V T 52B: VETERINARY ASSISTING II
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Units: | 5 |
| Hours: | 5 lecture per week (60 total per quarter) |
| Degree & Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade Only |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Student Learning Outcomes
- Describe the role of the Veterinary Assistant in all aspects of practical veterinary nursing. Articulate and distinguish the scope of allowable tasks and responsibilities compared to those of the Licensed Veterinary Technician.
- Identify and explain the specific tasks, actions, and behaviors required when assisting the licensed veterinary technician or veterinarian with common clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures.
Description
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
A. Explain how to restrain dogs and cats for common veterinary procedures.
B. Interpret dog and cat behavior.
C. Describe the steps taken to "room" a patient.
D. Describe the steps taken to set up common laboratory procedures in the veterinary clinic.
E. Summarize safety precautions required in a veterinary radiography setting.
F. List routes by which common veterinary medicines are administered.
G. Describe techniques used in general nursing care of dogs and cats.
H. Explain the principles of wound care and bandaging.
I. Summarize principles of aseptic technique in surgical nursing.
J. Give examples of methods used to disinfect and sterilize surgical instruments and supplies.
K. Describe procedures for preparing the surgical site and surgical team.
L. Understand veterinary medical terminology and be able to apply it to different organ systems and clinical procedures.
Course Content
A. Animal restraint
1. Manual restraint techniques
a. Dog
b. Cat
2. Manual restraint for common clinical procedures
a. General examination
b. Blood collection
c. Urine collection
d. Medicating by all routes
3. Restraint devices
a. Collars and leashes
b. Muzzles
c. Restraint bags
d. Towel restraint
e. Gloves
f. Capture net
g. Capture pole
B. Interpret dog and cat behavior
1. Assess temperament by reading visual cues
2. Describe how to apply psychological restraint
C. Describe the steps taken to "room" a patient
1. Collect data from client (pet owner)
2. Collect data from patient (dog or cat)
3. Interpret normal and abnormal findings
D. Describe the steps taken to set up common laboratory procedures in the veterinary clinic
1. List supplies needed for testing blood, urine, feces
2. Describe how to prepare an ear swab
3. Discuss safety protocols in the veterinary laboratory
E. Summarize safety precautions required in a veterinary radiography setting
1. Explain how an x-ray machine works
2. Identify all personal protective equipment necessary in taking radiographs
3. List steps taken in cleaning equipment
F. List routes by which common veterinary medicines are administered
1. Safety
2. Enteral vs. parenteral
a. Subcutaneous injections
b. Intramuscular injections
c. Giving oral medications
3. Different topical routes (ophthalmic, aural, skin, rectally)
4. Documentation
G. Describe techniques used in general nursing care of dogs and cats
1. Provide for the physical needs of hospitalized dogs and cats
2. Provide for the psychological needs of hospitalized dogs and cats
3. Monitor level of consciousness, weight, body temperature, pulse, respiration and urine production of hospitalized cats and dogs
4. Recognize the signs of pain in dogs and cats
5. Documentation/recording of patient care
H. Explain the principles of wound care and bandaging
1. List the steps in immediate wound care
2. Beneficial effects of bandaging
3. Specific types of bandages and layers
4. Discharge instructions for bandaging
I. Surgical nursing
1. Rules of aseptic technique
a. Consequences of contamination
2. Operating room conduct
a. Roles of surgical team members
b. Sterile zone
J. Give examples of methods used to disinfect and sterilize surgical instruments and supplies
1. Surgical instrument identification
2. Rules and types of sterilization
a. Autoclave
b. Gas sterilization
c. High level disinfection
3. Surgical packs
4. Cleaning the surgical suite
5. Cleaning and preparing surgical linens
K. Describe procedures for preparing the surgical site and surgical team
1. Hair removal and skin prep
2. Assist surgical team in gowning and gloving
3. Legal parameters surrounding anesthesia in a veterinary hospital
L. Understand veterinary medical terminology and be able to apply it to different organ systems and clinical procedures
1. Cardiovascular system terminology
2. Respiratory system
3. Gastrointestinal system
4. Genitourinary system
5. Special senses
6. Immune system
Lab Content
Not applicable.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
Method(s) of Evaluation
Methods of evaluation may include but are not limited to:
A. Written quizzes and examinations
B. Written assignments and projects
C. Participation in class discussion forums
Method(s) of Instruction
Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to:
A. Lecture
B. Self-paced
C. Electronic discussions/chat
D. Online course modules
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
Pattengale, Paula. Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant. 2nd ed. Wiley, John and Sons, Inc., 2014.
Romich, Janet A. An Illustrated Guide to Veterinary Medical Terminology. 4th ed. Cengage Learning, 2014.
Although these texts are older than the suggested "5 years or newer" standard, they remain seminal in this area of study.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
A. Weekly reading assignments from online modules, text, internet resources, and other outside sources, ranging from 30-60 pages per week.
B. Written assignments, participation in online forum discussions.