Veterinary Medical Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree (A45780)

We are no longer accepting applications for the Fall 2012 class.

Applications for the fall of 2013 will begin on October 1, 2012. 

Overview

The Veterinary Technology Curriculum prepares the graduate to assist the veterinarian in small and large animal practices by obtaining and recording information about cases; preparing animals, instruments, equipment and medication for examination and surgery; collecting specimens; performing laboratory procedures; applying bandages and splints; and providing proper husbandry for animals and their environment. Students also learn skills in office management, record keeping and communications.

Course work includes instruction in veterinary anatomy, nutrition, parasitology, pathology,physiology, radiology, terminology, zoology, office practices, laboratory techniques, dentistry and small and large animal clinical practices. Students also take courses in English, humanities, chemistry, and computer technology.

Program Information Sheet

All VET courses are daytime classes and only offered at the Dallas campus.

Career Outline

Graduates are eligible to write the National Veterinary Technician Exam and the State Licensing Examination given by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board. Graduates may work in private veterinarians’ offices, diagnostic and research laboratories, veterinary supply businesses, and other areas dealing with animal care.

Program Outcomes

• Students will participate in practice management using appropriate methods and the use of proper medical terminology and abbreviations.
• Students will be able to communicate in a professional manner using all formats of written, oral, non-verbal and electronic.
• Students will be able to follow and uphold all applicable laws and ethical codes of veterinary medical profession to provide highest quality of patient care.
• Students will be able to safely and effectively administer, dispense and explain prescription and nonprescription drugs to clients.
• Students will demonstrate and perform patient assessment techniques in a variety of animal species.
• Students will understand and demonstrate husbandry, nutrition, therapeutic and dentistry techniques appropriate to various animal species.
• Students will be able to safely and effectively manage patients in all phases of anesthetic procedures, to safely and effectively select, utilize, and maintain anesthetic delivery systems and monitoring equipment.
• Students will understand and integrate all aspects of patient management and the accepted methods used for common surgical procedures in various species.
  Students will properly collect, handle, and analyze specimens for laboratory diagnostic procedures.
•  Students will safely and effectively produce diagnostic radiographic and non-radiographic images in various species.

Curriculum

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Program Admissions

Admissions Information

1.    Applications for fall semester will be accepted from the first Monday in October until the third Friday in April by 4 pm. The application is available for printing online and is in PDF format.  Please mail to Gaston College Vet Tech, 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034. 

2.      Individuals applying for admission to the Gaston College Veterinary Medical Technology Program must meet the requirements for general admission to Gaston College and the requirements for admission into the Veterinary Medical Technology Program.

3.      Must be a high school or GED graduate. 

4.      Must meet all requirements for general admission to Gaston College and a completed Gaston College application must be completed online. All official transcripts must be on file in the admissions office.

5.      College Entrance Exams.

TEAS V: Must have a score of 50 or higher on the Math section and a 57 or higher on the reading portion of the TEAS. The TEAS may only be taken two times during an application period to achieve admission requirements.

*Any applicant having completed a college degree (Associate's or higher may waive this requirement upon presenting proof (official transcript) of their degree.

Helpful Handouts:

Teas V Preparation Handout

Teas Workshops Available

 

6.     Must complete any basic skills courses required (i.e. ENG 080, MAT 070 or 080) with a grade of "C" or better prior to admission into the program, as determined by the COMPASS placement test.  The following minimum COMPASS scores are required for admission into the Veterinary Technology Program: 

Writing (COMPW)              = ≥ 70
Reading (COMPR)            = ≥ 81
Pre- Algebra (COMPMP)  = ≥ 47*
Algebra (COMPMA)           =    46*         

*if your scores for the pre-algebra and algebra portions of the COMPASS place you into MATH 070, this class (MATH 070) must be completed with a "C" or higher by the end of the first semester to continue in the program if accepted.

7.      Submit work verification form for required 40 hours minimum of work or volunteer experience in a veterinary setting.

8.      Qualified applicants will be contacted for a personal interview with the Veterinary Technology Admissions Committee. *PLEASE NOTE: all of the required applications, forms, and test scores must be received by the third Friday in April to be considered for the fall semester class. 

9.     The final selection of applicants into the program is based on the following criteria which have been approved by the Admissions Committee made up of the Veterinary Medical Technology faculty.  The final selection of applicants into the program is made by the Veterinary Medical Technology faculty.

• 40 hrs. minimum volunteer/work experience
• TEAS
• GPA in required courses only
• Number of required courses completed by the end of the Fall Semester prior to entering  the program
• Personal interview

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 HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM ADMISSION AND PROGRESSION

 The following are special health requirements that are to be met by all  Veterinary  Medical Technology students:

1.      A physical exam is due during the third week of November of the freshman year.  Failure to complete the forms will result in the student being unable to participate in clinical laboratories and kennel duty during subsequent semesters in the program (Note: successful laboratory and kennel duty performance is required for progression and retention in the Veterinary Medical Technology Program at Gaston College .) 

