VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
DIPLOMA PROGRAM
INFORMATION BOOKLET
Revised: September 2015
Contents
UNIQUE AND SPECIALIZED TRAINING ... 1
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES ... 1
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ... 1
STEPS TO APPLY FOR AND BE OFFERED A SEAT IN THE VTEC PROGRAM ... 1
CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS IN THE VTEC DIPLOMA PROGRAM ... 2
INTAKE DATE/APPLICATION DEADLINE ... 2
Program Requirements Specific to VTEC ... 3
EARLY ADMISSION ... 4
CURRICULUM ... 4
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS ... 4
APPENDIX II ... 5
Frequently Asked Questions ... 5
APPENDIX III ... 7
Standards of Behaviour ... 7
APPENDIX IV ... 15
Program Entrance Questionnaire ... Error! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDIX V ... 18
Structured Reference Letter ... Error! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDIX VI ... 20
Task Observation Form ... Error! Bookmark not defined.
APPENDIX VII ... 22
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY (VTEC) DIPLOMA PROGRAM
UNIQUE AND SPECIALIZED TRAINING
Offering the only on-campus program of its kind in Greater Vancouver, Douglas College VTEC students study at the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam. This two-year diploma program includes both theoretical and practical aspects of providing small and large animal nursing, assisting veterinarians and performing laboratory, radiology and anesthesia procedures. The program is ideal whether you’re new to the field or someone with experience who wants a credential to upgrade their career options.
As the program is accredited by the CVMA and CCAC, graduates are eligible to write the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and thus qualify for registration in Canada and in many parts of the USA as Registered Veterinary Technologists.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The Veterinary Technologist (VT) is an integral member of the veterinary health care team enjoying a wide range of job responsibilities. The VT’s responsibilities include: animal handling, restraint and examination, vaccinations, injections, dispensing of medications, maintenance of clinic and owner records, client education, exposing and developing radiographs, dental prophylaxis, application of casts and splints, first aid and emergency procedures, IV catheterization, fluid administration, obtaining blood samples through venipuncture, clinical laboratory testing, identification of internal and external
parasites, surgical preparation and assisting, suturing, administration and monitoring anesthetics, and preoperative and postoperative care.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Many exciting job opportunities are available due to the diverse growth in the veterinary field and the shortage of professionally trained technicians here in British Columbia. Most VT’s are employed in private veterinary hospitals, but graduates may also work in animal shelters and rescue organizations, research and government agencies, zoological parks, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, aquariums, specialty veterinary practices, industry related pharmaceutical and pet nutrition companies and large farms or ranches.
STEPS TO APPLY FOR AND BE OFFERED A SEAT IN THE VTEC PROGRAM
Speak with AHT or VT (Animal Health or Veterinary Technology) graduates and veterinarians to ensure this is the right field for you
Visit the VTEC website and read the online Information Booklet which contains sample forms Attend an INFORMATION SESSION at Douglas College (dates and times on VTEC Programs and
Courses Page of DC Website)
Apply to be a Douglas College student (fee) and obtain a student number.
FORMS (TASK OBSERVATION FORM(S), STRUCTURED REFERENCE LETTERS, PROGRAM ENTRANCE QUESTIONNAIRE) needed to complete the admissions process are available on the VTEC website and you will have a period of time to submit these to Admissions, Registrar’s Office.
Complete ALL academic requirements (prerequisites), and consider post-secondary education or training in a related field (this will both help ensure your success in this intense program. Also, the additional experience will be given consideration in the admissions process)
Obtain a minimum of 80 hours of work or volunteer/work or observation experience in the
veterinary field, with a variety of species, both small and large. MORE IS BETTER –to ensure that we know about all hours, record them all and have a veterinarian, technician or qualified supervisor complete one or more TASK OBSERVATION FORMS
Submit two STRUCTURED REFERENCE LETTERS, one or both animal (and non-family) related Legibly and carefully complete the PROGRAM ENTRANCE QUESTIONNAIRE
Contact the VTEC Departmental Assistant (see Contact List on last page), an Academic Advisor, or the Registrar’s Office if you have any questions or concerns
Submit all application requirements, including completed FORMS, to Admissions, Registrar’s Office before the deadline.
