Online Veterinary Technician Program – BS

Program Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

Program Mission

The mission of the Veterinary Technology Bachelor of Science program prepares students to be functioning members of the veterinary health team.

This online veterinary technician degree program will reinforce the knowledge obtained at the associate level and allow students to investigate deeper into more specialized topics in veterinary medicine and technology.

Student graduates of this program can take up roles as veterinary technologists and veterinary assistants in academia, companion or farm animal practice, biotechnology research, specialty, exotic animal practice, or other related health industry areas.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology distance learning program can also pursue their education further and obtain their graduate degrees in related fields.

Program Goals

The program goals of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology are to: 

1. Integrate and deepen the knowledge and skills obtained from the associate of applied science in veterinary technology degree. 
2. Expand students’ observational skills, critical thinking abilities, and communication to be successful veterinary team members.  
3. Instill awareness and appreciation of the human-animal bond and its importance in animal health care.  
4. Understand the importance of becoming a patient advocate and providing high-quality medical care to the animals. 
5. Develop a commitment to professionalism in the working environment and lifelong learning.

Program Outcomes

The graduates of our veterinary tech distance education program will be able to: 

1. Integrate and apply knowledge of animal behavior, disease, and nutrition for optimal patient outcomes.  
2. Demonstrate proficiency in advanced anesthesia, pain management, dentistry, and emergency and critical care.  
3. Understand the human-animal bond to approach the patient and owner with compassion.
4. Recognize the importance and commitment to lifelong learning. 
5. Demonstrate an advanced level of proficiency in communication between the veterinary team to ensure high-quality care to the veterinary patient.  
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues within the veterinary field.
7. Understand and apply research techniques in laboratory animal medicine. 
8. Function as an integral member of the veterinary team.

The Bachelor of Science Degree training program has a total of 89 quarter credit hours. In the last six terms of the 2+2 veterinary tech program, the curriculum consists of advanced topics that students pursue after their veterinary technician associate degree.

Our graduate students will learn topics such as human-animal bonds, small animal internal medicine, animal behavior, emergency medicine and critical care, clinical animal nutrition, advanced anesthesia and pain management, advanced dentistry, emergency care, and advanced animal medicine.

Our online program curriculum also consists of supplementary subjects such as Law and ethics in veterinary medicine, human resource management, public health course, customer relations, and sales to equip our students with the necessary management skills essential for becoming a successful veterinary assistant or technician.

All bachelor’s degree students must take 28 credits of liberal arts and math/science courses as selected from the liberal arts core for their degree.

Students must take two courses from the Communications Core, two courses from the Math/Science Core, one course from the Humanities Core, one course from the Social Sciences Core, and one course from either the Humanities / Arts/Foreign Language/Social Sciences Core.

Additionally, students have to complete two Advanced Practicum training of a minimum of 120 hours in the last two terms to obtain their vet tech degree.

For the latest listing of courses offered, please review our University Catalog here.