2.      Prospective students with known or suspected communicable or other serious illnesses are ethically and legally obligated to evaluate their health status in light of student safety.  In addition, a physician's statement documenting that the disease state is resolved or adequately controlled must be provided.

3.      Rabies vaccination is required for all students and must be completed by the end of Fall Semester of the first year.  Failure to do so will prevent the student from participating in clinical laboratories and kennel duty (Note: successful laboratory and kennel duty performance is required for progression and retention in the Veterinary Medical Technology Program at Gaston College .)  If already vaccinated, proof of adequate blood titer (within previous 2 years) must be provided. If a student elects not to receive rabies immunization, a waiver must be signed. 

4.      Proof of a tetanus injection within the last 10 years.

5.      Proof of a tuberculin skin test (PPD) within the last year. 

6.      Students are responsible for obtaining their own health insurance policy and/or paying for any medical expenses incurred as a result of illness or injury sustained during class, laboratory, or clinical experiences (i.e. strained back, needle stick). Neither Gaston College nor the affiliating institutions/agencies are responsible for medical expenses incurred as part of the education process.

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Specific Technical STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION AND PROGRESSION OF THE VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENT*

 1.  Emotional Abilities: Emotional health is defined as reacting appropriately to stressful situations, withstanding everyday environmental stresses with little difficulty, using healthy coping mechanisms, and understanding one's own ability to cope with stressful situations. 

a)      Students should be able to respond to stress (personal, academic, 
  interpersonal) without allowing it to interfere with patient care or 
  responsibilities at hand.

b)     Students should be able to work constructively under stressful situations.

c).     Students should be able to recognize stress and seek help.

d)     Students should be able to accept constructive criticism and respond  
effectively.

e)    Students should be able to act calmly under emergency situations.  

2.  Critical Thinking:  Veterinary Medical Technology student should possess critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment. 

a)     A student must be able to identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations; develop or participate in the development of Veterinary Medical Technology care plans.

b)    A student should be able to recognize obvious changes in an animal’s activity or appearance, such as hair or feather loss, refusal to eat, wounds, and depression.

c)    Students must be able to make decisions to separate animals that are fighting.

 3.       Interpersonal Skills:  Veterinary Medical Technology student shall possess interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, groups, etc. from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds. 

a)   Student shall establish a rapport with patients, class   mates, and instructors  with honesty and integrity

b)  Students should be able to handle interpersonal conflicts in a mature and professional manner.

4.       Communication Skills:  Veterinary Medical Technology student shall possess communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form. 

a)   Students should be able to explain treatment procedures,  explain basic pet care to clients, and interpret Veterinary Medical Technology treatment plans and patient responses.  

b)  Students should be able to understand treatment plans and explain them to classmates and clients in terms they will understand  

c)   Student should be able to follow and give verbal instructions with professionalism and act as a team member.

 5.       Mobility:  Veterinary Medical Technology student shall possess physical abilities to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces, stand and walk for extensive periods of time. 

a)   Students must move around in patient’s rooms, x-ray development room (3’X 9’), surgical suites without compromising asepsis and treatment areas, administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures on the floor.

b)  Students must be able to bend down to pick up an animal, Students must be able to restrain an animal on the floor, and the student must be able to clean cages at floor level. 

c)   The student should be able to perform basic janitorial skills such as mopping, sweeping, dusting, and scrubbing.

d)   Students should be able to sit for long periods of time for dental prophylaxis and anesthesia monitoring. 

e)  Students should be able to move quickly out of harms way when handling large animals.

6.       Motor Skills:  Veterinary Medical Technology student shall possess gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective Veterinary Medical Technology care. 

a)  For example: calibrate and use equipment, position patients/clients, initiate, monitor and maintain IV therapy.

b)    Students should be able to proficiently handle sharps.

c)    Students should be able to obtain blood from the jugular without unnecessary pain to the animal.

d)    Student should be able to restrain an animal while holding off a vein.

e)    Student should be able to use small laboratory equipment such as microhematocrit tubes and pipettes.

f)    Students should be able to hold and appropriately use suture needles and suture material.

 7.       Hearing:  Veterinary Medical Technology student shall possess auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.  For example: hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, auscultory sounds, and cries for help.

a)   Students should be able to hear the movement of 
      animals when in a pen or herd situation

b)   Students should be able to hear pulse oximeters and
      dopplers during anesthetic monitoring.