If invited, successfully complete an interview
Reach the age of 18 years by the program start in September
CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS IN THE VTEC DIPLOMA PROGRAM The successful VTEC student:
is a team player, flexible, mature, and emotionally stable is able to withstand strenuous physical activity
is a lifelong learner, capable of self-motivated study is highly motivated and dedicated to his/her work
is able to communicate tactfully with a diverse population of individuals
is able to carefully follow verbal and written instruction; can think on his/her feet possesses good common sense
possesses some animal experience
is able to accept constructive criticism and perform self-evaluation activities which result in personal and professional growth
has access to reliable transportation (some practicum sites are not accessible by bus)
The following causes are identified as some of the reasons for students having difficulty in the VTEC program:
Lack of familiarity or knowledge of the veterinary field; many students have no idea of what they will be involved in.
Lack of ability in basic sciences or mathematics. Good study habits and organization are necessary to manage the heavy course load.
Students who have not taken higher level courses in secondary school tend to have more difficulty with the program.
INTAKE DATE/APPLICATION DEADLINE
There is one intake each year, in September. Completed applications with ALL required documents must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the application deadline.
Program Requirements Specific to VTEC
a) Applicant must be 18 years of age by the first day of classes in September.
b) PROGRAM ENTRANCE QUESTIONNAIRE – please submit in your own handwriting See Appendix IV in this booklet for sample form.
c) Two STRUCTURED REFERENCE LETTERS from non-family sources, at least one or both of which are veterinary or animal-related. See Appendix V in this booklet for sample form. d) Minimum 80 hours of veterinary-related volunteer or work experience (please provide
details). A TASK OBSERVATION FORM(S) should be used to record and have a qualified supervisor verify the tasks and hours, See Appendix VI in this booklet for a sample of the Task Observation form. (If you are already logging volunteer hours, a printed copy of the
sample Task Observation Form may be used).
e) Admission interview, by invitation only, by the VTEC committee.
f) Completion of the following documents will be requested only after the student is offered and accepts a seat in the program:
i) A satisfactory health assessment completed by a physician; ii) Current record of immunizations & TB Screening if necessary;
iii) Consent and authorization by physician to begin preventative rabies immunization series. This series available to Year One students during the 1st semester at nominal cost;
iv) Tuition deposit to confirm offer acceptance. g) Strongly recommended:
i) Attend a program information or orientation session. Free information sessions for this program are held throughout the year. To register, please visit the web page at http://www.douglascollege.ca/programs-courses/catalogue/programs/DPVTEC and click into the Upcoming Information Sessions “Register” tab;
ii) Computer skills – Windows, Word, Excel, email;
iii) A fee for Rabies vaccine of $50 will be required unless the student has an adequate rabies titre in which case the fee can be waived or refunded.
EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible.
CURRICULUM
The Veterinary Technology Diploma program is an intensive, full-time program that will require students to complete over 30 hours of classroom and laboratory work per week and a total of 22 courses over two years. In addition, it is intended that two summer terms of externship or Cooperative Education will be recommended to students. Practical courses utilize “Workplace Based Training” in which the college laboratory setting, public and private practices provide the environments for students to develop skills needed by a variety of veterinary employers. In this respect, the program has received the enthusiastic endorsement of both practicing veterinarians and registered AHT’s & VT’s.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
The following list is for information only. Please wait to purchase these items until directed to do so during your first year orientation. These items are not to be worn outside clinics, labs or hospitals. 1. Lab coats:
a) one clean, white, professional lab coat for clinics (Vet Nursing, Vet Clinics, rotations in vet hospitals) or to cover surgical
scrubs
b) one lab coat (used is fine, any colour) protective for “dirty labs” (Anatomy, Lab Procedures)
c) one lab coast (used is fine, any colour) protective for Microbiology labs only, to be laundered separately
2. Shoes:
a) one pair clean, white, professional, closed-toed as a) above b) one pair (used, any colour), closed-toed as b) & c) above 3. Stethoscope –high quality. eg. Littman cardiac-type (or Classic II) 4. Surgical scrubs:
a) one pair reserved for surgery only b) you may wear scrubs in clinics
5. Coveralls – protective, for large animal rotations
APPENDIX II
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY (VTEC) DIPLOMA PROGRAM Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have worked in a vet hospital for a number of years but I never took chemistry, biology or math in high school. Do I really have to take this to be admitted?
A: Yes you do. The prerequisite courses are in place to ensure you can be successful in the program as well as write the VTNE’s (veterinary technician national board exam). There is a lot of theory that requires some basic background in the sciences, including Math to calculate dosages, etc.
Q: I missed the deadline for application submission or I am still upgrading my courses. Can I still be offered one of 30 seats for this September?
