Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Gaston College Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Gaston College Catalog [THIS CATALOG IS OUT-OF-DATE. USE THE CURRENT CATALOG TO FIND CURRENT PROGRAMS.]

Veterinary Medical Technology, A.A.S. (A45780)


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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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

  1. Participate in the practice management using appropriate methods and with the use of proper medical terminology and abbreviations.
  2. Communicate in a professional manner using all forms of communication: writing, oral, non-verbal and electronic.
  3. Follow and uphold all applicable laws and ethical codes of veterinary medical profession to provide highest quality of patient care.
  4. Safely and effectively administer, dispense and explain prescription and nonprescription drugs to clients.
  5. Perform patient assessment techniques in a variety of animal species.
  6. Demonstrate husbandry, nutrition, therapeutic and dentistry techniques appropriate to various animal species.
  7. 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.
  8. Integrate all aspects of patient management and the accepted methods used for common surgical procedures in various species.
  9. Properly collect, handle, and analyze specimens for laboratory diagnostic procedures.
  10. Safely and effectively produce diagnostic radiographic and non-radiographic images in various species.

Curriculum Information

The Veterinary Medical Technology Program is a two-year, full time, six (6) semester course of study (73 semester credit hours) leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program is designed to provide both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a professional career as a veterinary technician.

Admissions Requirements


Students applying for admission to the Gaston College Veterinary Medical Technician Program MUST meet all Gaston College admission requirements for GENERAL ADMISSION to the college.

Applicants to the Veterinary Medical Technology Program must meet the following criteria for consideration for admission into the program: All applications, test scores, and shadowing/work experience verification forms are due February 1.

Veterinary Medical Technology Admissions

  1. Complete application form for Veterinary Medical Technology Program. (These forms may be obtained by calling the Veterinary Medical Technology Department at 704.922.6469 or by visiting our website.) Applications will be accepted from the first Monday in August through February 1 for the fall semester.
  2. College entrance exam: Student must take the following and meet the minimum scores to be considered for the Vet Tech program.
  • TEAS - see the Veterinary Medical Technology website or contact the department at 704.922.6469 for specific score requirements. The TEAS may only be taken two times during an application period to achieve admission requirements.
  1. Have completed coursework up through, or place out of DMA 050 (Developmental Math) and DRE 098 (Developmental Reading) prior to entering the Veterinary Technology Program.
  2. Submit a Shadow/Work Experience Verification Form for the required 40 hours minimum of shadowing/work experience in a veterinary setting under the supervision of a veterinarian or registered veterinary technician. This form should be mailed directly to the Vet Tech Department by the person filling out the form. This form is available on the Vet Tech website.
  3. College level courses will be considered for transfer credit upon receipt of an applicant’s transcript. Chemistry courses must be current within ten (10) years to be considered for transfer credit. Computer courses must be current within five (5) years to be considered for transfer credit.
  4. Once the application, all test scores, transcripts, and work verification forms have been received by the college, qualified applicants will be contacted for a personal interview with the admissions committee of the Veterinary Medical Technology Program.
  5. Applicants will be notified by mail of their admission status by the Veterinary Technology Department Chairperson. Those students who are not admitted to the Veterinary Medical Technology Program may reapply at a later date. Students reapplying for admission must meet the admission requirements current at the time of their most recent application.
  6. The following are special health requirements that are to be met by all students accepted into the Veterinary Medical Technology Program:
  1. Proof of a tetanus injection within the last ten (10) years.
  2. Rabies vaccination must be completed by the end of Fall Semester of the first year. If already vaccinated, proof of adequate blood titer, within the previous two (2) years, must be provided. If a student elects not to receive rabies immunization, a waiver must be signed.
  3. 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, lab, 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 educational process.

All necessary application forms are available online or obtained by calling 704.922.6469 or 704.922.6393.

Enrollment in the Vet Tech Veterinary Medical Technology Program is limited to 40 students each fall semester.

FIRST YEAR


SECOND YEAR


Total Program Hours: 73


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