Topics include planning, organizing, operating and controlling office operations; leadership and human relations factors; and an overview of the effect office technology has had on the business world. Emphasis on concepts of supervision and practices used by first-line supervisors in putting them into effect. Gives students actual practice through discussions of case problems arising from work situations.
Pre requisite of VST 102 is required.
Credits: 3

VST 234 Exotic Animals
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the wide variety of issues important to husbandry and nursing care for exotic animals. Matters of well care, nutrition, medical care, and client education will be discussed in the context of the major species of exotic companion animals. Attention will be paid to the inadvisability of keeping some species or breeds as companions.
Pre requisite of VST 214 is required.
Credits: 3

VST 235 Rehabilitation and Wellness
The course builds on the students' understanding of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics for the purpose of learning rehabilitative and wellness principles. Rehabilitative and preventative treatments of common orthopedic, cardiorespiratory and neurologic disorders of the patient as options for care will be discussed. Rehabilitation modalities including traditional physical therapy and integrative therapies are introduced, as well as ways they can be incorporated into a veterinary practice.
Pre requisite of VST 215 is required.
Credits: 3

VST 236 Special Topics in Veterinary Science
This course is meant for upper level students. It is a lecture/discussion class centered around a current topic of interest in the practice of veterinary medicine and science. The topic will necessarily change with each semester, based on current events. Sample topics may include One Health, corporate medicine, pandemics and animal health, or ethical considerations in everyday veterinary practice.
Pre requisite of VST 204 and Permission of Program Director is required.
Credits: 1 to 2

VST 237 Animal Behavior
This course is designed to give the student an appreciation of the typical behaviors that will be encountered in working with a variety of animal breeds and species. While there are some commonalities, responses to both positive and negative events can be quite specific to an individual animal, and an understanding of the cues that companion or domestic animals provide for us to interpret a given response to the environment is critical to safe and effective interaction with them. The nature of the human animal bond will be explored as well.
Pre requisite of VST 101 is required.
Credits: 3

VST 401 Laboratory Animal/Non-traditional Pet Technology
The course will focus on the topics of history of animal research, biology of laboratory animals, the choice of species, and the principles of reduce, refine, and replace. The course will cover principles of handling laboratory animals, anesthesia, analgesia and enrichment of their environment, evaluation and quality control of living spaces, health hazards, alternatives to animal models, legislation, ethics and views in society. The course provides an overview of the issues involved in keeping and treating non-traditional pets.
Pre requisite: VST 214
Co requisite: VST 401L - Lab
Credits: 2  

VST 401L Laboratory Animal/Non-traditional Pet Technology
Lab to VST 401 Lecture. Lab classes will be held off-campus.
Co requisite: VST 401 - Lecture
Credits: 1  

VST 402 Veterinary Externship II
A three-course externship sequence provides the student with supervised applied training in a veterinary hospital/facility. This is the second course in the sequence. Students will experience a minimum of 165 hours of supervised clinical experience. Through this supervised applied training, the student will develop his/her skills as a veterinary technologist. In addition, there will be a one-hour class held on campus each week. Performance in the clinic will be formally evaluated twice a semester. The on-campus class will cover didactic material as well as reflections on clinical experiences. Registration in the course requires that the student purchase liability insurance. Students are required to provide their own transportation to off-campus field experiences.
Pre requisite: VST 403
Co requisite: VST 403P
Credits: 1  

VST 402P Veterinary Externship II – Practicum
A three-course externship sequence provides the student with supervised applied training in a veterinary hospital/facility. This is the second course in the sequence. Students will experience a minimum of 165 hours of supervised clinical experience. Through this supervised applied training, the student will develop his/her skills as a veterinary technologist. In addition, there will be a one-hour class held on campus each week. Performance in the clinic will be formally evaluated twice a semester. The on-campus class will cover didactic material as well as reflections on clinical experiences. Registration in the course requires that the student purchase liability insurance. Students are required to provide their own transportation to off-campus field experiences.
Co requisite of VST 402 is required.
Credits: 3

