Associate in Science
Animal Sciences
Degrees and Certificates
-
Associate in Science in Veterinary Technology, -
Veterinary Assisting, Certificate of Achievement
Classes
ANSC 140: Introduction to Veterinary Technology
This course introduces students to the field of veterinary technology and describes the responsibilities and expectations for students enrolled in the program. Topics include: roles of the veterinary team members, legal and ethical aspects of veterinary practice, breeds of companion animals, safety, sanitation and waste-disposal protocols, and career fields in veterinary medicine.
Prerequisites
Registration in or a grade “C” or better in ANSC 142 and ANSC 142L. Credit for or placement in ENG 100 and MATH 101. Confirmed attendance to Windward CC veterinary technology information session.
Course Outcomes
- Describe the roles and legal boundaries of veterinary health care team members and discuss the legality of the veterinary- client-patient relationship.
- Identify and describe common workplace hazards, including zoonotic diseases.
- Establish and maintain appropriate sanitation, nosocomial, and waste-disposal protocols.
- Identify common breeds of companion animals.
ANSC 142: Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
Introduction to the anatomy and physiology of domestic animals. Compares the anatomy and function of major body systems for the cat, dog and horse, with lesser emphasis on birds, reptiles and amphibians. This course is intended for students entering veterinary technology, veterinary assisting or other animal-related fields.
Prerequisites
Registration in or a grade “C” or better in ANSC 140 and ANSC 142L. Credit for or placement in ENG 100 and MATH 101. Confirmed attendance to Windward CC veterinary technology information session.
Course Outcomes
- Discuss the chemical building blocks of major biological molecules.
- Describe the link between cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
- Contrast the structure and function of major body systems (e.g., skeletal, circulatory, respiratory, and reproductive) among companion animals and selected livestock species.
- Explain how disease and disorders disrupt the homeostasis of each of the above body systems and discuss how common veterinary medical treatments are used to restore homeostasis.
ANSC 142L: Anatomy of Domestic Animals Laboratory
Laboratory to accompany ANSC 142. This course is designed to acquaint the student with the body systems of common domestic species (e.g., cats, dogs, horses and birds) through dissections, examinations of models, laboratory exercises, and other hands-on activities. This course is intended for students entering veterinary technology, veterinary assisting or other animal-related fields.
Prerequisites
Registration in or a grade “C” or better in ANSC 140 and ANSC 142. Credit for or placement in ENG 100 and MATH 101. Confirmed attendance to Windward CC veterinary technology information session.
Course Outcomes
- Identify and describe the anatomy of the major body systems for cats, dogs and horses using prepared slides, skeletons, models and dissections.
- Use standard anatomical terms to describe body directions, regions and sectioning planes.
- Identify major anatomical landmarks used to assess patient health during physical exams.
- Demonstrate proficiency at the use of the microscope as a clinical instrument.
ANSC 143: Medical Dosages and Calculations for Veterinary Technicians
Introduction to Medical Dosages and Calculation for Veterinary Technicians. This course is designed to present the information commonly referred to as posology, which is defined as the study of dose and dosage in the field of applied pharmacology. This course will include, but not be limited to, the following: general mathematics used by veterinary medical personnel involved in calculating dosages of common drugs, reading drug orders and labels, and calculating intravenous fluid rates. Students will learn systems of measure, drug orders, drug concentration, conversions and different methods of dose calculations. The goal of this course is that each student be confident and capable of calculating correct drug doses regardless of the physical form of the medication. This course requires a strong background in algebra, the metric system, and an understanding of word problems. It is intended for students entering veterinary technology, veterinary assisting or other animal-related fields.
Recommended Preparation
Grade of C or better in MATH 25, 26, 28, 29, 75X or higher or equivalent, satisfactory math placement test score.
Prerequisites
Enrolled as a Veterinary Assisting Program student; Placement in Eng 100 and Math 100 level courses.
Course Outcomes
- Convert between standard and imperial units.
- Calculate correct medication and drug dosages for patients based on weight.
- Calculate appropriate Intravenous fluid drip rate.
ANSC 151: Clinical Laboratory Techniques
Provides students with the background knowledge needed to perform and interpret laboratory techniques commonly used in veterinary practice. Topics include: Homeostatic relationships, cytology, histology, parisitology and clinical physiology of major body systems. Includes a discussion of common disorders affecting major body systems and the techniques used for diagnosis. This course is intended for students entering veterinary technology, veterinary assisting or other animal-related fields.
Prerequisites
A grade of “C” or better in ANSC 142 and 142L.
Corequisites
Registration in ANSC 151L.
Course Outcomes
- Describe the procedures for safely collecting specimens from domestic animals.
- Discuss the clinical tests performed in hematology, urinalysis, clinical chemistries, and cytology.
- Compare the technologies used by automated hematology and blood chemistry machines and discuss their impacts on the accuracy and reliability of test results.