A: No, only completed applications with all documentation submitted by the deadline will be considered. You can apply for the following year using the same documents, but you must let the Registrar’s office know that you intend to do this.
Q: When is your next information session?
A: Dates and times for information sessions are posted on the Douglas College website home page or found on a link through http://www.douglascollege.ca/programs-courses/catalogue/courses/VTEC To register, click into the Upcoming Information Sessions “Register” tab. They are usually held 6-8 times per year but not during the summer months. Information Sessions are held at the David Lam campus at 1250 Pinetree Way in Coquitlam, which includes a tour of the VTEC facilities.
Q: I have some volunteer experience and I am wondering if it is acceptable for the minimum 80 hours of veterinary volunteer/work experience that is required for admission?
A: The primary purpose of these hours is for the applicant to get a sense for the field of Animal Health or Veterinary Technology specifically and veterinary medicine in general. Thus, ideally, the hours will be spent in a veterinary facility, observing or working with an AHTVT, or at least a veterinarian. We recognize that there is still a shortage of VTs in B.C. so work or observation at a veterinary hospital or other veterinary facility is fine. Hours in large or small animal medicine are fine, but must be signed off by a supervisor who is ideally a veterinarian, registered AHTVT or vet tech, or even qualified veterinary assistant.
Q: What are my chances of being accepted into the program? Is it “first come, first served”? A: Because we have close to 200 applicants per year, your chances of being accepted into this very
competitive program will vary depending on your qualifications and the qualifications of other applicants. We use a “Preferential Admissions” process which means we don’t take the first 30 students that apply, but look at all the applicants that register and submit their completed applications before the application deadline. We then “score” all of the components of the application and offer seats to the top 30 candidates based on those scores.
Q: What do you look at for the Preferential Admissions process? How can I ensure that I am selected?
A: We have tried to look at a number of factors that contribute to success as a Veterinary
Technologist. All of the components of the application that are listed: the required courses and grades, additional post-secondary courses or degrees, the short answer hand-written
questionnaire, hours spent in the veterinary setting (volunteer, paid or observational), the
reference letters, volunteer and other animal or life experience. These are then scored and added. The top 60 applicants are offered interviews, and then this interview score is added to the other components of the applicant's admission score. We do look at extra educational experiences as well, and the applicant's knowledge of the VTEC’s role. The top 30 scores are made offers, and a waiting list of "alternates" consisting of the next highest qualified applicants is kept, in case someone cannot accept their seat. We developed this process to ensure that a good cross section of talented potential students can gain admission.
To ensure that you are selected, please try and gain as much experience as you can (the more hours, the better); get better than the minimum grades required wherever possible, and ensure that you have asked for references from the veterinary field that know you. As well, don't hand in a questionnaire with spelling and grammar errors, or in "text messaging style". Professional appearance and demeanor at the interview is also expected (jeans and chewing gum are not appropriate).
Appointments with Academic advisors are available to review your application and ensure that you have all components ready and "optimized" as well.
Q: What is the salary range for VTs?
Starting salary $13 - $17/hour ongoing and varies from $15 - $22/hour and up. Specialty practice technicians can make considerably more.
APPENDIX III
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY (VTEC) DIPLOMA PROGRAM Standards of Behaviour
While attending courses, including negotiated fieldwork, students are expected to: 1. Attend classes and discussion groups as scheduled, regularly and on time.
a) notify instructors regarding any issue that might interfere with your capacity to function as a student;
b) acquire any notes/materials missed due to absence before the next scheduled class.
2. Make arrangements to undertake the rigors of working as a student (daycare, emergency backup, financial assistance, necessary materials).
3. Complete assignments on or before due dates.
a) strive for high quality, consistent effort, and pride in presentation (neatness, spelling). 4. Adhere to the ethical standards of the program with respect to classroom behavior, field related
activity, interactions with student and instructor colleagues including, but not restricted to the following:
a) recognizing and accepting the limits of one’s competence and role as defined by the practicum setting;
b) respecting confidentiality of patients; following the NAVT Code of Ethics. 5. Work independently or collaboratively with other students.
a) communicate with others in a respectful manner; b) take self-responsibility for behaviour.
6. Study and prepare for class including: a) pre-reading;
b) arranging to meet with student colleagues and/or instructors for help as necessary; c) reviewing;
d) making an ongoing commitment to expand knowledge base including keeping abreast of current political and social affairs.