Q&A and Technical Standards

Questions & Answers

1. When do my classes meet?Because the VET program is online, there are no times when students are required to meet in a traditional on-campus classroom. Faculty may schedule (at their discretion) online discussions or other activities through the online learning software that may require you to attend class at a specific time. These sessions may be recorded for students to access at a later time. However, most online work is expected to be completed based on the student’s schedule within the context of the course requirements.
2. Must I take other classes in addition to the VET courses?Yes. In addition to your VET courses, to qualify for your bachelor’s degree, you will take a total of seven liberal arts courses over the course of your program of study.
3. How large will my classes be?The average size for a class is about 20 students; however, larger and smaller classes occur from time to time.
4. How is taking an online course different from an on-campus course?Online courses offer you flexibility in the scheduling of your class and study time. However, online courses also require self-discipline and self-motivation to do the work that is expected of the course. Since there will be no “lecture” time and no class time to attend, you will need to dedicate an appropriate amount of time to review the course content on the Canvas learning management system, complete the readings, participate in the online discussion forums, and complete other assignments. Instead of meeting at a fixed time and location, your online course will run on a weekly schedule starting on a Monday and ending on a Sunday evening. Generally, there are no set meeting times during which the entire class meets. Despite this flexibility, you are required to login to your course regularly as described in the course syllabus. Additionally, there may be some assignments when specific due dates must be met.
5. Do online courses take more time than on-campus courses?No. Online courses require the same amount of work as an on-campus course. However, the time you spend in an online course will be different than in an on-campus course. For example, more time may be spent on reading and completing the assignments and responding to electronic posts from both the instructor and other students and less time will be spent on driving to and from campus and no time will be spent in class.
6. What are the entry requirements for the program?A candidate for admission to the VET Bachelor of Science degree program must at a minimum be a graduate of an accredited Veterinary Technology program at the associate level. Although encouraged, they will not need to have passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) or be a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) to gain acceptance into this program.
7. How long should it take me to complete my program?To complete your degree requirements in the shortest possible time, you will need to be a full-time student and take courses as outlined in the prescribed curriculum. For a typical six-term curriculum, a student may complete the requirements in as little as 18 months.
8. Is New England Tech accredited? Yes. New England Tech is institutionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Accreditation by NEASC is recognized by the federal government and entitles New England Tech to participate in federal financial aid programs.
9. Is the NEIT VET Program Accredited? Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology is pending approval. The Associate in Science in Veterinary Technology program at NEIT is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as a program for educating veterinary technicians.American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
   Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA)
   Education and Research Division
   1931 N. Meacham Rd., Suite 100
   Schaumburg, IL 60173-4630
   1-800-248-2862 ext. 6624
   www.avma.org 
10. Is the program entirely online? All of the VET, MGM and liberal arts courses are offered entirely online. The final two terms are the Advanced Practicum that includes a practicum experience in the student’s specialty area. Students are encouraged to complete the Advanced Practicum in their own community or organization.
11. What does the Practicum involve? The objective of the practicum is to collaborate with, and learn from, a credentialed veterinary technician or veterinarian in the student’s specialty area of interest.  The practicum may be a small animal hospital or clinic, equine or large animal ambulatory practice, animal research facility, emergency facility, specialty/referral practice or other approved veterinary facility. The student and preceptor enter into a contractual agreement that further defines the objectives of the practicum on the students’ learning needs and professional goals.
12. Can I complete the Practicum at my current workplace? Yes, but the student’s workplace must offer an area of specialty in order to qualify. Students will need to identify a CVT or veterinarian who will voluntarily assume the role of mentor, teacher, and role model for the VET student. Students must perform duties and receive training in areas over and above their normal workload. The preceptor must have at least two years of experience in an area of specialty. The preceptor does not need to hold a VTS in a specialty area to supervise the student.
13. When should I begin looking for a preceptor for the Practicum course? It is never too early to begin thinking about potential practicum sites and preceptors! It is highly recommended that students begin identifying and speaking with potential preceptors early in the program of study but no later than when they are two terms away from enrolling in the Advanced Practicum courses.
14. When should I begin obtaining and submitting documentation for my Practicum? It is important that you start obtaining compliance documents at least two full terms before you plan to take the practicum course. All documents must be submitted one full term before you register for the Advanced Practicums. For example, you should begin obtaining compliance documents in the term prior to registering for the Advanced Practicum. You must then have all of the compliance requirements completed by the start of your practicum experience. All capstone documents can be obtained from the Program Coordinator.
