Animal Health Technology Courses
AHTT 1101 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology I (3 credits)
A course designed to teach both veterinary medical language (by the study of prefixes, suffixes, root words and pronunciation of words) and basic anatomy and physiology. Dogs, cats and other species are included to allow a foundation for more detailed systems reviews later in the semester and year. The gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems are begun.
Prerequisites: Admission to the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: 2/2
AHTT 1102 Veterinary Laboratory Procedures I (3 credits)
This course is designed to provide students with the necessary background to perform basic veterinary, clinical and laboratory procedures. The methodology for care and maintenance of veterinary laboratory equipment is covered, in addition to the materials and methods used to perform common diagnostic tests, sample preparation and submission and accurate record keeping. Diagnostic testing for, and identification of common small and large animal parasites and techniques for blood collection and catheterization are practiced. Students will also be introduced to basic Clinical Pathology including haematology, complete blood counts and urinalysis.
Prerequisites: Admission to the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: 3/2
AHTT 1103 Veterinary Care I (3 credits)
The components of the physical exam are reviewed and students will learn to ascertain basic medical history and vital signs of a patient, and how to record this data in veterinary records. Normal small animal behavior, pain assessment, safe restraint, caring for hospitalized animals, homecare and euthanasia will be covered. This practical course will allow the AHT student to try restraint, and basic nursing procedures. Basic pharmacology, fluid therapy theory (including calculations of correct dosages) and emergency procedures will also be introduced, and practiced.
Prerequisites: Admission to the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: 2/2
AHTT 1201 Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology II (4 credits)
This course includes further development of language skills and increases knowledge of the neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, sensory, and integument systems. Large animal (bovine, caprine, equine and ovine) components for all of the above are included. Vocabulary for communication in radiology, anesthesiology, parasitology, surgery, hematology and immunology is introduced.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1101
Lecture/Laboratory: 3/3
AHTT 1202 Veterinary Laboratory Procedures II (3 credits)
This course will further develop the above skills to the AHT level. Parasitology and microbiology are reviewed for all relevant species, with the emphasis being organisms relevant to companion (small) animals. This course will also include a review of necessary mathematics to succeed in the laboratory, and in test interpretation.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1102
Lecture/Laboratory: 1/3
AHTT 1203 Veterinary Care II (3 credits)
This course will detail the Assistant, AHT and veterinarians’ respective roles in kennel management, nursing procedures, veterinary radiology, anesthesia, dentistry and surgery. It includes practice in administering routine ocular diagnostic tests, cleaning ears and anal sacs, enemas, and other routine procedures. It introduces the methods of and positioning for radiology. It will include demonstrations of anesthesia with basic reviews of sedation, induction, maintenance and monitoring. Practice in IV, urinary catheterization and in use of feeding tubes will be obtained. Normal dentition of small animals and basics of prophylactic dental care, both home and in hospital will be learned. Surgical preparation of patients and instrumentation and post- op care are introduced. A one month practicum is part of this course.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1103
Lecture/Laboratory/Practicum: 2/3/5
AHTT 1204 Veterinary Pharmacology (3 credits)
Building upon the skills acquired in Veterinary Care I, this course will review the major drug classes and the proper handling of drugs in a veterinary practice. The latter will include instruction in record keeping, filling prescriptions and safety issues (WHMIS). Relevant pharmacokinetics for common drugs will be reviewed, and mathematics needed for safe pharmacology will be reviewed and practiced.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1103
Lecture: 4
AHTT 1205 Immunology & Veterinary Diseases (3 credits)
This course will introduce several causes of disease and the differentiation between bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi. Modes of disease transmission, prevention (including both large and small animal vaccines and schedules) are detailed. An overview of the causes, signs, treatment and prevention of common diseases in both large and small animals is included.
Prerequisites: None
Lecture: 4
AHTT 2106 Veterinary Dentistry (2 credits)
This course will review the basics of companion animal oral anatomy and health, with emphasis on normal dental formulas, life stage changes and preventative health. Students will also learn and practice techniques in routine dental prophylaxis, dental charting, and client education in home care and nutrition.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1101 Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology 1 AHTT 1203 Veterinary Care 2
Lecture/Laboratory: 1x 1 hr lecture; 1 x 3 hr laboratory; 1 x 6 hr intensive course(weekend day)
Offered: Please consult the Douglas College Course Schedule for the next available offering.
AHTT 2107 Clinics I (3 credits)
This course will consist mainly of group field trips to varied hospitals and facilities in the Lower Mainland. Experience in lab animal science, clinical pathology, radiology, anesthesia, restraint and ward care of small animals will be gained. Seminars and lab groups on campus will further round out this practical course.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 of the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: 1 x 2 hr lecture/seminar & 1 x 2 hr laboratory for 6 wks; then 1 x 4 hr veternary facilities placement for 6 wks; then 1 x 8 hr internship day placement 3 wks.
Offered: Please consult the Douglas College Course Schedule for the next available offering.
