At the Vet Tech Institute at International Business College, for those attending full time, you can earn your Veterinary Technician degree in as little as 18 months. The program contains all elements required by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).
While veterinary technicians do get to spend time cuddling and loving the animals in their care, veterinary technicians are also an important part of the veterinary medical team. As a Vet Tech Institute at International Business College graduate, you’ll be prepared to assist veterinarians to*:
The last 2 months of your education are spent in an externship. This is an opportunity to get real-life experience in an animal clinic, hospital, research facility, or a farm animal practice.
CLINICAL MEDICINE I
This course introduces basic terminology; different nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed in an animal's diet; animal nutrition; and nutritional seminars.
CLINICAL MEDICINE II
This course builds upon Clinical Medicine I, focusing on recognition of
different canine and feline breeds, dog laws, concepts of canine and feline
behavior, and vaccine types and protocols for both canines and felines.
CLINICAL MEDICINE III
This course is an in-depth study of canine and feline diseases. Specifically
students will focus on pathology of disease, necropsy, viruses, bacteria,
protozoal and vector-borne diseases, zoonoses, dermatology, and the endocrine
system.
CLINICAL MEDICINE IV
This course is a continuation of Clinical Medicine III. Diseases of the
reproductive system, neurological system, musculoskeletal system, and
cardiorespiratory system are presented.
FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY
This course introduces the student to general chemistry and focuses upon the
relationship between chemistry and biological reactions in living organisms.
Included are the properties of matter, interactions between molecules, acids
and bases, and basic biochemical principles.
ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY I
Through theory and practical application, this course teaches the student
aspects of kennel care and management. Additionally, basic grooming,
restraint techniques, common abbreviations, and physical exams are included.
ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY II
This course builds upon Animal Technology I and is focused on oral medications and procedure, eye medications and procedure, Schirmer tear test, corneal stains, glaucoma, fecal equipment and tests, and parasitology.
ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY III
This course builds upon Animal Technology II with an emphasis on sample
collection. Instruction will cover sample collection of both urine and blood
specimens through various routes as well as giving injections through various
routes.
ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY IV
This course builds upon Animal Technology III with an emphasis placed on
fluid therapy, electrocardiograms, blood transfusions, and dentistry.
VETERINARY TERMINOLOGY
The student will be introduced to basic terminology used in veterinary
practice. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of composition of terms
including the use of prefixes and suffixes.
MATHEMATICS FOR VETERINARY TECHNICIANS
The student will be introduced to basic math skills, including dosage calculations that are an important part of their career.
ANIMAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY I
This course concerns the structure and function of the animal body and its
parts. Instruction is geared toward the understanding of the cell system,
tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system,
cardiovascular system, neurologic system, and the blood and immune system.
Emphasis is placed on the clinical use of anatomy and physiology in
veterinary medicine.
ANIMAL ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY II
This course builds on Animal Anatomy and Physiology I. In this course the
structure and function of the circulatory, respiratory, gastrointestinal,
excretory/renal, reproductive, sense organ, and endocrine systems are
studied. Emphasis is placed on the clinical use of anatomy and physiology in
veterinary medicine.
CLINICAL LABORATORY I
This course reviews basic laboratory equipment and glassware. The student is
then introduced to basic veterinary hematology with emphasis placed on normal
test values of individual animal species.
CLINICAL LABORATORY II
This course builds upon Clinical Laboratory I with a more in-depth study of
hematology. White blood cell components and morphology are covered.
CLINICAL LABORATORY III
This course builds upon Clinical Laboratory II, with emphasis placed on
further individual animal species testing to include: Felv/Fiv testing,
brucellosis testing, heartworm testing, urinalysis, and blood analyzers.
VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY I
This course covers all aspects of medications according to their clinical
usage and method of administration. Emphasis is placed on the veterinary
technician’s role in the veterinary pharmacy. This course also focuses on
drug dosage calculations.
VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY II
This course is a continuation of Veterinary Pharmacology I and covers drugs
affecting the gastrointestinal, dermatological, neurological, and
cardiovascular systems; antimicrobials; and anti-inflammatory and analgesic
drugs.
ANESTHESIA I
This course concerns all aspects of the anesthetic process, anesthetic agents
used in veterinary medicine and their effects, and anesthetic equipment
functions and use. The student will apply mathematical skills to practice
calculations using common anesthetics and their dosages. The veterinary
technician’s role in relationship to the veterinarian is a key point of
study.