15. What documentation is required for my Practicum? The following compliance documents must be on file in the with the Program Coordinator one full term before registering for the VET Advanced Practicum:
    • Practicum Contract.
    • Preceptor’s current Resume or Curriculum Vitae, Qualification Form, and two professional References
    • Certain practicum sites may have additional requirements.
    • Students are responsible to consult with their preceptor to see if there are any other requirements.
16. Can I transfer the credits that I earn at New England Tech to another college? The transferability of course credit is always up to the institution to which the student is transferring. Students interested in the transferability of their credits should contact the Office of Teaching and Learning for further information.
17. Do I need to maintain a certain grade point average? Yes, students need to maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) to remain in good standing. A minimum grade of C (73%) is required for all VET courses and a minimum grade of C (73%) is required for all other courses taken to complete the VET Program. Students may repeat a VET course only once. A student will be dismissed from the program if any two VET courses are not passed with a C+ or better.
18. Can I transfer credits earned at another college to New England Tech? Transfer credit for appropriate baccalaureate level courses taken at an accredited institution will be considered for courses in which the student has earned a “C” or above. An official transcript from the other institution must be received at a minimum of one week prior to the start of the course for which transfer credit is being requested.
19. Is there a residency requirement? Yes. To be eligible for graduation from New England Tech with the VET degree, students must complete the last 34 credit hours as a matriculated student in the VET program at New England Tech.
20. Will advisors be available to me? Yes. Students in the VET program will be assigned a Student Advisor from the Office of Student Support Services. The institution has developed a two-tiered approach to student advising: a Student Success Coach assigned from the Office of Student Support Services and a faculty advisor. The New England Tech Student Success Coach provides guidance, encouragement and support to students and is the primary point of contact for all student concerns and information about New England Tech policies and procedures. From the individual student’s perspective, the New England Tech Student Success Coach is the student’s college-wide advisor on all matters related to success at New England Tech. The Student Success Coach assists students who are experiencing difficulties with their course work or who encounter problems that interfere with the successful completion of their program. Student Success Coach monitors students’ attendance and academic progress and contact students as needed. The Student Success Coach’s outreach to the students includes weekly emails to students and, as needed, individual phone calls to the students. Students may meet with their Student Success Coach for a degree audit and for assistance with course selection and registration. Students with disabilities who wish to request accommodations must self-identify, communicate their needs to their Student Success Coach and provide current and comprehensive documentation concerning the nature and extent of their disability. The VET program identifies a department faculty advisor to council students on academic matters. These faculty advisors are assigned by the department chair and provide students with direction in course curriculum including the selection of appropriate elective courses as well as other appropriate academic program advice.
21. How many credits do I need to acquire my Financial Aid? Full-time students receive the maximum amount of financial aid for which they are eligible. Full-time status for the purpose of federal financial aid programs is 12 or more credits per term. Students having an academic credit load of less than 12 credits are also eligible for financial aid, but their aid awards may be pro-rated based on their credit load. Students must have a credit load of at least 6 credits per academic term to be eligible for any type of financial aid. Pro-ration and eligibility vary based on the aid program. The Financial Aid Department at New England Tech can answer any questions you may have about your credit load and its effect on your financial aid funding.
22. What does my program cost? The cost of your program will be as outlined in your enrollment agreement, along with your cost for books and other course materials. (See current Tuition and Fees for the VET program)
23. What kind of employment assistance does New England Tech offer? The Office of Career Services assists New England Tech students and graduates at the East Greenwich, RI campus and online in resume writing, interviewing skills, and the development of a job search strategy. Upon completion of their program, graduates may submit resume to the Career Services Office to be circulated to employers with opportunities in their fields. No school can, and NEIT does not, guarantee employment or a specific starting salary.
24. Where will job opportunities exist?Graduates have obtained employment in the region or local area where they reside. However, one of the unique aspects of this program being offered across the country is the ability to look nationally for employment opportunities. Graduates may seek employment in all types of veterinary clinics and hospitals, teaching institutions, research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, rescue organizations, agricultural operations, boarding kennels, zoos, and wildlife rehabilitation.
25. What are the hardware and software requirements for the program? Recommended Minimum
    • Operating System: Windows 7 or Macintosh OS X (10.5) OS X
    • Processor: 2+ GHz
    • Memory: 4GB
    • Storage:500GB
    • Plug-ins: Adobe PDF Reader, Flash Adobe PDF Reader, Flash Player, QuickTime, Java Player
    • Browser: Firefox 7 or Internet Firefox 7 or Internet Explorer 8/9 Explorer 8.0
    • Display: 1024×768 800×600
    • Software: Microsoft Office 2007/2010 Microsoft Office 2003 or Open Office, PowerPoint 2007 Viewer, Google Docs
    • Internet Connection: FiOS/DSL/CABLE DSL/CABLE
    • Email Account: New England Tech student
    • Sound Card: Required