7. While on field placement:
a) work within the personnel policies of the practicum site; b) while on practicum work treat any relationship as privileged; c) use supervision as a tool for skill development;
d) maintain separation between personal and work life by arriving each day prepared to work; e) utilize supervision as a tool for skill development by seeking out feedback, and providing
supervisor with specific examples of attempts to utilize classroom concepts in practice; f) notify the practicum site and the college of any intended absence.
9. Complete self-evaluation exercises and documents as required.
10. Utilize the classroom as an opportunity to enhance learning and to contribute to the learning of colleagues by:
a) actively participating in discussions;
c) providing constructive feedback to others;
d) maintaining interest, energy level and positive commitment to task and process.
11. While attending classes or involved in fieldwork, it is inappropriate to use alcohol or other drugs during working hours or to report for practicum or classes while under the influence. The following is unacceptable:
a) observable impairment of psycho-motor behavior, judgment or speech, as a result of using non-medically prescribed drugs;
b) the smell of alcohol or other drugs on the breath or person.
12. Students are advised that personnel in the Faculty may share information in a confidential manner with each other regarding student performance or behavior that has implications for program and academic success.
APPENDIX IV
PROGRAM ENTRANCE QUESTIONNAIRE
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (VTEC)
FACULTY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Name: Student No.
Address:
Phone Number(s): (c) (h)
Please complete this form in your own handwriting and submit to:
Mail to: DOUGLAS COLLEGE, Coquitlam Campus
Attention: Rosemarie Bakker, Office of the Registrar 1250 Pinetree Way
Coquitlam, BC Canada V3B 7X3
Brief answers are preferred. If necessary, the back of the last page may be used.
1. Please briefly outline your experience (voluntary or otherwise) in the veterinary field.
2. Do you have any other animal experience? YES NO If yes, please give details.
3. Do you have any farm experience? YES NO If yes, please give details.
4. Please briefly describe any other work or volunteer experience below. Do you have any customer or people experience?
5. Please provide details of your current employment (if applicable):
6. Differentiate between the responsibilities of a veterinary assistant and a veterinary technologist.
7. What do you think would be the most rewarding part of being a registered Veterinary Technologist?
8. How did you respond to a bad experience with an animal?
9. Have you applied to any other VT or other veterinary related programs?
11. How did you hear about our program?
APPENDIX V
STRUCTURED REFERENCE LETTER
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (VTEC)
FACULTY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOG
Applicant Last Name:
First Name:
Student Number:
The above-named applicant is applying for admission to the Veterinary Technology program at Douglas
College. The information you provide on this form will be used to determine this applicant's suitability for
admission. The information will be kept confidential, unless required by law. Reference letters are of most use
to the admissions committee when they include frank, thoughtful comments about the candidate's ability to
successfully complete the program and become a successful Veterinary Technologist
.
Please be as specific as
possible. When answering the following questions please provide examples where appropriate. If you do not
feel you know the candidate well enough to make a valid assessment, please decline the invitation to act as a
reference.
1. How long have you known the Applicant?
____________ years, OR ___________ months, OR __________ days
2. In what capacity do you know the Applicant?
3. Please rate the Applicant’s work habits:
Attendance Unable to Judge Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
Punctuality Unable to Judge Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
Shows initiative Unable to Judge Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
Works independently Unable to Judge Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
Seeks/accepts feedback Unable to Judge Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
4. Please rate the Applicant's ability regarding communication skills:
Asks relevant questions Unable to Judge Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
Speaks clearly & concisely Unable to Judge Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
(Page 2)
Applicant’s Last Name: _________________________ First Name: ______________________
5. Please rate the Applicant’s ability regarding interpersonal skills:
Works well with others Unable to Judge Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
Treats people with respect Unable to Judge Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
Treats people with courtesy Unable to Judge Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
Demonstrates leadership Unable to Judge Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
Demonstrates patience with people
Unable to Judge Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
Demonstrates patience with animals
Unable to Judge Poor Acceptable Good Very Good Excellent
6. What would you identify as the applicant's particular strengths?
7. Do you perceive any particular areas of difficulty? (Please specify). Other comments?
Your name:
Title:
Company Name and address:
Telephone number:
FAX/email:
Signature:
Date:
Please place completed form in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal. Once sealed, you may return it to the applicant
or you may mail it directly to:
Mail to: DOUGLAS COLLEGE, Coquitlam Campus
Attention: Rosemarie Bakker, Office of the Registrar 1250 Pinetree Way
Coquitlam, BC Canada V3B 7X3
Note:
If this form is not received in our office by the Application Deadline Date, (or by the earlier date given to applicant), the applicant's file will be considered incomplete.APPENDIX VI
TASK OBSERVATION FORM
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (VTEC)
FACULTY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Dear Doctor /Veterinary Technologist:
The purpose of this letter is to introduce _____________________________________________ who is
applying for admission into the Veterinary Technology Program (VTEC) at Douglas College.
