TRU Science

Courses

Prerequisite Courses
3 credits each, must be completed by Nov. 30 of semester ONE in the program.
VTEC 1001
Veterinary Technology Terminology

VTEC 1001 Veterinary Technology Terminology

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Distance

Students analyze and define the components of veterinary terms. These skills enable students to determine the meaning of frequently used veterinary terms and to create new terms for specific applications. This course will help prepare students to successfully complete the Veterinary Technology National Examination for Veterinary Technologists.
Exclusion: ANHT 1510
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VTEC 1011
Veterinary Technology Mathematics

VTEC 1011 Veterinary Technology Mathematics

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Distance

Students will practice principles and techniques of mathematics and statistics that they will encounter in a veterinary practice. The emphasis will be on calculating dosages, intravenous infusions and dilution of solutions. An introduction to statistics is included to facilitate an understanding of quality control procedures. This course will help prepare students to successfully complete the Veterinary Technology National Examination. Exclusion :ANHT 1010
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First Year
VTEC 1100
Veterinary Office Management (2,0,4)

VTEC 1100 Veterinary Office Management (2,0,4)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students are introduced to effective veterinary management skills with a focus on fostering professional communication within a veterinary environment. With both a theoretical and hands-on approach, veterinary technology students will learn how to effectively employ communication strategies through a variety of methods.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Veterinary Technology program.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of: ANHT 1540 and CMNS 1660 (both must be taken), VTEC 1101 or VTEC 1100.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 1590
Anatomy and Physiology (3,0,3)

VTEC 1590 Anatomy and Physiology (3,0,3)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students are introduced to the anatomical framework and functioning of the interconnected body systems of domestic animals. Emphasis is shared between anatomical structure and the body's homeostatic measures, depicting the mechanisms that balance and maintain the body's normal ranges. In each system, students investigate clinical examples as they pertain to veterinary care, highlighting body landmarks and exploring the anatomical pathology of commonly encountered diseases. Prerequisites: Admission into the Veterinary Technology Program.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 1690, VTEC 1593 and VTEC 1693 (both must be taken) or VTEC 1590.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 1120
Animal Nursing 1(3,2,4)

VTEC 1120 Animal Nursing 1(3,2,4)

Credits: 4 credits
Delivery: Campus

Veterinary Technology students develop a practical understanding of the principles and techniques involving small companion animals; emphasizing technical procedures and nursing care. Students focus on the day-to-day procedures performed by a Registered Veterinary Technologist in a veterinary clinic. Prerequisites: Admission into the Veterinary Technology Program.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 1520 or VTEC 1120.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 1130
Animal Behaviour 1 (1,1,0)

VTEC 1130 Animal Behaviour 1 (1,1,0)

Credits: 2 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students learn to interpret natural animal behaviours as they relate to safe handling, restraint and management practices. Students examine and learn how to employ low stress techniques that result in a positive experience for both the animal and the handler. Students acquire knowledge of restraint techniques used in the veterinary industry for common domestic species. Prerequisites: Admission into the Veterinary Technology program.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 1090, ANHT1990 or VTEC 1130.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 1140
Clinical Pathology 1-Hematology and Chemistry (3,0,3)

VTEC 1140 Clinical Pathology 1-Hematology and Chemistry (3,0,3)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students acquire a thorough theoretical and practical background in veterinary hematology and clinical chemistry tests. Students are introduced to the use and importance of manual hematological techniques utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of veterinary disease. Hands on opportunities are provided where students focus on accuracy, efficiency and safe laboratory procedures. Prerequisites: Admission into the Veterinary Technology program.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 1720, VTEC 1143 or VTEC 1140.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 1150
Practicum 1 (1,2,0)

VTEC 1150 Practicum 1 (1,2,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students learn the basic operations of a veterinary hospital, including maintenance, ordering and supplies. Students prepare a practicum plan for a veterinary hospital or related animal health business or organization where they apply and reflect on competencies acquired during their first semester's education and training in the program. Students investigate practicum placement sites, create professional resumes, cover letters, and expand communication skills. Prerequisites: Admission to the Veterinary Technology Program.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 2200 or VTEC 1150.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 1210
Veterinary Pharmacology (3,0,0)