- Recognize accurate vs. erroneous results in order to provide maximum diagnostic benefit.
ANSC 151L: Clinical Laboratory Techniques Lab
Laboratory to accompany ANSC 151. Provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform common veterinary lab tests including urinalysis, hematology, blood chemistry, cytology and parasitology. This course is intended for students entering veterinary technology, veterinary assisting or other animal-related fields.
Prerequisites
A grade of “C” or better in ANSC 142 and ANSC 142L.
Course Outcomes
- Properly package, handle and store specimens for laboratory analysis.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of veterinary lab equipment (e.g. microscopes, blood chemistry analyzers, centrifuges, and refractometers).
- Determine proper maintenance and quality control procedures necessary to ensure accurate results.
- Properly carry out analysis of laboratory specimens, including urinalysis, CBC, blood chemistry and common cytological and parasitological procedures.
- Use critical thinking to analyze and interpret clinical data to determine if a need exists for additional laboratory tests that will provide useful diagnostic information.
ANSC 152: Companion Animal Diseases and Nutrition
An introduction to the common diseases and medical care of companion animals. Topics include identification, clinical signs and symptoms, and treatment of diseases affecting companion animals. This course is intended for students entering veterinary technology or other animal-related fields.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses.
Course Outcomes
- Describe the common diseases of companion animals and identify the life stage at which the disease typically occurs.
- List the clinical signs and tests used in the diagnosis of common companion animal diseases.
- Explain the medical treatments for common companion animal diseases.
- Communicate the information that a client or owner would need in the event that a pet was diagnosed with a specific disease.
ANSC 153: Companion Animal Nursing and Nutrition
An introduction to the husbandry and medical care of companion animals. Topics include: safe animal handling techniques, medical records and obtaining patient information, nursing tasks such as bandaging, administering medications, and sample collection. This class also discusses nutritional requirements of dogs and cats in all life stages and toxic substances. This course is intended for students entering veterinary technology, veterinary assisting, or other animal-related fields.
Prerequisites
Grade “C” or better in ANSC 142 and in ANSC 142L.
Course Outcomes
- Discuss energy and nutrient requirements for various life stages of companion animals and list substances that, when ingested, result in toxicity
- Describe how animal anatomy and physiology are integrated with animal behavior; compare normal, abnormal, and aggressive animal behavior; and discuss low-stress animal handling techniques
- Outline nursing procedures such as basic patient care and grooming, bandaging, sample collection, and administering medications and treatments
ANSC 153L: Companion Animal Nursing Lab
This course provides students with hands-on training in basic companion-animal exam and nursing skills. Topics include: animal restraint methods, medical charting and patient exam procedures, specimen collection, administration of medications, grooming and husbandry. This course is intended for students entering veterinary technology, veterinary assisting or other animal-related fields.
Prerequisites
Grade “C” or better in ANSC 142 and ANSC 142L.
Course Outcomes
- Safely and effectively restrain companion animals
- Gather subjective and objective patient information efficiently
- Perform venipuncture and collect diagnostic samples of skin, blood, urine, and feces
- Perform basic grooming such as bathing, nail trims, and ear cleaning
- Apply emergency splints and bandages & administer medications by various routes (IV, IM, SQ, & PO)
ANSC 190: Veterinary Clinical Practices and Internship I
Practical animal experience at veterinary clinics, zoos, research labs or other animal facilities. Topics covered may include restraint procedures, veinipuncture, vital signs assessment, radiological techniques, veterinary business and front-office procedures, routine nursing care and animal husbandry. This course is intended for students entering veterinary technology, veterinary assisting or other animal-related fields. Students participating in ANSC 190 are required to show proof of current health insurance and obtain a professional liability policy through their internship supervisor.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses.
Course Outcomes
- Perform required clinical competencies in assigned veterinary location(s).
- Demonstrate professionalism in attendance, attitude, and behavior.
- Discuss multiple aspects of veterinary medicine through case studies, guest lecturers, or other assignments.
ANSC 191: Veterinary Office and Computer Skills
Veterinary Office and Computer Skills covers the support skills needed in a veterinary office. Because veterinary office skills are critical in the success or failure of a practice, this course will emphasize the following: client communication, public relations, ethical and legal procedures, bookkeeping functions, scheduling, records management, and telephone skills. Students will be introduced to one or more industry-standard veterinary software programs as well as word processing and spreadsheet software.
Prerequisites
Registration in or a grade “C” or better in ANSC 142 and ANSC 142L. Credit for or placement in ENG 100 and MATH 101. Confirmed attendance to Windward CC veterinary technology information session.
Course Outcomes
- Contribute to a welcoming office environment that promotes accurate interactions with patients and clients.
- Work as a team member to deliver service in an ethical, compassionate manner, following the Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics developed by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians Association Ethics Committee.
