NEBRASKA COLLEGE OF TECHNICAL AGRICULTURE
Division: Veterinary Technology
Course Number:VTE 2322
Course: Introduction to the Veterinary Office
Credit Hours: 2
Instructor: Barbara Berg VT
Office: Vet Tech Bldg.
Phone Number: 367-5219
E-Mail: bberg1@unl.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This class provides an introduction into the Veterinarian’s office and the knowledge essential for
one working in this position. It focuses on the terminology used in the clinic that is important for
communication with clients, technicians, and veterinarians. Terminology expands into
knowledge of areas such as infectious diseases, Surgery, Zoonoses, Client Relationships, Animal
Care and Vaccinations.
TEXT: A Veterinary Medical Dictionary and Veterinary Hospital Management by Waltham
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:
1. The student will become familiar with the terminology used in the clinic.
2. The student will explore the significance of infectious diseases and Zoonoses for the patients,
owners and clinic personnel.
3. The student will study spaying and neutering from the aspect of client communication.
4. The student will become aware of routine vaccination procedures.
5. The student will become aware of routine office management practices.
COURSE OUTLINE:
I. Species, Genders and Breeds – Two Power Point Presentations and then a 50 question test to
take.
II. Veterinary Medical Terminology
A. Assignment One – Medical Dictionary
B. Assignment Two – hand out
III. Internal Parasites
A. Pet to People Worms – article
B. Tape Worms – article
C. Zoonotic Diseases in Humans – power point
D. DeWorming – article
E. Toxoplasmosis – article
F. Roundworms – article
G. Hookworms – power point
IV. Hospital Appearance – Chapter One; pages 1 - 12
A. Reception room
B. Laboratory
C. Examination Room
D. Rest Rooms
E. Decorating tips
F. Removing stains
G. Eliminating Odors
V.Mailroom Procedures (article & book)
VI.Emergencies and first Aid
A. First Aid Tips - PP
B. CPR – PP
VII.Drug Guidelines (book)
VIII.Spaying and Neutering (articles & book)
IX.Canine Care (Book)
X.Food Animal Care
A. Anaplamosis (article & Power point)
B. Anthrax (article and Bioterrism Power Point)
C. E-Coli (article)
D. Antibiotics in Agriculture (article)
E. Veterinary Hospital Management (Reading assignment)
XI.Feline Care
A. Veterinary Hospital Management Book pages 145 – 159
B. Feline bordetella bronchispetica (article)
C. Cat Scratch Fever (article)
D. Infectious Diseases and Vaccinations (Power Point)
E. Litter training – article
F. Ringworm - article
XII.External Parasites
A. Fighting fleas – power point
B. How to Prevent Disease spread by ticks - article
XIII. Office Communications
A. Veterinary Hospital Management: pages 13 – 25
XIV. Telephone Communication
A. Veterinary Hospital Management: pages 25-30
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION:
COURSE DELIVERY: Internet using the UNL Blackboard site. The information is provided
by means of Power Point Presentations and Reading Assignments both on the computer and
from your book. Some of the assignments are quite short, others are fairly long.
Attendance: Log on and work on assignments daily. (M-F) Expect to spend four hours a week
on the class. This is a 2 credit hour course, normally requiring two hours a week in the
classroom for 16 weeks and 2-4 hours a week outside the classroom.
Testing: There is an open book/notes quiz with each assignment.
Assignments: There are fourteen assignments. I do not have a deadline per assignment. Just be
sure all assignments are completed by the end next to last week of fall classes.
Conduct: Ethical and responsible adult behavior.
Academic Honesty:
All cases of cheating or plagiarism shall be handled at the discretion of the instructor and based
on the Student Code of Conduct (Student Handbook, page 65, Academic Dishonesty) and
Disciplinary Procedures. Students may be disciplined by receiving a course grade of “F”
Grades: See handbook or college catalog
Disabilities
Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the instructor for a confidential discussion of
their individual needs for academic accommodation. It is the policy of the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln to provide flexible and individualized accommodation to students with
documented disabilities that may affect their ability to fully participate in course activities or to
meet course requirements. To receive accommodation services, students must be registered with
the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office, 132 Canfield Administration, 472-3787
voice or TTY.