VTEC 1210 Veterinary Pharmacology (3,0,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

In this course, students acquire an understanding of the basics of general pharmacology and pharmacology terms. Students examine preventative medicine and the role of a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in animal disease prevention and treatment. Topics include legal regulations, drugs and the body and drug dosages. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C in the following :VTEC 1001, VTEC 1011,VTEC 1100, VTEC 1590, VTEC 1120, VTEC 1130, VTEC 1140 and VTEC 1150.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 1560, VTEC 1211 or VTEC 1210.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 1200
Veterinary Parasitology (2,0,3)

VTEC 1200 Veterinary Parasitology (2,0,3)

Credits: 2 credits
Delivery: Campus

In this course, students develop a practical understanding of the principles and techniques used to identify internal and external parasites of common household pets and farm animals. Students gain instruction in the aid of further parasitic treatment, husbandry and client education. Prerequisites: VTEC 1001, VTEC 1011, VTEC 1100, VTEC 1590, VTEC 1120, VTEC 1130, VTEC 1140 and VTEC 1150
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 1800, VTEC 1201 or VTEC 1200.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 1220
Animal Nursing 2 (3,2,4)

VTEC 1220 Animal Nursing 2 (3,2,4)

Credits: 4 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students build on the practical knowledge and understanding of principles and technical skills involving companion animals. Students practice the day-to-day procedures performed by a Registered Veterinary Technologist and employ skills that may be used in specialty practices. These skills include intravenous access, nutrition, bandaging, FNA, skin scrapings, as well as eye and ear care. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C in the following courses: VTEC 1001, VTEC 1011, VTEC 1100, VTEC 1590, VTEC 1130, VTEC 1140 and VTEC 1150.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 1620 or VTEC 1220.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 1230
Immunology and Animal Disease (2,0,0)

VTEC 1230 Immunology and Animal Disease (2,0,0)

Credits: 2 credits
Delivery: Campus

This introductory course to Immunology outlines the body's defense mechanisms against disease and investigates how the veterinary team contributes to building a healthy immunity in domestic animals. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating the key cells and body defense mechanisms of the immune system and how it develops. Mechanisms by which causative agents evade the immune system and create disease are investigated through clinical examples, with an emphasis on Zoonotic diseases. Prerequisites: A minimum of C in the following: VTEC 1001, VTEC 1011, VTEC 1100, VTEC 1590, VTEC 1120, VTEC 1130, VTEC 1140 and VTEC 1150.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 1530, VTEC 1231 or VTEC 1230.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 1240
Clinical Pathology 2-Urinalysis and Microbiology ( 3,0,3)

VTEC 1240 Clinical Pathology 2-Urinalysis and Microbiology ( 3,0,3)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

This course is a continuation of Clinical Pathology 1. In this course students are introduced to veterinary urinalysis, urinalysis and veterinary microbiology and application of methods. Hands on opportunities are provided to perform routine urinalysis, and microbiology techniques that are routinely done in a veterinary clinic or facility. Students focus on accuracy, efficiency and safe laboratory procedures. Prerequisites: VTEC 1001, VTEC 1011, VTEC 1100, VTEC 1590, VTEC 1120, VTEC 1130, VTEC 1140, VTEC 1150
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 1730, VTEC 1243 or VTEC 1240,
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 1250
Practicum 2 (1,2,0)

VTEC 1250 Practicum 2 (1,2,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students build on knowledge acquired during Practicum 1. Students complete a practicum in a veterinary hospital or related animal health business or organization. During the practicum, students reflect on competencies acquired during the practicum placement. Also, students partake in the operations of the Thompson Rivers University veterinary hospital and its maintenance including the care and behaviour of onsite animals. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C is required in the following courses: VTEC 1001, VTEC 1011, VTEC 1100, VTEC 1590, VTEC 1120, VTEC 1130, VTEC 1140, VTEC 1150
For more information, search for this course here.