ANESTHESIA II
This course is a continuation of VT145, with a focus on acid/base balance,
fluid therapy, electrocardiograms, anesthetic emergencies, dental anesthesia,
recovery, and pain management. This course also focuses on equine, ruminant,
and swine anesthesia as well as anesthesia techniques for exotic pets.
CLINICAL MEDICINE V
This course is a continuation of Clinical Medicine IV. Diseases of the
digestive system and renal system will be discussed as well as emergency
management and the veterinary technician’s role in emergency situations.
Emphasis is placed on the following topics: proper methods of evaluating an
animal in an emergency situation, how disease processes manifest as
emergencies, and the equipment and medications used during emergencies.
ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY V
This course builds upon Animal Technology IV with an emphasis placed on more
advanced techniques such as laboratory animal research, including care and
maintenance, disease process, blood collection procedures, anesthesia
administration, and regulatory requirements for rats, mice, guinea pigs,
rabbits, and exotics.
ANIMAL TECHNOLOGY VI
This course builds upon Animal Technology V with an emphasis placed on more
advanced techniques, such as advanced surgical procedures, bandaging and
wound management, orthopedics, and special procedures including feeding
tubes.
LARGE ANIMAL THEORY I
This course will introduce the student to farm animal medicine. The student
will become acquainted with anatomy, breed identification, management,
restraint methods, physical exams, reproduction, nutrition, and husbandry.
LARGE ANIMAL THEORY II
This course continues theories introduced in Large Animal Theory I to include
more in-depth information on diseases for farm animal species, such as
horses, pigs, and cattle. Herd health maintenance measures are also
discussed.
VETERINARY OFFICE PROCEDURES
This course focuses on aspects of veterinary practice operations. Topics
such as appointment scheduling, general office and billing procedures, client
relations, OSHA, client education, teamwork, the veterinary technician’s role
in euthanasia, and ethical situations are discussed.
VTNE PREPARATION
This course is a comprehensive review of both theory and practical
application. It is designed to prepare the student to sit for the Veterinary
Technician National Exam. Discussions will be followed by exams formatted
and timed using parameters similar to the actual test.
CLINICAL LABORATORY IV
This course builds upon Clinical Laboratory III. Students will learn the
principles of cytology, as well as types of testing for diseases. Students
will also learn the principles and perform basic microbiology techniques as
well as collect, culture, stain, identify, and perform sensitivity testing on
bacterial specimens.
RADIOGRAPHY I
This course includes the theory of radiography and the methods of exposing
and developing films, animal restraint, and proper positioning during film
exposure. Radiation safety, film reading, and error identification and
correction and prevention are emphasized.
SURGICAL NURSING I
This course is designed to prepare the student to assist in all aspects of
veterinary surgery. Students are introduced to aseptic surgery techniques,
surgical instrumentation identification and use, patient preparation,
positioning for various surgical procedures, and common veterinary suture
materials and patterns.
SURGICAL NURSING ROTATION
This course is designed to permit the students to apply all skills and
knowledge acquired in Veterinary Pharmacology, Anesthesia, and Surgical
Nursing I to perform actual surgical assisting roles. Students will gain
experience in anesthesia administration, sterile and nonsterile assisting,
patient preparation, surgical clean up, and recovery of their patient. These
duties will be performed as part of a student team under the supervision of
the staff veterinarian and licensed instructor.
RADIOGRAPHY II
This course builds upon the material covered in VT241 Radiography I with
students beginning their practical hands-on repetitions to achieve competency
in taking and developing radiographs. The course culminates with the
production of a final radiograph project that demonstrates the student’s
proficiency in the technical and analytical skills of radiography.
LARGE ANIMAL PRACTICUM
This course will be conducted at stables, farms or other large animal
facilities. The student will perform and/or assist with husbandry;
restraint; and medical, technical, and radiological procedures. This course
focuses on cattle and horses and additional farm animal species when
available.
VETERINARY EXTERNSHIP
This unpaid externship is scheduled in the last 8 instructional weeks of the
program. Externships are served in a veterinary clinic or hospital or other
animal facility. The externship experience provides the student with the
opportunity to build upon the clinical and practical skills learned in the
classroom.