Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is designed to give the student hands-on experience by working on actual animal cases in a clinical veterinary setting.   Students will be able to gain confidence in their abilities and develop increased proficiency in these clinical rotations.

VT272 is designed for second year veterinary technology students and is a graduation requirement for the Associates Degree in Applied Sciences in Veterinary Technology. 

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to: 

1. Exhibit professionalism, initiative, positive interpersonal skills, teamwork, respect and integrity in all interactions with staff and clients.
2. Identify areas for improvement (in hands on skill and/or knowledge base) through self-reflection and analysis.
3. Obtain patient history, measure vital signs and perform basic procedures without direct oversight by a licensed veterinarian.
4. Recognize and respond appropriately to animal patients in compromised states.
5. Assist veterinarians in a wide variety of clinical situations, including at least three of the following: anesthesia, surgical assisting, laboratory procedures, radiography and routine animal nursing.

This is a four-credit-hour course that meets for twelve-lab hours per week. Students are matched to a veterinary hospital or clinic for the course practicum. The match is determined by the course instructor. Each student is expected to attend 120 total hours at the clinical site.

1. Demonstrate competency and the ability to perform clinical and administrative functions of the clinical site under direct supervision. 
2. Receive a satisfactory performance evaluation from their clinical supervisor.
3. Submit the following documents to the course instructor:
   • Signed and verified time card showing 120 completed clinical hours
   • Scheduled communications per syllabus with the course instructor 
   • Self-assessment survey
   • Clinical site assessment survey

Clinical Skills: student will practice skills learned in previous courses, including the following areas:

1. Anesthesia, such as endotracheal intubation, induction of anesthesia, and anesthetic monitoring, etc.
2. Surgical nursing, such as surgical assisting, patient prep, instrument cleaning and prep, etc.
3. Dentistry, such as obtaining diagnostic dental radiographs and performing COHATs (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment), etc.
4. Radiography, such as accurate radiographic positioning, obtaining diagnostic radiographic images, etc.
5. Laboratory, such as performance of fecal parasite testing, complete blood counts, urinalyses, etc.
6. Nursing, such as preparation and administration of medications by approved routes, filling and dispensing prescriptions, patient monitoring and care, etc.

Professionalism and Communication

1. Follow all protocols specific to the clinical site.
2. Adhere to the standards in the Oregon Veterinary Practice Act. 
3. Effectively communicate in the professional setting and within the interdisciplinary team.
4. Demonstrate the ability to provide an empathetic and supportive role in patient care and client communication. 
5. Maintain patient medical records and document in a timely and accurate manner.