     

    Online students must be capable of installing and maintaining their own computer’s hardware and software. New England Tech does not assist students with the setup of their computers.  Information about obtaining the software (if any) will be made available to you at the start of each course.

26. Do I need special computer skills in order to take an online course? You will need basic familiarity with your computer, for example: emailing, using the Web, and downloading and attaching documents. No special equipment is required – just a modern Windows or Mac computer, an office suite such as Microsoft Office, and a broadband internet connection.New England Tech online courses are designed to help acclimate you to the technology and build your skills and your confidence as you go. We provide 24×7 support via phone, email or chat to help you with computer or online system issues. Tablet computers can be useful for doing course readings, watching course videos, and catching up on course discussions. But a tablet will not be sufficient for doing all your course work – be sure you have regular access to a laptop or desktop computer.
27. How can I get help for my coursework when I need it? There are several ways that you can get the help you need with your coursework. First, your instructor will be available to you through email, chat and the phone; second, your Student Success Coach is also available through email, chat and the phone; and finally, the Academic Skills Center will be available via email and the phone. PLEASE NOTE: It is important for both your personal and professional growth that you do all the work yourself. New England Tech has a strict Academic Honesty Policy that is part of every course syllabus.
28. How do I get help from other college departments? At the beginning of each term, you will receive a list of contact information for every university service. The list includes where you can find each service such as the university catalog and URL, the name and contact information for the individual responsible for each service such as the telephone number and email address and the hours when each service is available. Examples of services include the Academic Skills Center, the Bookstore, the Career Services Office, the Financial Aid, Registrar’s Office, Student Success Coach from the Office of Student Support Services, Library, Student Accounts, Office of Teaching and Learning and the Response Desk.
29. How much time should I expect to dedicate to an online course? New England Tech’s policy regarding the amount of work expected of a student is similar to all other colleges and universities. The number of credit hours assigned to coursework is related to the academic time a student is expected to spend in direct faculty instruction and out-of-class work, and reasonably approximates one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately ten weeks for one hour of credit; or at least an equivalent amount of work for other academic activities as established by New England Tech including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work, such as study and exam preparation time, leading to the award of credit hours.
30. Where do I go for help with technical issues? The Response Desk is available through email and the phone. Please realize the Response Desk can only help you with access to your online account. The Response Desk cannot help you with any software or hardware issues with your personal computer. Refer to the Office Hours document that is available in each of your Canvas courses for specific contact information as well as hours of operation.
31. How do I buy textbooks? Students may purchase their textbooks either through the Bookstore or through online merchants. Your instructor will provide the course syllabus to you prior to the start of class to allow you time to purchase the textbooks. Textbook information for all courses is available through the Bookstore prior to the start of each academic term. Please review the contact information for the Bookstore in the Office Hours document.
32. Are there attendance and participation requirements? Yes. Each week you will be required to participate in various activities such as discussion boards or other assignments for each course. All course activities will be counted towards your attendance and participation grade.
33. How will I submit my course assignments and take exams? You will receive information from your instructor about how to submit your assignments through the Canvas learning management system. You may be asked to take online or web-based quizzes and exams, submit papers online, engage in group work, or prepare a portfolio of your work online. Your instructor will notify you in advance of his or her testing requirements. In some cases, your instructor may require that you take a proctored exam. If a proctored exam is required, you will be required to submit a proctor form to your instructor prior to gaining access to the exam.
34. Will I have an instructor?Yes. Instructors are essential to online learning at New England Institute of Technology. All instructors are trained to teach online or have experience teaching online. They lead the courses and function as facilitators, coaches and tutors. In the online setting, instructors devote as much time to communicating with the class as they do in the traditional classroom. They log in regularly to respond to questions, direct discussion and evaluate assignments. Instructors for all VET courses have a minimum of a master’s degree.
35. Will I interact with other students? Yes. You will interact with other students in all your online courses. Through online discussions, email and other group activities, you can develop an electronic peer network and participate in discussion forums and online study groups. Although you may never see each other face-to-face, you will establish a group of colleagues.
36. Are there any additional costs/activities associated with this program? Uniforms, equipment, laboratory fees and textbooks will also need to be purchased.
37. Do I need to have a Criminal Background check? Students may be required to have a criminal background check from the practicum site prior to the Capstone Practicum course.
