VETT 2160 Syllabus

Subject Code

VETT

Course Number

2160

Course Title

Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians

Prerequisites

VETT 1000 with a grade of C or higher, VETT 1010 with a grade of C or higher, VETT 1030 with a grade of C or higher, VETT 1060 with a grade of C or higher

Corequisites

VETT 1020, VETT 2130

Terms Offered

Credit Hours

Course Description

This course provides study in the area of veterinary drugs and medicines. Instructors place emphasis on classes and actions of drugs, calculating dosages, proper administration, and dispensing of drugs. Topics include general pharmacology, calculating dosages, pharmacy, and record keeping.

Course Outcomes

General Pharmacology

  • Define common pharmacological terms.
  • Differentiate between prescription and non-prescription drugs.
  • Demonstrate compliance with regulations governing prescription drugs versus over-the-counter drugs.
  • Discuss/describe groups and classes of drugs, their mechanisms, and clinically relevant side effects.
  • Describe the methods and routes of drug administration, and be able to explain when the use of each route is appropriate.
  • Describe/demonstrate how to safely and effectively administer drugs by common parenteral and enteral routes.
  • Recognize the safe and effective manner in which vaccines must be administered: recognize and explain common side effects.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with therapeutic foods.
  • Demonstrate compliance with all federal regulatory guidelines for drug purchase, storage, administration, withdrawal, dispensing, disposal, and inventory control.
  • Discuss the Controlled Substance Act.

Calculating Dosages

  • Accurately perform appropriate calculations, use weights and measures correctly.

Pharmacy

  • Discuss/demonstrate the procedures for preparing medications including counting, handling, packaging, and labeling dispensed drugs correctly.
  • Given a drug order, properly prepare medications for dispensing, including performing accurate calculations.
  • Read and follow veterinarian's pharmacy orders.
  • Communicate drug information to clients (e.g., handling, storage, administration, side-effects, drug interactions, safety, and reasons for use of drug).

Record Keeping

  • Demonstrate the ability to accurately record medical information.
  • Demonstrate understanding of regulations governing maintenance of controlled substance log book.