Animal Science

Classes

ANS 100 : Professional and Academic Success Seminar (PASS)

PASS (Professional and Academic Success Seminar) for Veterinary Science is designed to introduce new students to key aspects of professional and academic expectations associated with educational pathways and careers within the veterinary sciences. Students will be active in self-reflection and pursuit of new knowledge, skills, resources, and making meaningful connections for academic growth and career preparation. As part of this course, students explore and utilize both technology and learning resources to identify and apply personalized study and critical thinking skills, as well as to develop academic career goals for a vision board presentation.

Credits

1
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate veterinary professional expectations for demeanor, behavior, and appropriate preparation. 2. Investigate college and career readiness resources for academic and career pathways. 3. Incorporate personalized learning and study skills that will enhance their college success. 4. Formulate specific academic and career goals within the veterinary field, including current academic pathways, identifying area of specialization, developing a plan for continuing education, and exploring potential career paths in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, research, or related fields.

ANS 101 : Introduction to Animal Care and Management

This course introduces general concepts for the daily care of most companion animals. Topics include a basic understanding of the role of animals in society, animal-related careers, safety, animal welfare issues, and species-specific terminology, requirements for good health and husbandry practices. Emphasis is placed on feeding, breeding, health maintenance, and housing of various species (dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, reptiles, amphibians, rodents, small exotic pets, etc.). Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the requirements for providing humane care practices for a variety of companion animal species and be aware of animal-related career choices. A training certificate by Animal Care Technology Programs is available with successful completion and testing in this course. Prerequisite or co-requisite ANS 100. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits

3

1. Explain issues related to animal welfare and industry. 2. Employ appropriate animal industry terminology in oral and written communications. 3. Distinguish common animals species, breeds, and sexes. 4. Perform daily care procedures and record-keeping according to species specific husbandry requirements.

ANS 103 : Applied Animal Behavior

This course provides the foundation for a comprehensive and coherent understanding of behavior analysis as it relates to facilitating the interaction and care of captive and companion animals. Topics include fundamental principles of learning and behavior, normal and abnormal behavior patterns, communication, social development, and the prevention and correction of problem behaviors. Upon completion, students will be able to recognize behavior patterns and assess, prevent, and correct problem behaviors.

Credits

3
1. Distinguish between human and animal based cognition. 2. Understand and utilize appropriate animal behavior terminology. 3. Analyze exhibited animal behavior based on species/breed/sex, environment, and posturing. 4. Implement humane behavior modification techniques.

ANS 107 : Medical Terminology for Animal Science I

This section of the two-part course is designed to give the animal care worker a vocabulary which will facilitate and enhance their communication with veterinary medical professionals. The focus will be on learning the major components (prefixes, suffixes, combining root terms, abbreviations, units of measure, animal body structure, position, and disease terminology) of veterinary medical terms, synthesizing useful medical terms from the components, and interpreting the meaning of technical information containing common veterinary medical terms. One lecture hour per week.

Credits

1
1. Define, spell, and pronounce key components of veterinary medical terminology, abbreviations and symbols. 2. Decode and synthesize common veterinary medical terminology. 3. Communicate using proper veterinary medical terminology in both oral and written formats.

ANS 108 : Medical Terminology for Animal Science II

This course is a continuation of ANS 107. In this course, students will continue to explore medical terms needed to enhance accuracy in communications with veterinary professionals. Areas of specific interest will be terminology dealing with body cavities, specific body systems, the functions of their parts, and associated surgical terms and clinical procedures. Students are expected to learn and be able to interpret the meaning of technical information containing specific, systematic veterinary medical terms. Pre-requisite: ANS 107 with a grade of C or better. One lecture hour per week.

Credits

1
1. Acquire a basic vocabulary of common veterinary medical terms associate with animal body systems, their functions, and related medical procedures. 2. Define, spell, and pronounce terminology associates with animal body systems and medical procedures. 3. Demonstrate understanding of the parts and functions associated with animal body systems. 4. Communicate using proper veterinary medical terminology in both oral and written formats.

ANS 112 : Laws and Ethics for Veterinary Science

This course will examine the application of ethics and law to non-human animals, the rules, regulations, and agencies that govern their treatment, and the concepts of "animal welfare" and "animal rights" with direct correlation to the expectations and duties of veterinary paraprofessional staff members. Topics in the class will include legal limitations and requirements for veterinary health care members, policies for food and agricultural animals, wildlife laws, and modern reform of animal protection laws. Three lecture hours per week. Gen Ed Competency met: Ethical Dimensions.

Credits

3
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Explain the legal status of animals. 2. Apply relevant laws to a range of issues and contexts involving human/animal interactions. 3. Identify the various regulatory bodies and regulations that govern veterinary technicians. 4. Identify ethical principles and professional behaviors appropriate to veterinary work situations. 5. Evaluate the legalities of confidentiality, patient medical records and radiographs and various forms and logs. 6. Explain the use of and the ethical issues surrounding humans and animals in research. 7. Explain trends in animal welfare, animal rights, and changing laws pertaining to animals.