38. Can I complete the Veterinary Technology Program and go on to veterinary school to get my DVM? Yes, but the career path of a veterinary technician is divergent from that of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. The Veterinary Technology Program prepares students for a career in veterinary technology and focuses on the clinical and academic preparation for this role. Application to veterinary school will require additional coursework and will require you to complete your veterinary school pre-requisites at another college or university.
39. What is a Veterinary Technologist? A veterinary technologist is an integral member of the veterinary health care team. Veterinary technologists have graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Technology. Veterinary technologists are educated in the care and handling of animals, the principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in clinical and laboratory procedures. Veterinary technologists work under the supervision of a veterinarian. Examples of areas of responsibility for veterinary technologists include surgical assisting, anesthesiology, radiology, caring for hospitalized patients, administering vaccines and medications, dental prophylaxis, collecting and performing clinical laboratory procedures, client education, physical examination and patient history, and office/hospital management. Veterinary technologists cannot diagnose, prescribe, or perform surgery.
40. Who employs Veterinary Technologists? While the majority of veterinary technologists are employed in private practice, the American Veterinary Medical Association indicates that “the demand for technicians is rapidly expanding to include new employment opportunities in both human and health-related fields such as: biomedical research, colleges/universities, zoos and wildlife facilities, military service, food safety inspection, diagnostic laboratories, veterinary supply sales, humane societies and animal control facilities, and drug and feed manufacturing companies.
41. Which personal traits fit best with a career in veterinary technology? Students need good study habits and excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Confidence, reliability, determination, and an eagerness to learn will guide you in your pursuit to help animals as a veterinary technician.
42. What is the work environment for veterinary technicians?  Most people who work with animals get tremendous satisfaction caring for them. Sometimes work can be physically and emotionally demanding, and there is a risk of physical injury such as a bite or scratch or contracting a zoonotic disease (a disease transmissible from animals to people). Also, veterinary technicians must witness and assist in the euthanasia of terminally ill patients, unwanted pets, or vicious animals and may experience emotional distress.
43. Is any continuing education required after graduation from NEIT?  Yes, many state associations require a certain number of hours of continuing education (CE) to renew certification. Additionally, ongoing advances in treatments and technology necessitate taking advantage of educational opportunities to keep knowledge and skills up to date.
44. Is there a Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics?  Yes, the Code has been developed by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America and can be found on the internet at https://www.navta.net/about-navta/about-navta
45. Does the Veterinary Technology Program accept experiential learning to earn credit for veterinary technology courses? Although transfer credit from another college may be considered, no experiential learning or challenge exams are offered for Veterinary Technology courses.
46. When I graduate, will I be a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)?  Upon completing the program, you will receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology. Only individuals who have graduated from an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program within an accredited institution may sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Once you apply for certification through your state’s Veterinary Technician Association and have passed the VTNE you are officially a CVT and may practice as one. You have the opportunity to register for the examination and apply for certification, licensure, or registration in any of the 50 states in the United States. This exam should already have been taking after completion of your associate degree.
47. When is the national board exam offered?  The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is given several times throughout the year. For exam dates and application deadlines, contact the American Association of Veterinary State Boards on the internet at https://aavsb.org/VTNE/
48. Are there any health provision requirements?  In addition to the physical exam, required immunizations, students should be in good physical condition. Veterinary Technicians are required to have quick reflexes to avoid being injured by animals and may be required to do some heavy lifting (ca. 50 lbs.). Students must have hearing ability sufficient to hear and understand equipment alarms, verbal instructions given by someone wearing a surgical face mask, and sounds given off by animals in pain/distress. Students must have normal or corrected visual ability to observe, assess and/or treat animals both up close and at a distance. All students will be exposed to x-ray equipment and anesthetic gases, so the Program Director must be alerted to any pregnancy, condition that renders a student immunocompromised, or any other pertinent mental or physical condition, and a physician’s letter will be required.Due to the inherently unpredictable behavior of animals, there is an element of assumed risk in all animal related activities. All students must sign a Release and Assumption of Risk agreement before they can begin the program.
49. Are there any behavior standards for this program?  Veterinary technology students are expected to exhibit professional behavior on an ongoing basis. This behavior will be assessed continually and will not only encompass grades, but also adherence to classroom protocol, laboratory safety, attendance, participation and preparedness for class, appearance, ability to work as a team member, and general professional behavior. Practicum participation is dependent on the above.                             

