Veterinary Medical Technology Brochure

Veterinary Medical Technology

Wilson College provides rigorous study in the liberal arts and sciences to prepare you for careers in the veterinary world and other fields. Whether you plan to pursue a career as a veterinary medical technologist, work with zoo animals or attend veterinary school, the Bachelor of Science degree in veterinary medical technology (VMT) at Wilson gives you the skills and confidence you need to meet your goals.

You will develop skills in surgical nursing, anesthesia, clinical laboratory techniques, animal husbandry, animal restraint and radiology. The Wilson VMT major is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). All clinical tasks required by the AVMA are performed by the student in laboratory and clinical situations, such as taking and evaluating radiographs, taking blood samples, assisting in surgery, placing catheters and performing dental procedures. Graduates are eligible for the National Veterinary Technician Examination and individual state licensure.

A love of animals is not sufficient reason to major in veterinary medical technology. Students seeking a degree in VMT must have the appropriate academic background in high school mathematics and science to prepare them for the college-level courses required of this major, along with the essential mathematical skills necessary to understand and perform related tasks. Algebra I and II and geometry, along with biology and chemistry courses with labs taken in a college preparatory curriculum, can provide the necessary foundation for success in this major.

I DON’T THINK

THERE IS ANY

PLACE TO GET

A BETTER EDUCATION. All staff and faculty care about the whole student. It’s a beautiful, friendly environment for nurturing and growth.

There’s not a faculty member in VMT who doesn’t love their job.

Freya Burnett director of vmt

Facilities and Equipment The hands-on component of our VMT program is an important factor in the success of our graduates. With a laboratory animal facility; dog and cat kennels; a VMT barn for cows, pigs and sheep; and equestrian facilities on campus, students have consistent opportunities to interact with animals. While taking animal management courses, you will have the responsibility of caring for animals housed on campus, beginning in your first semester.

Wilson’s own Helen M. Beach ’24 Veterinary Medical Center boasts state-of-the-art equipment where students get experience with digital dental radiography, ultrasound, radiology equipment, multi-head microscope, transmission electron microscope and fluorescence microscope. In labs and clinical practice classes, you work in professional-grade facilities—including a two-operating surgical suite and clinical techniques lab.

Veterinary Medical Technology Program of Study Required Courses COM 110 Effective Speaking or COM 120 Interpersonal Communications VMT 115 Introduction to Animal Management VMT 210 Parasitology VMT 213 Clinical Practices I VMT 216 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology VMT 218 Animal Diseases and Nutrition VMT 220 Clinical Practices II VMT 312 Laboratory Techniques VMT 318 Pharmacology VMT 320 Laboratory Animal Science VMT 355 Veterinary Internship VMT 415 Clinical Experience Concentration in Veterinary Biology Additional Required Courses BIO 101 General Biology I BIO 102 General Biology II BIO 211 Microbiology CHM 101 General Chemistry I CHM 102 General Chemistry II CHM 201 Organic Chemistry I CHM 202 Organic Chemistry II MAT 103 College Algebra

Two of the following: Any 200- or 300-level biology courses BIO 230 Conservation Biology CHM 310 Biochemistry VMT 270, 370 Topics in VMT Concentration in Veterinary Business Management Additional Required Courses ACC 105 Principles of Accounting I BIO 101, 102 General Biology I and II or BIO 110 Contemporary Biology BIO 111 Clinical Aspects of Microbiology BUS 124 Introduction to Management BUS 220 Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management CHM 103 Fundamentals of General Chemistry CHM 104 Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry MAT 103 College Algebra PS 120 American Government or PS 202 State and Local Government One of the following: BUS 214 Principles of Sales Communications BUS 223 Marketing Management BUS 326 Personnel Management

A grade of “C” (2.0) or higher is required in each VMT course serving as a prerequisite for another VMT course.

Opportunities INTERNSHIPS Before graduating from Wilson, you will complete a full-time work experience in a veterinary practice or approved facility. A minimum of 240 hours is required for academic credit. Our students have interned across the United States and in many different facilities in countries outside the United States: • • • • • • •

Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Kentucky Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Virginia Equine Therapy Centre, Hartpury College in Gloucester, United Kingdom Livingstone Road Animal Health Centre, Sydney, Australia VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, Colorado (emergency vets) Virginia Wildlife Center Louisville Zoo, Kentucky

• • • • • • • •

Cincinnati Zoo, Ohio Johns Hopkins Hospital, Maryland Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania Animal Medical Center, New York Seeing Eye Dogs Internship in Alaska (veterinary care and treatment of native Alaskan species) Small, large and mixed animal practices United States Department of Agriculture (regulatory work, field investigations, etc.)

CAREER OPTIONS Graduates of the Wilson VMT program go on to pursue careers in many different practices and industries. Besides working as veterinary medical technologists in private practices, our alumni are employed in research and animal care facilities across the nation: • • • •

• • • • • •

Equine hospitals Zoos Research laboratories Wildlife rehabilitation centers (nursing care and treatment of numerous wildlife animal species, such as opossums, raccoons, bats, rabbits, squirrels and avian species ) Humane societies Pharmaceutical sales United States Department of Agriculture K-9 police officer Orthopedics Oncology

• • • •

• •

Shelter medicine Certified veterinary practice manager Certification in the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science Teachers of veterinary assistants; veterinary technicians; veterinary medical technologists Faculty at veterinary colleges and universities Veterinary technician specialists— dentistry, anesthesia, internal medicine, emergency and critical care, veterinary behavior, veterinary zoological medicine, equine nursing

GRADUATE SCHOOLS I can honestly say that the professors in the VMT department really want to see you succeed. This program is not easy. The professors really work to

HELP YOU BE

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science program in VMT have also chosen to attend veterinary school. Many of our graduates are accepted into veterinary school on their first attempt—a noteworthy accomplishment considering the significant competition for admission. The rigorous academics and high expectations at Wilson prepare students to continue and excel in their studies.