AHTT 2108 Veterinary Anesthesia (3 credits)
This course combines both theory and practical aspects of veterinary anaesthesia for both small and large animals. Topics include the calculation of drug doses, pre-anaesthetic patient preparation, administration of local anaesthetics, sedatives, induction drugs and inhalant anaesthetics, monitoring patients under general anaesthesia, detection and management of anaesthetic complications, as well as post-operative patient care and pain prevention. Knowledge and understanding of inhalant anaesthetic machines and monitoring equipment will also be covered.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1203
Lecture/Laboratory: 3 hours lecture / 2 hours laboratory.
Offered: Please consult the Douglas College Course Schedule for the next available offering.
AHTT 2109 Veterinary Radiology I (3 credits)
This course will detail all aspects of veterinary radiography. Topics will range from theoretical aspects of veterinary radiology and radiation safety to patient handling techniques.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1203
Lecture/Laboratory: 3 hours lecture / 2 hours laboratory.
Offered: Please consult the Douglas College Course Schedule for the next available offering.
AHTT 2110 Animal Behavior & Welfare (2 credits)
This course includes both the practical and theoretical study of relevant normal and problem behaviours of companion animals and client education. Discussions of ethical and welfare issues in both small, large and laboratory animals, and further practice in the safe nursing of aggressive and injured animals are also included in this course.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1103
Lecture/Laboratory: 1 x 2 hr lecture; 1 x 1 hr seminar.
Offered: Please consult the Douglas College Course Schedule for the next available offering.
AHTT 2111 Animal Nutrition (3 credits)
The course will examine the dietary requirements of companion and domestic animals and how nutrition affects animal health. Students will also be provided with the knowledge required to counsel clients on animal life stage and preventative nutrition and available supplements and foods. Enrolment is limited to students in the Animal Health Technology Program.
Prerequisites: None
Lecture/Laboratory: 2 hours lecture / 2 hours laboratory.
Offered: Please consult the Douglas College Course Schedule for the next available offering.
AHTT 2303 Veterinary Care III (4 credits)
This course will give students further practice in the clinical skills needed to be an effective technician. Theory and practice of intravenous fluid therapy, data gathering (ECG’s, blood pressure and vitals monitoring, blood and specimen collection, etc.), and relevant animal (including exotic, large and lab animal) behaviour and handling will be detailed. This course will include kennel and/or relevant volunteer duty. Professional ethics and workplace issues will be discussed.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1103 and AHTT 1203 and CMNS 1111
Lecture/Laboratory: Wks 1-4: 1 x 1 hr & 1 x 2 hr lecture; 1 x 4 hr laboratory. 4 hr laboratory Wks 5-12: 3 hr x lectures/demonstrations; 4 hrs x WLI placement. A 3 week internship placement will be completed at the end of the above course work.
Offered: Please consult the Douglas College Course Schedule for the next available offering.
AHTT 2304 Veterinary Surgical Assistance (3 credits)
This course will detail aseptic technique; review routine upkeep of surgical areas, packs and equipment; preparation of animal and surgical sites, anticipation of surgeon’s needs, and monitoring surgical patients. The technologist’s role in assisting in actual and simulated surgeries will be emphasized in addition to post-surgical care and client counselling.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the first year of the AHT program.
Lecture / Laboratory: 6 weeks: 3 hours lecture / 2 hours lab 6 weeks: 4 hours WLI in Veterinary Clinics 3 weeks: practicum / internship
Offered: Please consult the Douglas College Course Schedule for the next available offering.
AHTT 2305 Veterinary Genetics & Theriogenology (3 credits)
This course will emphasize basic genetics for the understanding of breed related disorders and to provide background for understanding and assisting clients in their decisions about their animals’ breeding programs. Breed diversity and recognition are reviewed. A review of relevant normal and abnormal anatomy and reproductive physiology of both small and large animals is provided. Students will learn the veterinary team’s role in assisting large animal producers in herd animal health and efficiency, as well as learning practical aspects of artificial insemination (A.I.), and semen evaluation. The small animal component will include a review of laboratory tests used, A.I., and dystocia.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1101 and AHTT 1201
Lecture / Laboratory: 2 x 2 hr lectures (with discussion groups)
Offered: Please consult the Douglas College Course Schedule for the next available offering.
AHTT 2307 Clinics II (3 credits)
This course will emphasize practical aspects of large animal veterinary technology. Topics will include handling and restraint, husbandry, anatomy, anaesthesiology, surgical assisting and preventative medicine of both equines and ruminants.
Prerequisites: AHTT 2107
Lecture / Laboratory: 4 weeks: lecture / lab 8 weeks: clinical / laboratory / field/ WLI 3 weeks: practicum / internship
Offered: Please consult the Douglas College Course Schedule for the next available offering.
AHTT 2309 Veterinary Radiology II (3 credits)
Further instruction and practice in radiology, with problem solving and special techniques, such as advanced diagnostic imaging, are emphasized in this course. Dental radiology, and the technologist’s role in the radiology of species other than cats and dogs is also covered in addition to patient preparation for both basic and advanced techniques in radiology.
Prerequisites: AHTT 2109
Lecture / Laboratory: 6 weeks: 2 hours lecture / 2 hours lab 6 weeks: 4 hours WLI in Veterinary Clinics 3 weeks: practicum / internship
Offered: Please consult the Douglas College Course Schedule for the next available offering.