Technical Standards

These technical standards set forth by the Veterinary Technology Program; establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to these programs to achieve the knowledge, skills and competencies to enter these fields. The successful student must possess the following skills and abilities or be able to demonstrate that they can complete the requirements of the program with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

General Physical Requirements

Students must:

• Possess the physical ability to
• tolerate walking and standing for at least ten minutes at a time, multiple times per hour.
• lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds from floor to waist level or higher at least several times per day
• lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds to a height of one meter or higher and carry the object or animal for a distance of two meters without assistance.
• Use hands and arms to handle, install, position and move materials, equipment, and supplies without assistance.
• Handle, position, and restrain live animals of small and large animal species.
• Be able to have sustained contact with multiple species of animals and be amenable to learning the safe handling, restraining, and working with these animals. An individual should not be allergic to any species of animals to the extent that would prohibit working in a facility that has them.
• Ability to sit continuously at a personal computer for long periods of time in order to learn and become proficient in computer programming and networking.
• Ability to perform learned skills independently, with accuracy and completeness within reasonable time frames in accordance with classroom and business procedures.

Cognitive Ability

• Good reasoning and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to learn, remember and recall detailed information and to use it for problem solving.
• Ability to deal with materials and problems such as organizing or reorganizing information.
• Ability to use abstractions in specific concrete situations.
• Ability to separate complex information into its component parts.
• Ability to perform tasks by observing demonstrations.
• Ability to perform tasks by following written instructions.
• Ability to perform tasks following verbal instructions.
• Possession of basic keyboarding skills and knowledge of computer programs.
• Be able to function in a structured environment within significant time constraints and capable of making rapid decisions in urgent situations and meeting deadlines.
• Possess a willingness to assist with and perform a wide variety of routine medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures common to the veterinary setting; including humane euthanasia and handling of sick, injured, fractious, or aggressive animals without fear
• Be able to complete required tasks/functions under stressful and/or unpredictable conditions, including emergency situations.
• Be able to access information from books, reference manuals, computers, and paper and electronic medical documents to perform duties and safely use equipment without assistance.
• Be able to prioritize, organize, and utilize time-management skills to perform tasks.
• Evaluate, synthesize and communicate diagnostic information to the attending veterinarian and/or staff.
• Be able to progress toward minimal supervision as they advance through the program.

Communication Skills

• Ability to speak in understandable English in a classroom situation on a one-on-one basis as well as before a group.
• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students and other professionals.
• Ability to demonstrate and use the knowledge acquired during the classroom training process.
• Ability to verbally express technical concepts clearly and distinctly.
• Ability to express thoughts clearly.
• To be able to work cooperatively and collaboratively on in-class and assignment/project teams/groups.
• Read, write, speak and report accurately and effectively in English.
• Comprehend and carry out complex written and oral instructions given in English.
• Be able, when communicating with other individuals by speech, either in person or by telephone, to make legible and coherent written notes in English within the margins and space provided on the appropriate forms.

Professionalism and Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrate professional and socially appropriate behavior; maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with close human and animal contact.
• Work appropriately with others.
• Work independently or as part of a group/team during class and at practicum.
• Maintain academic integrity in all courses.
• Be able to interact appropriately with clients and all members of the veterinary healthcare team.
• Have the ability to exercise good judgment and make appropriate professional and procedural judgment decisions under stressful and/or emergency conditions (i.e. unstable patient condition), emergent demands (i.e. stat test orders), and a distracting environment (i.e., high noise levels, complex visual stimuli, aggressive animals).

Adaptive Ability

• Ability to remain calm in the face of computer lab equipment and/or software failure.
• Ability to maintain emotional stability and the maturity necessary to interact with members of the faculty and students in a responsible manner.
• Ability to tolerate the differences in all students, faculty, and administration.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks under stressful and demanding conditions.
• Ability to adapt in a positive manner to new and changing situations with an open mind and flexibility.
• Ability to think clearly and act quickly and appropriately in stressful situations.