 8.       Visual:  Veterinary Medical Technology student shall possess visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment. 

a)    For example: observe patient/client responses, assess changes in skin color (paleness, cyanosis, redness).

b)   Students should be able to visualize animals conditions

c)    Students should be able to visualize animal’s body language and signs of aggression and fear.

d)    Students should be able to evaluate electrocardiographic traces.

d)   Students should be able to evaluate mucous membrane color and capillary refill time.

f)    Students should be able to evaluate stages and planes of anesthesia.

 9.       Tactile:  Veterinary Medical Technology student shall possess tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment.  For example: perform palpation, functions or physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention, insertions of catheters.

a)     Students should be able to palpate peripheral pulses and abdominal contents.

b)     Students should be able to palpate differences in tissue consistencies

c)    Students should be able to feel muscle mass and body conditions.

d)    Students should be able to recognize appropriate forces needed to draw blood, restrain animals of various sizes, and catheter placement.

 10.   Weight-Bearing:  Veterinary Medical Technology student shall possess ability to lift and manipulate/move 45-50 pounds on a daily basis.

a)  Students should be able to lift, unassisted, a 50# dog to waist height.

b)  Students should be able to restrain a 50-60# dog unassisted.

c)  Students should be able to unload 40# bags of animal food or bedding.

d)  Students should be able to lift the hind limb of a 1200# horse for up to 5 minutes.

e)  Students should be able to squat for minimum 10 consecutive minutes, which may be needed to bandage a horse’s distal limb.

f)  Students should be able to properly restrain a cows head for up to 10 minutes.

g)  Students should be able to move equipment of 40# or lighter unassisted.

11. Cognitive Abilities:  Veterinary Medical Technology students shall possess ability to be oriented to time, place and person and organize responsibilities, make decisions. 

 a)  Student shall assess client/patient complaints and implement appropriate plans.

b)  Students should be able to read and understand basic treatment plans, laboratory test procedures, health forms, and drug labels.

c)  Students should be able to recognize potentially dangerous situations and respond appropriately, such as aggressive animals or fearful animals.

 12.   Occupational Exposures:  Veterinary Medical Technology student may be exposed to communicable disease and/or body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and shall use appropriate precautions at all times. 

a)  Students should be able to identify potentially dangerous animals and act appropriately.

b)  Students should be able to identify and explain to clients and class mates the zoonotic organisms that are seen daily in veterinary practice.

c)  Students should be able to identify biohazardous materials and handle appropriately

d) Students should be able to identify dangerous chemicals and act appropriately      

EXAMPLES ARE NOT ALL INCLUSIVE

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Helpful Links

• American Veterinary Medical Association: www.avma.org
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America: www.navta.net
• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board: www. ncvmb.org
• North Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians: www.ncavt.com
• North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association: www.ncvma.org

Job Opportunities

Kannapolis/Concord, NC: Veterinary Technician Wanted: Busy multi-doctor practice seeking veterinary technician. Full time, part time may be considered. Flexible hours. Recently renovated 8500 sq ft. facility providing a clean, comfortable environment to foster cohesive teamwork. Must be able to work well with others, multitask and provide excellent patient and customer service. We make every attempt to treat our clients and their pets as we would ourselves. Competitive compensation; including but not limited to paid liscense fees, continuing education allowance, paid vacation and comprehensive insurance packages. Please fax resumes to: 704-786-4650; Atten: Dr. Blake Peurifoy, you may also contact us via email: blakensteph@gmail.com.

Granite Falls, NC: Looking for a full time staff member to join our upscale boarding kennel business.
Experience preferred in the animal science profession.
Position involves all aspects of animal care which includes cleaning, feeding, medicating, walking, bathing etc.
It also involves sensitive care of the pet owners, knowledge of computer programs, pleasant phone service, and special kennel projects & maintenance.
 
Must be able to work most weekends and all holidays.
Salary is dependant upon experience.
 
HIDEAWAY KENNELS
4631 Petra Mill Rd
Granite Falls, NC
 
Call owner, Lynn Looper, at  828-396-3986  or  828-612-9173
 
hideawaykennelsnc.com

 Registered RVT, CMPD Animal Control, Charlotte, NC This position requires the use of professional veterinary technology working in the care and treatment of animals. Work involves examining, diagnosing, treating, and euthanizing of animals, which are in the care of the Animal Shelter. Work includes providing quality-level veterinary medical services, as well as maintains accurate records and reports. Work is performed under the general direction of a veterinarian. Work is reviewed through discussion of medical decision, effectiveness of the disease prevention program, appearance and sanitation of the shelter facility and complaints. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides veterinary medical services to sheltered animals, sick or injured animals, and animals seized under cruelty prosecutions. 
• Examines, diagnoses and treats injured sick animals, selects candidates for euthanasia and perform euthanasia on daily basis. 
   