ANS 115 : Community Health and Zoonosis

This course introduces the basics of disease transmission with particular emphasis on disease transferred from animals to humans. Topics include zoonotic diseases, modes of transmission, symptoms, and personal protection of animal care technicians through immunization. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss zoonotic diseases and the animal care technician's role and responsibility related to the control of such diseases. A passing grade of a C (73) or better in the laboratory portion of this course is required to receive a final passing grade for the course.

Credits

4
1. Understand the development of modern zoonosis recognition and testing through historical perspectives. 2. Acquire an understanding of the relevant zoonosis, their signs, diagnosis, treatments, and control practices. 3. Acquire clinical skills in flea detection, fecal analysis, gastrointestinal parasite identification, and bacterial culturing and identification.

ANS 121 : Animal Handling and Restraint

This course introduces the principles and techniques of animal handling and restraint. Topics include handling and control techniques for lab animals, domestic animals, and other varieties, as well as species specific techniques for medical procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proper handling techniques for animals that are frightened, injured, confined, diseased or trapped. A passing grade of a C (73) or better in the laboratory portion of this course is required to receive a final passing grade for the course. Prerequisite(s): ANS 103 with a grade of C or better. Two lecture and three laboratory hours per week.

Credits

4
1. Understand how to interact safely with a variety of animals, knowing potential dangers associated with individual species. 2. Apply animal behavior analysis to decision making regarding animal restraint procedures to decrease the stress of the animal and maintain safety for animals and people alike. 3. Comprehend and recognize issues that may arise from animal restraint procedures and understand protocol for addressing them. 4. Acquire the reasoning and skills to properly restrain animals humanely for specific activities or medical procedures.

ANS 147 : Veterinary Office Procedures

This course provides a fundamental knowledge of the administrative aspects of working in a veterinary practice. Topics include veterinary practice ethics, staff roles and limitations, professionalism, front office duties, communication skills, marketing, accounting systems, and veterinary practice computer software experience. A training certificate by Animal Care Technology Programs is available with successful completion and testing in this course. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits

3

Corequisites

-

1. Implement rules of ethical and professional conduct, decision making, appearance, and communication in the classroom setting. 2. Discern the delineation and overlap of duties within a veterinary facility. 3. Triage phone calls for all clients, as well as, communicate and problem solve accurately, politely, and with respect. 4. Display confidence in handling difficult clients and financial issues. 5. Explain the staff's role and impact on marketing. 6. Utilize Cornerstone software to: add/update clients/patients, create and customize an estimate, Invoice the client, create a recheck appointment and take a payment.

ANS 153 : Animal Health and Diseases

This course is designed to introduce the veterinary assistant to the nature of health versus disease and many common diseases encountered in veterinary practice. A systems approach is used, and students are encouraged to bring questions from the work experience to class. Within each system, congenital, infectious, traumatic, and other disease processes are explored as are the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches appropriate to each system. Prerequisite(s): ANS 115 with a grade of C or better; pre or co-requisite(s): ANS 108. Three lecture hours per week.

Credits

3
1. Understand what health is, signs of a healthy animal, factors that effect health, and management procedures to insure health of animals. 2. Develop skills in recognizing signs that may indicate disease or illness. 3. Acquire a baseline knowledge of common animal diseases, their signs, diagnostic procedures, and accepted treatments. 4. Participate in case study and antidotal scenarios to apply reason and knowledge in the assessment of health.

ANS 201 : Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Vertebrate Animals

An introductory course in the comparative anatomy and physiology of vertebrate animals to include amphibian, avian, and mammal exploratory dissections. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing gross anatomical structures, critical organ systems and functional relationships with a comparative focus on circulatory systems, gastrointestinal tracts, respiratory systems, and reproductive systems. Notation of the normal anatomy and physiology with references made to deviation from the norm, which might constitute a diseased state, and extrapolating learned material to additional species is also covered. A passing grade of C (73) or better in the laboratory portion of this course is required to receive a final passing grade for the course. Prerequisite(s): BIO 111 or BIO 121 with a grade of C or better. Three lecture and two laboratory hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competency met: Scientific Reasoning and Discovery.

Credits

4
Upon completion, students should be able to: 1. Apply correct terminology in identification and description of anatomical features and locations. 2. Identify major organs and structures of the animal body. 3. Explain the associated nature of organs and structures in the healthy functioning of the animal body. 4. Compare normal and abnormal morphology of the animal body. 5. Compare aspects of the circulatory system, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and reproductive systems of different classifications of animals.

ANS 205 : Clinical Methods

This course is an introduction to clinical skills consisting of both lecture and laboratory work. Veterinary nursing procedures and teamwork will be thoroughly discussed. Lecture topics include physical examinations of domestic animals, animal behavior and training, nutrition, animal diseases, preventive health care and immunity, restraint/handling, and client education/communication. Laboratory experiences include restraint, physical examinations, parenteral medication administration, and other clinical nursing skills. Medical terminology will be reinforced in all aspects of lecture and lab. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week. A passing grade of a C (73) or better in the laboratory portion of this course is required to receive a final passing grade for the course. Prerequisite(s): ANS 121 with a grade of C or better; Co-requisite(s): ANS 108, ANS 147, and ANS 153.