Second Year
VTEC 2100
Veterinary Technology Career Prep 1 (3,1,0)

VTEC 2100 Veterinary Technology Career Prep 1 (3,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

In this course students are introduced to new graduate expectations within the veterinary profession. Students explore educational options by investigating a variety of areas of interest within the veterinary profession, such as alternative medicine, and physiotherapy. Students gain insight into the profession through guest speakers, field trips and hands-on learning. Topics include professionalism, personal care, resume development and career management. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C is required for the following courses: VTEC 1200, VTEC 1210, VTEC 1220, VTEC 1230, VTEC 1240 and VTEC 1250.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 2600 or VTEC 2100.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 2110
Veterinary Technology Diagnostic Imaging (2,1,3)

VTEC 2110 Veterinary Technology Diagnostic Imaging (2,1,3)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students develop practical knowledge of the principles and techniques for generating diagnostic images. Students practice positioning, restraint and safety techniques as well as the appropriate storage, logging, recording, charting and quality assurance methods involved in data collection. Prerequisites: Student must be 18 years of age or have written parental consent. VTEC 1210, VTEC 1200, VTEC 1220, VTEC 1230, VTEC 1240 and VTEC 1250
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of: ANHT 2580 and ANHT 2680 (both must be taken) or VTEC 2113 or VTEC 2110.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 2120
Veterinary Technology Anesthesia (3,1,3)

VTEC 2120 Veterinary Technology Anesthesia (3,1,3)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students develop a practical understanding of the principles and techniques of anesthesia, monitoring and recovery of small animals. Students prepare, and assess the needs, including drug dosages, of small animals receiving anesthesia. Topics include anesthetic agents and analgesic agents, anesthetic equipment and workplace safety, as well as an introduction to anesthetic problems and emergencies. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C for the following: VTEC 1200, VTEC 1210, VTEC 1220, VTEC 1230, VTEC 1240 and VTEC 1250.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 2560, VTEC 2123 or VTEC 2120.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 2140
Large Animal Care (3,1,3)

VTEC 2140 Large Animal Care (3,1,3)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

In this course, students are introduced to large animal medicine theory and practical skills including safe handling procedures, herd health medicine, husbandry, nutrition, and routine medical techniques such as physical exams. Hands on opportunities are provided for students to perform routine medical procedures typically carried out in a veterinary facility or farm setting. Students focus on safety for themselves and their patients. Students will develop a practical knowledge of large animal nutrition, breeding, herd management and animal health. Emphasis is placed on global perceptions of animal consumption, prey animal care, ethics and welfare. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C for the following: VTEC 1200, VTEC 1210, VTEC 1220, VTEC 1230, VTEC 1240 and VTEC 1250.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 2540 and ANHT 2550 (both must be taken), VTEC 2143 and VTEC 2345 (both must be taken) or VTEC 2140.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 2160
Veterinary Surgical Assistance 1 (2,1,3)

VTEC 2160 Veterinary Surgical Assistance 1 (2,1,3)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students develop a practical understanding of the principles and techniques of sterility, surgical instruments, operating room conduct and the role of the veterinary technologist in a surgical setting. Topics include cleaning and maintenance, surgical pack preparation, suturing, fluid rates and requirements, and per and post-operative considerations. Students implement surgical principles and techniques within the operating room. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C for the following: VTEC 1200, VTEC 1210, VTEC 1220, VTEC 1230, VTEC 1240 and VTEC 1250.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 2570 or VTEC 2160.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 2200
Veterinary Technology Career Prep 2 (3,1,0)

VTEC 2200 Veterinary Technology Career Prep 2 (3,1,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

In this course students expand on concepts presented in Career Prep 1. Topics include legal and ethical issues, animal welfare, alternative medicines and professional organizations within the veterinary field. As well, students develop the necessary tools to achieve longevity within the profession, which includes considerations in regards to mental well-being, and work life balance. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C for the following: VTEC 2100, VTEC 2110, VTEC 2120, VTEC 2140 and VTEC 2160.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 2700, VTEC 2721 or VTEC 2200.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 2210
Veterinary Technology Dentistry (2,1,3)

