1. WELCOME
FUTURE REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIANS

2. COURSE DESCRIPTION
VT 100
INTRODUCTION TO VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
• This is an orientation course which reviews the history, training and
career opportunities pertaining to Registered Veterinary Technicians.
• Animal behavior, handling, training and restraint will be discussed in
lecture then practiced in weekly laboratories.
• Laboratories will provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on
experience with domestic, farm, laboratory and non-domestic animal
species (when they are available).
• Students will be introduced to the medical terminology common to
the veterinary health care field.

4. TEXT BOOKS:
Required:
• Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians
7th Edition; Bassert & McCurnin
• Unlocking Medical Terminology; Wingerd
**Note: All terminology you will be tested on will be
presented in lecture or lab. Regardless of text used and
what you are tested on, aim to develop a deep
understanding of medical terminology.
Recommended:
• Small Animal Care and Management 3rd Edition
(2010), Warren
• Saunder’s Comprehensive Veterinary
Dictionary, Blood
• Medical Pocket Dictionary, Dorland’s or Taber
• Guide to Veterinary Medical Terminology
(1991), Cochran

5. STUDY AND PREPARATION
• See syllabus for outline of
lecture topics and reading.
• Plan to read these topics
before lecture.
• You will be responsible for
studying lecture material,
textbook assignments and
handouts.
• Pertinent course material will
be available on D2L.
• STUDY! STUDY! STUDY!

6. WHERE DO I FIND HANDOUTS?
WHERE WILL I CHECK MY GRADE?
WHERE WILL I TAKE MY QUIZZES?
Desire 2 Learn: https://d2l.losrios.edu/

7. IF I TOOK THE TIME TO SCAN AND POST A
DOCUMENT ON D2L THEN, YES, IT IS IMPORTANT
ENOUGH FOR YOU TO TAKE THE TIME TO READ IT
Desire 2 Learn: https://d2l.losrios.edu/

8. ATTENDANCE
• Be in class and ready to start on time
– Aim to always be present 5-10 minutes before start time
– Attendance sheet must be signed each class period
• NO MAKE-UP WILL BE GIVEN FOR MISSED LAB PRACTICALS
• Make-up quizzes and exams will be given in case of illness or family
emergency. MAKE-UP EXAMS MUST BE TAKEN BEFORE OR AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE NEXT REGULAR CLASS.
• No cell phones in class.
• If you are unable to attend class or lab:
– Leave a message at the lab number (916.691.7355)
– Text message to Dr. McQuarry (530.701.8453)
– Email (DrAlanaDVM@gmail.com)

9. EXTRA CREDIT
Opportunities offered throughout semester.
• Spend extra time in lab practicing animal handling skills. Must
document what you do and for how long. Must work in pairs or groups.
• Written report on a species not covered in class – include basic husbandry,
common diseases/conditions, techniques for restraint. Discuss with Dr.
McQuarry before starting.
• Client education handout on a common behavior concern (dogs, cats,
horses). Discuss with Dr. McQuarry before starting.

10. WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
• We are here to help and want you to succeed.
If you need help, please ask.
• Make flash cards of medical terminology and difficult concepts.
• Study with friends.
• Take breaks when studying to restore concentration and release tension.
• Apply (practice) what you learn as much as possible. This will help to
solidify your understanding.
• Don’t completely neglect the rest of your life – pay attention to your
family, your animals, your hygiene, and your mental and physical health

11. CRC HONOR CODE
• You will be asked to read and sign an honor code today
created by and for CRC students.
• CRC values academic integrity. It recognizes that individuals can
achieve their maximum potential only if they recognize ethical
dimensions of decisions and actions.

12. PLAGIARISM
• How do you define it?

13. • Plagiarism is defined as representing the words, ideas or work
of another as one’s own in any academic exercise.
• Can be word for word copying or failure to give credit for work
of another.

14. CHEATING
• How do you define it?

15. • Cheating is the act of obtaining (or attempting to) credit for academic
work through the use of dishonest, deceptive or fraudulent means.
• Examples may be copying another’s work on a project, test or paper
or allowing another to use your work as their own.

16. CHARACTERISTICS VETERINARY
TECHNICIANS LOOK FOR IN A CO-WORKER
(Informal and not statistically significant Facebook poll)
• Integrity in all areas
• Less drama, more concern for the pets.
• From an old RVT (since 1984): I agree totally that RVTs need to look
ahead for the vet. When I first started out the vets felt we were glorified
kennel help but there is so much more a tech can do to help the vet work
more effectively and efficiently.
• From an RVT standpoint, I think that the students need to start with
learning the basics of cleaning up first, in other words the less glamorous
side of the job and to realize that EVEYTHING you do is important to the
well being of the patient. I would encourage students to get part time jobs
in a vet practice and think that kennel duty is s great place to start. They
will get lots of hands-on with all types of animal behavior and learn better
ways to interact appropriately.
• Don't act like a 'know-it-all' when doing rotations, rather show an interest in
learning from those you are working with.

17. THINGS VETERINARY TECHNICIANS WISH
THEY HAD LEARNED/APPRECIATED MORE
WHEN BEING TRAINED
(Informal and not statistically significant Facebook poll)
• How to anticipate what the doctor needs, before the doctor knows
they need it
• How to adapt to different doctors’ styles
• How to work as a team...how to be the doctors right hand
• How to look ahead and see what the doctor will need for
procedures and emergency situations

18. CHARACTERISTICS DVMs LOOK FOR IN A
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
(Informal and not statistically significant Facebook poll)
• Attention to detail
• Able to handle upset clients or patients with grace and skill
• Adaptable
• Calm under pressure
• Enthusiastic about profession and client education
• Follows directions precisely
• Helps to create comprehensive, accurate, professional records
• Inquisitive, continually learning
• Meticulously and regularly cleans clinic
• Motivates and encourages co-workers
• Takes initiative in completing tasks
• Thinks about cases and tasks they are working on, keeps learning
• Technically skilled
• Develop a full appreciation of the job – it’s not just puppies and kittens.
• Strong communications skills are a must not only with the staff but
also being able to confidently speak with clients as well.