Manual Dexterity and Mobility

• Sufficient manual dexterity and motor coordination to coordinate hands, eyes and fingers in the operation of computers and equipment.
• Be able to move his/her entire body a distance of no less than three meters within two seconds of a signal to do so, to move rapidly from danger while handling animals in confined spaces.
• Possess fine motor movements in order to perform the essential functions of the profession. This includes the dexterity to manipulate small equipment, adjust resistance on equipment, hold hooves while cleaning and evaluating, manage syringes, catheters, and common surgical instruments.
• Possess tactile ability necessary for physical assessment and to perform nursing duties in a timely manner. This includes performing palpation during physical exams, administering oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous medication, insert and remove tubes, collect organic samples from live animals and perform wound care.
• Possess the ability to palpate and interpret findings, i.e. palpation of pulses, lymph nodes or trachea to determine proper endotracheal tube size.
• Be able to hold surgical instruments in one hand and perform fine movements with such instruments. This includes ability to assist in holding of hemostats or other instruments while assisting in surgery; induce and monitor general anesthesia in an animal patient; place intravenous and urinary catheters without assistance.
• Be able to hold, manipulate, or tie materials ranging from a cloth patch to a very fine string. This includes the ability to hold and manipulate a surgical sponge; tie a 00 silk suture; endotracheal intubation; intravenous injection; catheterize animals to obtain sample of urine and/or other body fluids; apply bandages without assistance.

Auditory, Olfactory, and Visual Skills

Veterinary technicians must have functional use of senses to safely and correctly assess patients and interpret and record data.

Students must:

• Possess adequate visual ability, with or without correction, that allows the determination of minute areas of detail, very small variations in color and adequate depth perception (size, shape and texture), including differentiation of details as viewed through a microscope. This includes ability to characterize and interpret the color, odor, clarity, and viscosity of body structures and fluids, observe variations in skin and mucus membrane color, integrity, pulsations, tissue swelling, etc.
• Possess visual ability to allow for observation and assessment as necessary in nursing care both from a distance and close by in order to recognize physical status and non-verbal responses including behaviors.
• Possess auditory ability necessary to monitor and assess health status, including auscultation of heart and lungs, and hear equipment alarms and warning sounds from animals, humans, and/or equipment of impending danger or injury.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to distress sounds from animal and alarms/warning signals on animal-monitoring equipment directly and through intercommunication systems to ensure patient safety.
• Detect and respond appropriately to odors in order to maintain environmental safety and patient needs.
• Be able to use a compound microscope to identify cells and organisms and be able to differentiate colors of stained objects.
• Be able to observe movement at a distance ranging from 30-45 centimeters to 15-20 meters at a discrimination level that permits detection of subtle differences in movement of the limbs in animals. This includes ability to detect and describe a change in color of hair coat caused by licking or trauma; detect abnormal head posture in a parakeet; monitoring respiratory rate during anesthesia; ability to read anesthesia monitoring equipment.
• Be able to discriminate shades of black and white patterns in which the band is not more than 0.5 mm in width. This includes ability to characterize bacterial hemolysis on a blood agar plate; density patterns on a radiograph; and ability to see ECG tracing.
• Possess adequate depth perception to allow detection of a 0.5 cm elevation which is no more than 1cm in diameter on a slightly curved surface having a slightly irregular surface. This includes detection of tissue swelling on the hip on a smooth-haired dog; determining presence of reaction to skin testing for allergies.
• Be able to perceive the natural or amplified human voice without lip reading to permit oral communication in a surgery room with all occupants wearing surgical masks.
• Be able to perceive the origin of sound as needed to detect movement of large animals in a pen or corral; monitoring multiple patients in an ICU.
• See clearly and interpret the contents on the computer screen.

Responsibility for Learning

• Actively use and be responsive to others through the learning management system (Canvas) and NEIT email.
• Manage and complete both on-line and face-to-face assignments, and proactively seek assistance when needed.
• Manage the course workload and other life and paid work responsibilities to have sufficient time to prepare for class, complete assignments and be successful in the program.
• Create a professional portfolio of sample work and projects, a resume, and other interview materials by the completion of the program.