VTEC 2210 Veterinary Technology Dentistry (2,1,3)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students will perform dental prophylaxis procedures and aid in surgical dentistry in a Veterinary clinical setting. Students will learn the normal anatomy of the oral cavity and through practical, hands on application, develop the skills to recognize and aid in the diagnosis of dental disease. An emphasis will be placed on professional dental cleanings, dental instrumentation, oral radiographic techniques, nerve blocks, assisting with dental surgery, and client communication skills. Prerequisites: VTEC 2100, VTEC 2110, VTEC 2120, VTEC 2140 and VTEC 2160, all with a minimum grade of C
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 1670, VTEC 2213 or VTEC 2210.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 2220
Veterinary Technology Intensive Care (3,1,3)

VTEC 2220 Veterinary Technology Intensive Care (3,1,3)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

In this course, students examine more in-depth methods for the anesthetic preparation, monitoring and recovery of small animals. Emphasis is on the application of procedures and veterinary medicines employed during emergencies, triage and critical care. Prerequisites: VTEC 2100, VTEC 2110, VTEC 2120, VTEC 2140 and VTEC 2160, all with a minimum grade of C
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 2660, VTEC 2223 or VTEC 2220.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 2230
Animal Behaviour 2 (1,1,0)

VTEC 2230 Animal Behaviour 2 (1,1,0)

Credits: 2 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students learn to interpret problematic behaviours in common domestic animals related to handling and management practice. Students develop strategies for behaviour management that include counselling, common medications, and behaviour modification techniques. Students learn to effectively communicate these activities with clients to create a positive experience for animals and handlers. Students also examine bird behaviour and behaviour modification. Prerequisites: VTEC 2100, VTEC 2110, VTEC 2120, VTEC 2140 and VTEC 2160, all with a minimum grade of C.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 2090, ANHT 2990 or VTEC 2230.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 2240
Exotic and Lab Animal Care (2,1,3)

VTEC 2240 Exotic and Lab Animal Care (2,1,3)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Veterinary technology students develop a practical understanding of the principles and techniques of housing and husbandry needs of common exotic pets and laboratory animal species. Through a combination of lab and lecture, the student will be instructed on how to handle, determine the sex of, medicate, anesthetize and restrain common species for clinical procedures. Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C is required for: VTEC 2100, VTEC 2110, VTEC 2120, VTEC 2140 and VTEC 2160.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of: ANHT 2690, VTEC 2243 and 2245 (both must be taken) or VTECH 2240.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 2260
Veterinary Surgical Assistance 2 (0,1,3)

VTEC 2260 Veterinary Surgical Assistance 2 (0,1,3)

Credits: 2 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students demonstrate skills associated with an advanced surgical assistant including the calculations and machinery related to fluids and appropriate operating room conduct as a continuation of Surgical Assistance 1. Students learn how to maintain patient records and prepare and inform clients of post-operative care. Students implement higher level surgical principles and techniques within an operating suite Prerequisites: VTEC 2100, VTEC 2110, VTEC 2120, VTEC 2140 and VTEC 2160, all with a minimum grade of C.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 2670, VTEC 2713 or VTEC 2260.
For more information, search for this course here.

VTEC 2250
Practicum 3 (1,2,0)

VTEC 2250 Practicum 3 (1,2,0)

Credits: 3 credits
Delivery: Campus

Students perform duties related to the operation of the Thompson Rivers University veterinary clinic/hospital including maintenance, ordering and supplies. Students complete a practicum in a different veterinary hospital or related animal health business or organization where they apply and reflect on competencies acquired during their education and training in the Veterinary Technology program. Students are empowered to think critically about their personal and professional development, to diversify their learning experience and prepare themselves for program completion and entry into the veterinary profession. Prerequisites: VTEC 2100, VTEC 2110, VTEC 2120, VTEC 2140 and VTEC 2160, all with a minimum grade of C.
Note: Students will only receive credit for one of ANHT 2200, ANHT 2220 or VTEC 2250.
For more information, search for this course here.