VTEC 2713: Veterinary Technology Surgical Assistant
AVAILABLE IN CANADA ONLY FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA OPEN LEARNING PROGRAM
Students develop a practical understanding of the principles and techniques of sterility, surgical instruments, operating room conduct and the role of the veterinary technologist in a surgical setting. Topics include cleaning and maintenance, surgical pack preparation, suturing, fluid rates and requirements, and per and post-operative considerations. Students implement surgical principles and techniques within the operating room.
Learning outcomes
- Recognize the principles of asepsis and apply them appropriately
- Operate an autoclave and explain its role and purpose in preparing equipment for surgical procedures
- Identify surgical instruments and explain their function, as well as proper procedures for cleaning and maintenance
- Demonstrate personnel, patient and surgical pack preparation
- Identify suture material, needles and demonstrate suture patterns
- Calculate fluid rates and discuss fluid requirements for patients
- Discuss pre and post-operative considerations for surgical patients
- Describe surgical procedures for canine and feline ovariohysterectomy (OVH) and castration
- Demonstrate competency in the practical surgical assistant skills of a veterinary technologist in an operatory suite
- Maintain accurate patient records and logs for surgical patients
- Effectively communicate verbal and written home care instructions with clients
- Calculate fluid rates and demonstrate the operation of the fluid pimp machine
Course topics
- Module 1: Surgical Suite, Physical Plant & Maintenance
- Module 2: Asepsis
- Module 3: Surgical Packs and Instruments
- Module 4: Preparation of OR Personnel
- Module 5: Patient Preparation & Draping
- Module 6: Personnel Roles
- Module 7: Sutures – Materials, Needles and Selection
- Module 8: Pre-op & Post-op Considerations
- Module 9: Fluids
- Module 10: Selected Surgical Procedures
Required text and materials
The following materials are required for this course:
- Tear, M. (2022). Small animal surgical nursing (4th ed). Elsevier.
Type: Textbook. ISBN 978-0-323-75913-7
The following textbook would have been purchased in VTEC 1101. Students who did not take VTEC 1101 and/or don't already own the required textbook, will need to purchase it. To do so, please contact Enrolment Services at student@tru.ca or 1.800.663.9711 (toll-free in Canada), 250.852.7000 (Kamloops, BC), and 1.250.852.7000 (International).
- Bassert, J. M. (2022). McCurnin’s clinical textbook for veterinary technicians (10th ed.). Elsevier.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780323722001
Additional Resources:
Students may also find the following resource useful for looking up any terms in the course with which are not familiar:
- Aiello, S. E., & Moses, M. A. (Eds.). (2016). The Merck veterinary manual 11th ed.). Merck & Co.
Type: Textbook. ISBN-13: 978-0911910612 (This textbook is available online at: Merck Manual, Veterinary Manual)
Required Lab Equipment (at the placement location):
- Camera and tripod
- Gravity displacement autoclave
- Standard surgical instruments
- Ultrasonic cleaner
- Surgical drapes (paper and/or linen) and steripeel
- Huck towels
- Microchip scanner and microchip
- Infusion pump
- Surgical prep solutions and scrubs
Additional requirements
Students will also need the following:
- A computer with Internet Access
- A video recording device
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 60% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
| Assignment 1: Critique of Surgical Suite | 5% |
| Quiz 1: Asepsis and Autoclaves | 4% |
| Assignment 2: Surgical Packs | 5% |
| Quiz 2: Surgical Packs and Instruments | 4% |
| Assignment 3: Personnel Prep - Part 1 | 1.5% |
| Assignment 3: Personnel Prep - Part 2 and 3 | 3.5% |
| Assignment 4: Patient Prep and Draping - Part 1 | 1.5% |
| Assignment 4: Patient Prep and Draping - Part 2, 3, 4 and 5 | 3.5% |
| Quiz 3: Personnel/Patient Prep and Draping | 4% |
| Assignment 5: Personnel Role Checklist/SOP | 5% |
| Assignment 6: Suturing - Part 1 | 1.5% |
| Assignment 6: Suturing - Part 2, 3, 4 and 5 | 3.5% |
| Quiz 4: Sutures | 4% |
| Quiz 5: Pre- and Post-Op | 4% |
| Assignment 7: Fluid Setup | 5% |
| Assignment 8: Case Study and Patient Record | 5% |
| Mandatory Final Exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