As an introduction into the veterinary medical profession, it is recommended that the applicant spend a
minimum of 80 hours observing how veterinary medicine is conducted in veterinary practice and related
fields. If you or a colleague have time to talk to a prospective student, it would be very helpful. The reverse of
this letter lists a number of tasks that we hope each student will be able to observe in order to gain a realistic
view of how the veterinary team operates on a day-to-day basis. The applicant is not required to “perform”
any of the tasks but only to observe them.
Thank you for your cooperation in this academic endeavor. With the proper exposure to the profession, many
of these applicants may go on to pursue a career in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology.
Your help is appreciated in identifying those individuals who will be eager and successful in following this
career path. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (604) 6360 or (604)
777-6322.
Sincerely,
Pauline Chow, DVM
Program Coordinator
Veterinary Technology Program
Faculty of Science & Technology
Both sides of this record must be completed in full.
Please return completed form to the applicant OR mail directly to:
Mail to:
DOUGLAS COLLEGE, Coquitlam Campus
Attention: Rosemarie Bakker, Office of the Registrar
1250 Pinetree Way
TASK OBSERVATION FORM
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (VTEC)
FACULTY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Student Name: _____________________________________ Student Number: __________________
Doctor or Technician:
Please place your initials next to the tasks once they have been observed. Not all tasks are required, but at least 70- 80% of these tasks should be observed.NURSING
______ Observe daily animal care (i.e., cage/run/stall cleaning, exercising, feeding) ______ Observe daily treatments of hospitalized patients (i.e., rounds, patient orders) ______ Observe administration of meds via the oral, injectable and intravenous routes ______ Observe physical examination
______ Observe client interaction (i.e., history taking, behavior or nutrition counseling) ______ Observe emergency triage
______ Observe euthanasia
______ Discuss the diagnostic points of a radiograph or observe ultrasonography (NOTE: Please DO NOT expose applicant to radiation)
SURGERY
______ Observe major surgery (i.e., open abdominal surgery, orthopedic surgery) ______ Observe minor surgery (i.e., draining abscess, debriding traumatic wound) ______ Observe dental prophylaxis
______ Discuss operation of a gas anesthesia machine ______ Discuss equipment sterilization and aseptic technique LABORATORY
______ Observe external parasites on the animal ______ Observe external parasites by skin scraping
______ Observe internal parasites and/or eggs under a microscope ______ Observe blood cells and/or urine sediment under a microscope
______ Observe in-house blood testing (i.e., FeLV, FIV, heartworm, serum chemistry) ______ Observe intravenous blood draw
FRONT OFFICE
______ Observe telephone procedures ______ Observe making appointments ______ Observe record keeping/data entry
______ Observe dispensing prescriptions and/or over-the-counter medications
I attest that _________ hours were logged by this applicant while observing these tasks at this
hospital/clinic/facility.
__________________________________________ _____
__________________________
Veterinarian’s/Technician’s Name (Print)
Date:
____________________________________ ___________
__________________________
Veterinarian’s/Technician’s Signature
Phone Number:
________________________________________________________________________________
Hospital/Clinic name & address:
APPENDIX VII
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA PROGRAM (VTEC) Faculty of Science & Technology
To apply to our program on-line, in person or by regular mail, please submit your completed application, together with your administration fee and official secondary and/or post-secondary transcripts to:
Mailing Address: Street Address:
NEW WESTMINSTER CAMPUS COQUITLAM CAMPUS
Douglas College Douglas College
Registrar’s Office Registrar’s Office
PO Box 2503 1250 Pinetree Way
New Westminster, BC V3L 5B2 Coquitlam, BC V3B 7X3
Attention: VTEC Diploma Program Attention: Veterinary Technology (VTEC) Admissions Officer
Street Address: Douglas College 700 Royal Avenue
New Westminster, BC V3M 5Z5
For further information about our Veterinary Technology (formerly Animal Health Technology) Diploma program, please search our webpage at
http://www.douglascollege.ca/programs-courses/catalogue/programs/DPVTEC (formerly Animal Health Technology), or contact our departmental assistant at 604-777-6360.
To donate to the VTEC Trust Fund, please contact: DOUGLAS COLLEGE VTECTRUST FUND
Foundation Coordinator 604-777-6176