- Perform introductory office administrative duties to insure up-to-date filing and retrieval of documents, data entry, billing and receipts, and inventory.
- Demonstrate knowledge of an industry-standard veterinary software program.
- Demonstrate introductory skills for a word processing and spreadsheet program.
ANSC 252: Diagnostic Imaging for Veterinary Technicians
This course covers the nature and use of x-ray technology in veterinary technology. Students are also given an overview of alternative imaging techniques (ultrasound, CT scans, and digital radiography), as well as an introduction to the radiography of large animals and exotics.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses.
Corequisites
Concurrent enrollment in ANSC 252L.
Course Outcomes
- Describe the uses and functioning of various types of medical imaging equipment.
- Implement and observe recommended radiation safety measures.
- Evaluate radiographic images for proper radiographic technique and patient positioning.
- Explain the clinical uses of alternative imaging technologies.
ANSC 252L: Diagnostic Imaging for Veterinary Technicians Lab
This lab trains students to safely and effectively use x-ray technology to obtain diagnostic radiographs of the skeletal- and soft anatomy of companion animals.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses
Corequisites
Concurrent enrollment in ANSC 252.
Course Outcomes
- Utilize radiographic equipment to expose and develop radiographic films in order to create diagnostic radiographic images.
- Properly label and file radiographic films and complete radiographic logs and reports.
- Utilize radiographic contrast agents to produce diagnostic images of urinary and GI organs.
- Perform radiographic techniques utilized in screening for canine hip dysplasia.
- Demonstrate proper maintenance and troubleshooting of radiographic equipment.
- Position companion animals safely and humanely for radiographic studies.
ANSC 253: Applied Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians
This course is designed to give students a practical knowledge of drugs used in veterinary medicine. Topics include drug classification, methods of action, calculations, administration, effects and side effects. Also includes a discussion of client education, drug safety, and federal regulations governing the purchase and storage of controlled drugs. Upon successful completion, students will be able to properly calculate, dispense, and administer medications, recognize adverse reactions and maintain pharmaceutical inventory and administrative records. This course is intended for students entering veterinary technology, veterinary assisting, or other animal-related fields.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses.
Course Outcomes
- Recognize groups of veterinary drugs, their mechanisms & actions, and clinically relevant side effects.
- Correctly interpret a veterinarian’s pharmacy orders.
- Accurately calculate, dispense, and administer the correct form and dose of a medication.
- Describe the safe and effective manner in which vaccines must be administered.
- Maintain a controlled substances logbook in accordance with local and federal laws.
- Explain federal and state regulatory guidelines for drug purchase, storage, administration, withdrawal, disposal and inventory control.
- Accurately communicate drug information and dosing instructions to clients in order to maximize safety, compliance with prescribed therapy and successful treatment of the patient.
ANSC 258: Clinical Laboratory Techniques II
A continuation of ANSC 151& 151L, this course provides students with additional instruction and hands-on experience with laboratory tests commonly used in veterinary practice. Topics include: 1) identification of internal parasites, 2) performance and evaluation of microbiologic and serologic tests, 3) collection & evaluation of cytological samples, 4) veterinary necropsy procedures. Included in this course is a review of the anatomy and physiology of major body systems and an overview of common diseases seen in veterinary practice. This course is intended for students entering veterinary assisting, veterinary technology or other animal-related fields.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses
Corequisites
ANSC 258L
Course Outcomes
- Distinguish different types of bacteria and the methods used to identify common bacteria in veterinary medicine.
- Identify and describe the life cycle of select internal and external parasites of companion animals, livestock, & exotic species.
- Compare the different aspects of the immune system and discuss immunologic testing commonly performed in veterinary medicine. .
ANSC 258L: Clinical Laboratory Techniques II Lab
A continuation of ANSC 151 and 151L, this course provides students with additional instruction and hands-on experience with laboratory tests commonly used in veterinary practice. Topics include: 1) identification of internal parasites 2) performance and evaluation of microbiologic and serologic tests, 3) collection & evaluation of cytological samples 4) veterinary necropsy procedures. Included in this course is a review of the anatomy and physiology of major body systems and an overview of common diseases seen in veterinary practice. This course is intended for students entering veterinary assisting, veterinary technology or other animal-related fields.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses
Co-Requisite Courses
Course Outcomes
- Properly package, handle and store specimens for laboratory analysis.
- Perform parasitological tests to identify select internal and external parasites of veterinary medicine.
- Collect, culture, and identify bacteria from animal tissues and perform sensitivity testing.
- Perform a postmortem examination of a non-preserved animal.
ANSC 261: Anesthesiology and Dentistry for Veterinary Technicians
This course will focus on dental anatomy, common dental diseases, and basic dental procedures. Topics will include proper charting, routine periodontal care, anesthesia, patient monitoring, analgesia, post-op concerns, and homecare for clients. Dental equipment and instruments will be reviewed in preparation for the concurrent lab (ANSC 261L).
