Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title VT 2910: Pharmacology and Diseases for Veterinary Technicians

Catalog Description

Credits 4
Hours/Week 5
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) Grade of C or better in MATH 1026
Other requirements Admission into the Veterinary Technician program
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

This course provides background in veterinary pharmacologic principles and management. Topics of focus include: common drug terminology, classifications of drugs, such as antibiotics and anesthetics, and mechanisms of drug action, the diseases common to our domestic species along with the pharmacological agents that are used to treat them. Basic skills and management of the veterinary pharmacy are also covered.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

December, 2025

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Common diseases of domestic animals
  2. Recognition and handling of veterinary drugs and vaccines
  3. Dosage Calculations
  4. Equipment used in dosage delivery
  5. Understand drug labels and product inserts

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Recognize groups of drugs, mechanism of action, and potential side effects.
  2. Review etiology and clinical signs of common diseases of domestic animals.
  3. Understand appropriate treatment choices for common diseases of domestic animals.
  4. Demonstrate appropriate routes and methods of drug and vaccine administration.
  5. Recognize appropriate equipment for proper administration of medications.
  6. Understand federal regulations for the storage, administration, dispensing, and disposal of veterinary drugs.
  7. Understand regulations governing prescription, over-the-counter, and controlled drugs.
  8. Prepare medication and administer them by common routes.
  9. Accurately perform dosage calculations.
  10. Read and write proper medical notation used to complete drug labels, orders, and records.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

The initial lab session explains and familiarizes the student with general safety hazards and safety equipment to the lab. During the pre- lab discussion, the hazardous characteristics of any materials used during a lab are discussed. In addition, if the lab involves any potentially infectious or zoonotic material, the students will be instructed on the proper use and disposal. The instructor will direct all students to where necessary protective equipment while working with any hazardous chemicals. A copy of Material Safety Data Sheets for chemicals used is available in the lab.