Veterinary Aide Module 1 - Describe veterinary science and the role of animals in society 1. Define veterinary science. 2. Write a brief history of the domestication of animals. 3. Choose the top three issues facing the animal industry today and describe the effect of each on society. Module 2 - Describe the socioeconomic role of veterinary sciences on the livestock industry 1. Prepare a report on the history of the veterinary sciences, companion animal and livestock industry. 2. Assess the impact of companion animals on the veterinary science industry. 3. Discuss the role of the animal industry in the interaction of population, food, energy and the environment. Module 3 - Discuss the human-animal bond and its effects on human health 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Explain the human-animal bond. Discuss the positive health effects on people resulting from their interaction with animals. Discuss programs that use human-animal interaction as a therapy tool. Describe the characteristics of animals used in the animal-facilitated therapy programs. Describe national and local programs that use animal-facilitated therapy. Discuss grief-response and emotional impact of animal loss. Module 4 - Demonstrate the proper use of veterinary science terminologies 1. Define common veterinary and medical terminology. 2. Compile a list of prefixes and suffixes for veterinary medical terminology. 3. Categorize gender and species-related terminology. Module 5 - Identify careers in the animal industry 1. 2. 3. 4. Compile a list of major animal-industry careers. Describe training requirements for entry and advancement in animal-industry careers. Identify professional organizations and trade journals in the animal industry. Investigate career opportunities in the veterinary science, companion animal and large animal industry, and identify educational experiences needed to prepare for those careers. 5. Using American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as a reference, distinguish between a Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Technologist. Module 6 - Practice safety when working with animals and related equipment 1. 2. 3. 4. List the most common causes of animal related accidents. Discuss the importance of following proper safety precautions in the animal industry. Demonstrate safety procedures used in the classroom, laboratory and workplace. Practice safe procedures when working with animal-related equipment in the laboratory setting. 5. Practice safety precautions around animals. 6. Discuss the impact of unsafe procedures. Module 7 - Recognize normal and abnormal animal behaviors 1. Distinguish between instinctive and learned behaviors. 2. Recognize normal and abnormal behavioral characteristics of animals through observations. 3. Recognize signs of aggressive animal behaviors. 4. Identify behavioral problems in animals. 5. Describe animal behavioral changes due to aging. Module 8 - Restrain and control companion and livestock animals 1. 2. 3. 4. Recognize signs of aggressive behaviors in animals. Explain the appropriate restraining methods for specified behaviors. Match the appropriate level of restraint needed for a given animal and situation. Demonstrate verbally and physically restraining animals, including: a. place, remove and restrain a caged animal b. restrain a tabled small animal c. apply a muzzle, E-collar and restraint pole 5. Demonstrate the appropriate restraining methods for the following large animals: a. halter, tie and lead horses and cattle b. apply twitch, nose tongs c. restrain sheep and swine d. load large animals 6. Discuss use of chemical restraints of animals. 7. Describe complications encountered when restraining animals. Module 9 - Identify common breeds of companion animals 1. Identify canine breeds and list breed characteristics. 2. Identify feline breeds and list breed characteristics. 3. Identify breeds of rabbits and list their primary use. Module 10 - Investigate the common husbandry practices and daily care of several species of companion animals. 1. Describe techniques of caring for canine breeds. 2. Describe techniques of caring for feline breeds. 3. Describe techniques used in the care of rabbits. 4. Describe techniques used in the care of hamsters. 5. Describe techniques used in the care of gerbils. 6. Describe techniques used in the care of rats and mice. 7. Describe techniques used in the care of bovine. 8. Describe techniques used in the care of ovine. 9. Describe techniques used in the care of caprine. 10. Describe techniques used in the care of porcine. 11. Describe techniques used in the care of equine. 12. Describe techniques used in the care of llamas (cameline). 13. Describe techniques used in the care of poultry. Module 11- Clinical Experience