VTEC 2721 - Veterinary Technology Career Prep

Course Description

Students are introduced to new graduate expectations within the veterinary profession. Students explore educational options by investigating a variety of areas of interest within the veterinary profession, such as alternative medicine, and physiotherapy. Animal care topics include legal and ethical issues, animal welfare, alternative medicines and professional organizations within the veterinary field. As well, students develop the necessary tools to achieve longevity within the profession, which includes considerations in regards to mental well-being, and work life balance. Topics include professionalism, personal care and resume development and career management.

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate skill sets to present and conduct oneself in a professional manner within the veterinary field
Explore the variety of career options within the veterinary profession for a registered veterinary technologist
Recognize and navigate the roles an RVT plays in different types of veterinary practice
Describe the legal and ethical aspects of the veterinary profession and how they relate to technologists to provide high quality patient care
Evaluate and discuss animal welfare and ethical issues within the veterinary profession
Articulate the responsibilities in the veterinary profession relating to euthanasia
Explore the value of professional organizations and how they support the veterinary industry
Create a professional development plan to empower work life balance and professional longevity

AVAILABLE IN CANADA ONLY FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA OPEN LEARNING PROGRAM

Course topics

Module 1: Veterinary Technology Associations
Module 2: Professionalism and Legalities
Module 3: Work Environment
Module 4: Employment Opportunities
Module 5: Resumé and Cover Letter Writing
Module 6: Alternative Career Concepts
Module 7: Veterinary Technology Specialties
Module 8: Career Goal Setting
Module 9: Workplace Culture
Module 10: Human-Animal Bond and Euthanasia
Module 11: Animal Welfare and Ethics
Module 12: Career Longevity

Required text and materials

Note: Print versions of the textbooks are strongly recommended for all VTEC courses.

Students are responsible for purchasing the required materials on their own:

The following textbook would have been purchased in VTEC 1101. Students who did not take VTEC 1101 and/or don't already own the required textbook, will need to purchase it.

Bassert, J. M. (2018). McCurnin’s clinical textbook for veterinary technicians (9th ed.). Elsevier.
Type: Textbook ISBN: 9780323394611

Optional materials

Students may also find the following resource useful for looking up any terms in the course with which they are not familiar:

Merck Veterinary Manual

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 60% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.

Assignment 1: Analysis/Reflection—RVT Talk, Professional Associations, and Governing Bodies	5%
Assignment 2: My Ideal Work Environment	8%
Assignment 3: Navigate a Career Path	5%
Assignment 4: Draft Resumé and Cover Letter	5%
Assignment 5: Peer Feedback Resumé and Cover Letter	3%
Assignment 6: Final Resumé and Cover Letter	10%
Assignment 7: Communication/Education Document—Euthanasia and Grief	8%
Assignment 8: Liability and Ethics	10%
VTNE Prep Quizzes (3 × 2%)	6%
Mandatory Final Exam	40%
Total	100%

Prerequisites

VTEC 2113 with a minimum grade of C;

and

VTEC 2213 with a minimum grade of C

Open Learning faculty member information

An Open Learning faculty member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.