Academic Catalog

V T 53A: VETERINARY MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter)
Advisory: Not open to students with credit in APAV 53A.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Acquire a fundamental veterinary medical vocabulary and apply to speaking and writing.
  • Analyze and interpret medical words and terminology.

Description

A guided self-study of veterinary medical terminology as a fundamental communication skill. Basic word parts and rules of word construction. A review of common medical terms pertaining to the different body systems, with emphasis on those terms relevant for veterinary medicine. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:
A. Complete textbook self-study exercises in veterinary medical terminology.
B. Recognize and apply proper medical terminology to clinical scenarios presented on written quizzes.
C. Discuss the meaning of those medical terms which apply to different organ systems and clinical procedures.
D. Discuss the meaning of those medical terms and common "lay" vocabulary particular to veterinary medicine.
E. Utilize proper medical terminology in classroom discussions of selected areas of veterinary practice.
F. Discuss the importance of medical terminology in record-keeping and in communication with veterinarians.

Course Content

A. Complete textbook self-study exercises in veterinary medical terminology.
1. Use of nouns, adjectives, and verbs
2. Introduction to medical words
3. Rules for word construction
4. Defining medical terms by word analysis
5. Accents and pronunciation
6. Words commonly used for all body systems
7. Words commonly used for all species
8. Words commonly used for all medical procedures
9. Words commonly used for all disorders and diseases
B. Recognize and apply proper medical terminology to clinical scenarios presented on written quizzes.
1. Discuss the meaning of those medical terms which apply to different organ systems and clinical procedures
2. Analyze medical word construction and be able to understand and apply proper medical terminology
3. Provide correct written responses with proper spelling
C. Discuss and evaluate the meaning of those medical terms which apply to different organ systems and clinical procedures.
1. Evaluate journal articles and textbook excerpts for understanding and application
2. Compare and apply correct terminology to common veterinary disorders and clinical procedures
D. Discuss the meaning of those medical terms and common "lay" vocabulary particular to veterinary medicine.
1. Discuss common medical procedures and the role of the RVT
2. Communicate clearly to both lay persons and colleagues using terminology of the appropriate level
3. Create a short practice exercise explaining a medical condition to the pet owner
E. Utilize proper medical terminology in classroom discussions of selected areas of veterinary practice.
1. Individual and small group presentations of cases or exam room scenarios requiring the students to properly verbalize medical words
2. Critical thinking exercises on common difficulties and ethical dilemmas with subsequent classroom discussion
F. Discuss the importance of medical terminology in record-keeping and in communication with veterinarians.
1. Demonstrate accurate knowledge regarding the necessity of quality medical records
2. Understand and respect the role of the RVT in record-keeping
3. Recognize the need for clear, accurate, and timely communication
4. Appraisal of situations where the RVT needs to direct the veterinarian, such as CPCR, during anesthesia, telephone communication

Lab Content

Not applicable.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

A. Multimedia equipped classroom.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

A. Weekly written quizzes
B. Completion and review of textbook self-study workbook exercises
C. Written journal review papers
D. In-class verbal presentations
E. Comprehensive final exam

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

A. Lecture
B. Discussion
C. Self-paced

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Romich, Janet A. An Illustrated Guide to Veterinary Medical Terminology. 4th ed. Cengage Learning, 2015.
Any veterinary medical dictionary, print or online.
 

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

A. Weekly reading assignments from text, class handouts, and outside sources, ranging from 30-60 pages per week.
B. Written short answer essay questions, and two written journal article review papers.
 

Discipline(s)

Registered Veterinary Technician