VTEC 2721: Veterinary Technology Career Prep
AVAILABLE IN CANADA ONLY FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA OPEN LEARNING PROGRAM
Students are introduced to new graduate expectations within the veterinary profession. Students explore educational options by investigating a variety of areas of interest within the veterinary profession, such as alternative medicine, and physiotherapy. Animal care topics include legal and ethical issues, animal welfare, alternative medicines and professional organizations within the veterinary field. As well, students develop the necessary tools to achieve longevity within the profession, which includes considerations in regards to mental well-being, and work life balance. Topics include professionalism, personal care and resume development and career management.
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate skill sets to present and conduct oneself in a professional manner within the veterinary field
- Explore the variety of career options within the veterinary profession for a registered veterinary technologist
- Recognize and navigate the roles an RVT plays in different types of veterinary practice
- Describe the legal and ethical aspects of the veterinary profession and how they relate to technologists to provide high quality patient care
- Evaluate and discuss animal welfare and ethical issues within the veterinary profession
- Articulate the responsibilities in the veterinary profession relating to euthanasia
- Explore the value of professional organizations and how they support the veterinary industry
- Create a professional development plan to empower work life balance and professional longevity
Course topics
- Module 1: Veterinary Technology Associations
- Module 2: Professionalism and Legalities
- Module 3: Work Environment
- Module 4: Employment Opportunities
- Module 5: Resumé and Cover Letter Writing
- Module 6: Alternative Career Concepts
- Module 7: Veterinary Technology Specialties
- Module 8: Career Goal Setting
- Module 9: Workplace Culture
- Module 10: Human-Animal Bond and Euthanasia
- Module 11: Animal Welfare and Ethics
- Module 12: Career Longevity
Required text and materials
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. (2018). McCurnin’s clinical textbook for veterinary technicians (9th ed.). Elsevier.
Type: Textbook ISBN: 9780323394611
Optional materials
Students may also find the following resource useful for looking up any terms in the course with which they are not familiar:
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: Analysis/Reflection—RVT Talk, Professional Associations, and Governing Bodies | 5% |
| Assignment 2: My Ideal Work Environment | 8% |
| Assignment 3: Navigate a Career Path | 5% |
| Assignment 4: Draft Resumé and Cover Letter | 5% |
| Assignment 5: Peer Feedback Resumé and Cover Letter | 3% |
| Assignment 6: Final Resumé and Cover Letter | 10% |
| Assignment 7: Communication/Education Document—Euthanasia and Grief | 8% |
| Assignment 8: Liability and Ethics | 10% |
| VTNE Prep Quizzes (3 × 2%) | 6% |
| 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.