•

SUCCESSFUL,

•

but you have to put in the effort yourself. One of my favorite aspects of the VMT program is that it encourages you to

•

THINK

CRITICALLY, which is essential in the veterinary field. The program is great because even though you major in VMT, it does not mean you have to become a technician in a clinic.

ONCE YOU GRADUATE,

YOU ARE QUALIFIED

to work in research at a vet school, as a sales representative for a veterinary brand, or even work at a zoo.

Olivia Yusz ’11

• • • • • • •

Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Oregon State University Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine St. Matthews University School of Medicine St. George’s University The Ohio State University University of Georgia University of Pennsylvania University of Tennessee Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Students interested in veterinary medicine are expected to have sound training in the sciences and may also choose to major in biology or chemistry at Wilson. Requirements for entrance into veterinary schools vary considerably, and students are assigned a pre-professional academic adviser to help with the selection of appropriate undergraduate courses and offer advice about preparation for the Veterinary College Admissions Test and applying to veterinary schools.

VMT CLUB The VMT Club promotes the progressive and humane medical care of animals and is open to all students who have an interest in the health and well-being of animals, great and small. Activities throughout the year include fundraising events such as community dog washes and trips to animal care facilities. The club also schedules visits to such places as University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, the Animal Medical Center in New York City, and behindthe-scenes tours of major zoos, including the Washington Zoo and Pittsburgh Zoo.

PRE-VET CLUB This club is for pre-veterinary students who want to learn more about careers in veterinary medicine and gain valuable experience and support for veterinary medical college. The club focuses on trips to vet schools, lectures and other animal- and medicine-related activities.

Student Stories Graduates of the VMT program at Wilson have gone on to do incredible things in veterinary medicine. A number of them have gone to veterinary school and are veterinarians, while others have specialized in different areas of veterinary medicine. A recent graduate of our program earned degrees from Wilson College in both veterinary medical technology and equestrian studies. After graduation, she studied to become a veterinary technician specialist in anesthesia and is now practicing equine anesthesia and presenting seminars in equine veterinary anesthesia.

Two of our former students are now teaching veterinary students at Virginia Polytechnic Institute College of Veterinary Medicine in the areas of radiology and anesthesia.

One graduate of our program is practicing in equine surgical medicine at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, Va. Others have become practice managers in small animal, large animal or mixed animal practices, where they are responsible for managing an entire veterinary practice in addition to actively practicing their profession.

Many of our graduates tell of the wonderful experiences and rewarding careers they have found in the field of veterinary medicine. The opportunities for growth, change and lifelong learning are amazing.

FACULTY Freya Burnett Director and Professor of VMT Program M.A. in Psychology, Shippensburg University; B.S. in Math, Edinboro University; A.S. in Veterinary Medical Technology; Certified Veterinary Medical Technologist George Bates Associate Professor of VMT Program D.V.M., Kansas State University; M.S. in Microbiology, Colorado State University; B.S. in Biology, Kansas State University Tina Roles Instructor of VMT Program M.A. in Education, Wilson College; B.S. in VMT, Wilson College; Certified Veterinary Medical Technologist Tammy Ege Instructor of VMT Program B.S. in VMT, Wilson College; Certified Veterinary Medical Technologist; Pursuing M.S. in Animal Behavior

Benefits of a Four-Year Degree There are a number of benefits to obtaining a four-year degree in veterinary medical technology. The most important benefit is that a four-year degree offers the graduate a wider variety of opportunities after graduation. As a graduate of a four-year program you can choose to work in academia, where you could teach and practice in a program, for veterinary technology or in a school of veterinary medicine.

Other opportunities for the four-year graduate include employment in pharmacological research, biomedical and agricultural research, nuclear medicine and pharmaceutical sales, among others. A graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in veterinary medical technology can also consider specializing in various areas of veterinary medicine, such as equine anesthesia; critical care of large animals, small animals or zoo animals; veterinary practice management; humane society leadership; or any other area of specialization. In addition to the number of career opportunities, graduates of a four-year veterinary medical technology program can also consider attending a veterinary school.

One Exceptional Major, Two Distinct Concentrations Two concentrations are offered within the veterinary medical technology major. You can choose the concentration that matches your interests and career goals.

Veterinary Biology •

Prepares students for opportunities in clinical practice, education, research or industry.

•

Provides good preparation for entry into veterinary school.

Additional coursework is necessary to fulfill the prerequisites required for entrance.

An academic adviser assists student with course planning.

Veterinary Business Management •

Intended for students who plan to work in private veterinary practice.

•

Graduates will be able to function as supervisors or animal hospital managers, as well as a veterinary technologists.

I love being in the VMT program because it’s

HANDS-ON learning. The professors even make lecture classes fun.

Kate Johnston ’13

10-2013

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