•  Performs daily inventory audit of all animals. 
   
•  Prepares and maintain records of all treatments, diagnoses and euthanasias. 
   
•  Provides advice to citizens on ability to adopt individual pets and on recommended medical care of adopted pets. 
•   Supervises kennel attendants in care and feeding of animals and in sanitation and maintenance of shelter facility. 
•   Maintain and stores medical equipment and supplies; check supplies for adherence specifications.  Performs related work as required. 

 Minimum Qualifications: Associate Degree and Vet Tech certification by passing the State of NC Veterinary Technician Exam. Prefer experience in veterinary clinic or animal control facility; or any equivalent combinations of experience and training which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills: 

 Ability to provide veterinary medical services to all sheltered animals. 

• Ability to examine, diagnose and treat illness and injury and to perform first aid and emergency care. 
• Knowledge of professional veterinary medical techniques and practices. 
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports. 
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public, with peers and subordinates. 
• Ability to become a certified euthanasia technician according to NCDA guidelines 

 Salary Range: 30,350.00,
Applications must be submitted online at https://cltjobs.ci.charlotte.nc.us.

Halifax County Veterinary Center, Halifax, VA (01/12)

Busy 2 doctor mixed animal practice has an opening for a licensed veterinary technician.  We are located in Halifax County, VA which is on the North Carolina border.  Halifax is an easy paced, low cost of living area.  We are looking for a confident, self-motivated person interested in client education and the opportunity to use your skills and knowledge.  Duties would be primarily small animal oriented however an interest in large animal practice could be accommodated.   Our clinic is furnished with both large and small animal ultrasound units, in house CBC and chemistry analyzer with electrolytes, portable and stationary x-ray with automatic processor and full anesthetic monitoring including ETCo2, pulse ox, ECG, and blood pressure.  If interested contact Dr. Jon Collins, Halifax County Veterinary Center, PO Box 814, Halifax, VA 24558.  (434) 476-2166 or hcvc1@gcronline.com  Visit our website at www.hcvcvet.com or facebook page.

Animal Hospital of Kannapolis, Kannapolis NC (01/12)

Seeking friendly, outgoing full time RVT or assistant for busy, 3 doctor, family oriented veterinary hospital.  Health benefits and paid vacation/holidays are available. Must be flexible with work schedule and some weekends required. Please contact Starla Weaver at 704.938.4606 or fax resume to 704.938.7967.

 Mint Hill Clinic, Mint Hill, North Carolina: 2/21/12

 

Full time position available for a Registered Veterinary Technician.  Mint Hill Animal Clinic is a progressive five doctor practice.  Our technicians are trained to work with cutting edge equipment and an integrated computer system.  We emphasize patient care and client education.  We are lucky to have a small town atmosphere at the edge of the city of Charlotte.  The staff of Mint Hill Animal Clinic has 215 collective years of experience with our practice.  Please email resume minthillap@aol.com or mail to 8101 Fairview rd. Mint Hill, NC 28227.  Phone Number 704 5445-3422.

 

Rock Hill, SC (02/12)

 

Catawba Animal Clinic in Rock Hill, South Carolina is looking for the right Licensed Veterinary Technician to join our team at our established nine-Doctor Small Animal Practice. We currently have three licensed technicians practicing with us, and would benefit from the skills and talents that another LVT can bring. Here are some specifics about our practice and the position:

 

-  Exclusively Small Animal, with limited exotic practice

-  7 exam rooms, technician-centered treatment suite and separate surgery/recovery area

-  Complete in-house laboratory center, with brand-new Idexx equipment

-   New digital imaging center

-  Flexible and creative staff scheduling; clinic hours 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.            M-F and Saturdays 8 a.m-1 p.m.

-   Competitive compensation/benefit package encouraging long-term employment

 

 We work together as a team here at Catawba, and concentrate on establishing and maintaining long-tem relationships with our clients, patients and with our team. The care we provide our clients, the resources we utilize to help our patients and the flexibility we practice among our team members have allowed us to grow and serve families well for over thirty years. We look forward to speaking with motivated applicants for this position.

 

 Jean Weaver, Hospital Administrator 803-366-8188 jweavercac@comporium.net

 

Bert Platt, DVM   803-366-8188 bplattcac@comporium.net

 

 

 

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Program News

The program will be accepting applications for the Fall 2012 beginning on October 3, 2011. All application information and criteria are due no later than the third Friday in April 2012.

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Contact Us

Chairperson: Kristine Blankenship
Phone: 704.922.6524
Email: blankenship.kristine@gaston.edu

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