VST 403 Veterinary Nursing III
Veterinary Nursing III is the third course in a series of three veterinary nursing courses that will culminate in a broad knowledge and skill base when dealing with small animals, typically dogs and cats. This third and final veterinary nursing course will build on the skills learned in the proceeding course. Prepares students for participation in two important areas of diagnostic technology. Cardiology instruction enables students to understand and participate in process of cardiovascular evaluation; emphasis on electrocardiography. Radiology instruction imparts knowledge of X-ray machinery and use, film processing, patient positioning and safety. The surgical veterinary nursing instruction prepares students to monitor veterinary patient throughout all aspects of anesthesia and surgery. There are no live animals used in this course. Teaching is accomplished using manikins, models, and computer software. The psychomotor skills will then be applied on externship. Patient monitoring, pre-surgical assessment, and forms and levels of anesthesia are covered. Students will maintain and operate monitoring equipment, surgical instruments, and autoclave. Specific emphasis on patient positioning for radiography, cardiology signs and diagnosis, surgical assisting, preparation of surgical packs, bandaging (on models), and principles of anesthetic monitoring. Continued practice of restraint and handling, phlebotomy and catheter placement (on models).
Pre requisite: VST 215
Co requisite: VST 403 L - Lab
Credits: 3

VST 403L Veterinary Nursing III - Lab
Lab to VST 403 Lecture
Co requisite: VST 403
Credits: 1  

VST 404 Veterinary Dentistry and Nutrition
This course is intended for upper level students to enhance nursing care skills and to provide a fund of knowledge for client counseling regarding nutritional requirements and dental health. Given the broad range of disease states (including obesity) in which proper nutrition plays an important role in treatment, understanding its nature and how it interacts with health needs in a variety of species is crucial. Dental disease is a leading cause of health problems in domestic and companion animals, and the technician plays a prominent role in provision of care. Knowledge of dental instruments, scaling and cleaning (on models) and recording data are presented.
Pre requisite of VST 403 is required.
Credits: 2

VST 405 Veterinary Externship III
A three-course externship sequence provides the student with supervised applied training in a veterinary hospital/facility. This is the third course in the sequence. Students will experience a minimum of 225 hours of supervised clinical experience. Through this supervised applied training, the student will develop his/her skills as a veterinary technologist. In addition, there will be a one-hour class held on campus each week. Performance in the clinic will be formally evaluated twice a semester. The on-campus class will cover didactic material as well as reflections on clinical experiences. Registration in the course requires that the student purchase liability insurance. Students are required to provide their own transportation to off-campus field experiences.
Pre requisite: VST 402
Co requisite: VST 405P
Credits: 1

VST 405P Veterinary Externship III – Practicum
A three-course externship sequence provides the student with supervised applied training in a veterinary hospital/facility. This is the third course in the sequence. Students will experience a minimum of 225 hours of supervised clinical experience. Through this supervised applied training, the student will develop his/her skills as a veterinary technologist. In addition, there will be a one-hour class held on campus each week. Performance in the clinic will be formally evaluated twice a semester. The on-campus class will cover didactic material as well as reflections on clinical experiences. Registration in the course requires that the student purchase liability insurance. Students are required to provide their own transportation to off-campus field experiences.
Co requisite of VST 405 is required.
Credits: 4

VST 406 Veterinary Capstone Course
A forum for graduating Veterinary Technology Bulletin 2021 - 2022 LIU Post Undergraduate Bulletin 2021 - 2022 Page 40 DRAFT Program majors to synthesize and display the knowledge expected after completing all core courses in the program. Emphasis will be placed on group projects, oral presentation of aspects of clinical practice, and preparation for the national professional licensing examination (VTNE).
Co requisite of VST 405 is required.
Credits: 2