Credits

4
1. Utilize OSHA safety guidelines in the laboratory and in medical waste disposal. 2. Create SOAP notes. 3. Give a generalized physical exam, taking histories, temperature, pulse, respiration, etc. 4. Demonstrate proficiency in wound care, bandaging, CPR, and rescue breathing. 5. Acquire skills in blood collection and hematology analysis. 6. Demonstrate proficiency in vaccine administration and associated documentation procedures. 7. Perform urinalysis and apply to health evaluation. 8. Acquire skills in fluid therapy administration. 9. Understanding of principles and practices of dentistry. 10. Apply client skills and animal handling skills in a clinical environment.

ANS 216 : Veterinary Pharmacology

This course covers the basic principles of pharmacology, including general drug types, dosage forms, drug administration, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Drug packaging, labeling, and dispensing are covered, as are record keeping for pharmacologic agents. The legal and ethical factors involved in handling pharmaceuticals are considered. Prescription notation and review of drug calculations are also included. The course surveys the many pharmacologic agents used in veterinary medicine, emphasizing the modes of action, indications, contraindications, methods of administration, and appropriate client communication for these agents. Pre-requisite(s): ANS 107 with a grade of C or better; MTH 119, MTH 131 or MTH 154 with a grade of C or better. (For Career Pathway, take MTH 154. For Transfer Pathway, take MTH 119 or MTH 131.) Three lecture hours per week. Gen. Ed. Competency met: Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning.

Credits

2
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe common pharmaceuticals used for specific treatments in domestic animals. 2. Describe the principles of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. 3. Demonstrate proficiency at reading, filing, recording, and administration of topical, oral and injectable medication as prescribed and in accordance with FDA requirements. 4. Describe common drug toxicities and adverse drug reactions including signs or symptoms, appropriate treatment strategies, and methods of preventing toxicities or reactions. 5. Demonstrate accuracy in dosage calculation and preparation of pharmaceuticals. 6. Demonstrate adherence to the “Five Rights of Medication Administration” including patient, drug, dose, route, and time. 7. Interpret the connection between medication dosing and effects on the body.

ANS 221 : Veterinary Health Care Field Experience & Seminar

This course provides 20 hours per week of skill training and usage under the supervision of licensed veterinary staff with site visits and skill evaluations from Animal Care Science faculty periodically throughout the semester. This course also requires a one hour per week seminar to provide additional topics for increased career success and address issues and experiences gained at the host facility in a timely and educational manner. Prerequisites: ANS 147, ANS 153, and ANS 205 with a grade of C or better. One lecture hour per week and twenty laboratory hours.

Credits

3
1. Apply interpersonal skills within a veterinary setting. 2. Demonstrate professionalism in performance of veterinary assistant duties within a veterinary setting. 3. Complete ACT Programs Veterinary Assistant Skills Validation Check-List.

ANS 222 : Humane Euthanasia Seminar

This course covers the principles and practices of humane euthanasia as outlined by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Topics include effective and humane euthanasia concepts, methods of euthanasia, the necessity for euthanasia, the related personal and professional stress, understanding the grief process, and facilitation of compassionate client and staff communications and interactions. Elemental to the course will be the creation of a reflective e-Portfolio in which the student showcases their learning and exploration of personal awareness. Two lecture hours per week. Gen Ed Competency met: Human Expressions.

Credits

2
Upon completion, students should be able to: 1. Examine how the roles of animals have changed in society and family settings. 2. Define euthanasia, pain, and suffering in a veterinary setting. 3. Identify signs of the stages of grief and when professional intervention may be required. 4. Apply the steps of the grief process to euthanasia education and communication with clients. 5. Employ coping mechanisms for dealing with euthanasia related stress in personal and professional settings. 6. Evaluate euthanasia processes based on situational and species requirements.

ANS 240 : Animal Nutrition and Feeding

This course covers the fundamentals of animal feeding and nutrition. Topics include nutrient requirements and their functions, digestive tracts, diet formulation, and classification. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of appropriate feeding guidelines for a variety of animals contingent upon stage of development and disease condition. Students must have a "C" (73) or better in MTH 119, MTH 131, MTH 154 in order to take this class. (For Career Pathway, take MTH 154; for Transfer Pathway, take MTH 119 or MTH 131). Three lecture and two laboratory hours per week.

Credits

4
Upon completion, students should be able to: 1. Identify the classes of nutrients, their functions, and general feed sources. 2. Evaluate animal feed package labels and laboratory analysis, their meaning, and use in providing wholesome rations for animals. 3. Apply species-specific anatomy to the nutritional requirements, digestion, and feeding of animals. 4. Evaluate animal weight by using body condition scoring method. 5. Calculate daily energy requirements and ration formulation for animals. 6. Distinguish changes in nutritional requirements appropriate for age and physiological state in both healthy and diseased animals. 7. Recognize common feed-related medical problems and nutritional responsive medical conditions. 8. Communicate nutritional recommendations to support client compliance.