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses
Corequisites
Co-registration in ANSC 261L.
Course Outcomes
- Explain all aspects of anesthetic monitoring.
- Understand the proper operation of anesthetic delivery equipment and monitoring instruments.
- Understand and integrate all aspects of patient management for common dental procedures in companion animal species.
- Identify and provide appropriate instruments, supplies and environment to maintain asepsis during dental procedures.
- Understand the principles of routine dental care and be able to make recommendations to pet owners.
- Recognize the levels of periodontal disease and how it affects a patient’s overall health.
- Identify normal dental anatomy of common veterinary species.
ANSC 261L: Anesthesiology and Veterinary Dentistry for Veterinary Technicians Lab
This course will focus on the clinical skills necessary for safe and effective anesthesia and dental prophylaxis of companion animal patients (dogs and cats). Skills such as intravenous catheter placement, endotracheal intubation, patient preparation and monitoring, and dental prophylaxis under general anesthesia will be stressed. The use and side effects of commonly used sedatives, analgesics and anesthetics will be covered. Postoperative procedures include patient monitoring and charting as well as client education for postoperative care.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses
Corequisites
Co-registration in ANSC 261.
Course Outcomes
- Safely and effectively manage patients during all phases of anesthetic procedures.
- Safely and effectively select, operate and maintain anesthetic delivery equipment and monitoring instruments.
- Safely and effectively operate and maintain dental equipment.
- Understand and integrate all aspects of patient management for common dental procedures in companion animal species.
- Identify and provide appropriate instruments, supplies and environment to maintain asepsis during dental procedures.
ANSC 262: Clinical Procedures for Large Animals
The student will learn techniques in large animal restraint, husbandry and clinical procedures and be provided some introduction to relevant large animal diseases. Biosecurity and public health will be discussed as they apply to large animal health care and husbandry. The course is appropriate for those entering animal husbandry, veterinary assisting, veterinary technology or animal science fields.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses
Corequisites
ANSC 262L
Course Outcomes
- Describe common zoonotic diseases of large animals as they apply to animal health and public safety.
- Discuss biosecurity and isolation procedures necessary in livestock operations.
- Describe the signs and treatment for common diseases of large animals.
- Explain anesthetic, surgical, dental, and recovery procedures for large animals.
ANSC 262L: Clinical Procedures for Large Animals Lab
The student will learn techniques in large animal restraint, husbandry and clinical procedures and be provided some introduction to relevant large animal diseases. Biosecurity and public health will be discussed as they apply to large animal health care and husbandry. The course is appropriate for those entering animal husbandry, veterinary assisting, veterinary technology or animal science fields.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses
Co-Requisite Courses
Course Outcomes
- Safely and successfully restrain various species of livestock for medical examination and procedures.
- Medicate, bandage, groom, and feed large animals.
- Successfully perform diagnostic sampling and imaging tasks on large animals.
ANSC 263: Exotic and Laboratory Animal Procedures
Introduction to the husbandry, care and use of exotics and laboratory animals. Includes discussion in common diseases, biosecurity, and public health as they apply to a wide variety of species, including those found in Hawaii and beyond. This course is intended for students entering lab animal medicine, veterinary technology, veterinary assisting or other animal-related fields.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses.
Course Outcomes
- Comply with national and institutional regulations regarding the housing, care, and use of laboratory animals.
- Recognize of exotic and lab animal species and describe the signs and treatments for common diseases of lab animals.
- Describe common zoonotic diseases of exotics and lab animals as they apply to animal health and public safety.
ANSC 263L: Exotic and Laboratory Animal Procedures Lab
Laboratory to accompany ANSC 263. Provides student training in restraint and handling, health assessment, and nursing skills of exotic and laboratory animal species. This course is intended for students entering lab animal medicine, veterinary technology, veterinary assisting or other animal-related fields.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses.
Course Outcomes
- Safely and humanely restrain common exotic and lab animals for procedures.
- Administer drugs and medications using appropriate sites and routes (IV, IM, SQ and Oral Dosing) to exotic and lab animal species.
- Humanely collect blood samples from exotics and lab animal species.
- Identify and describe the anatomy of the major body systems for exotic mammalian and avian species using skeletons and models.
- Explain anesthetic and recovery procedures in exotics and lab animal species.
ANSC 266: Veterinary Clinical Practices & Internship II
A continuation of ANSC 190, this course provides veterinary technology students with additional practical experience in a clinical setting. Topics covered include: advanced sample collection & handling techniques, dentistry, administration of medications, anesthesiology & surgical assisting, and advanced nursing techniques. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom learning with practical work experience.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses.
Course Outcomes
- Perform required clinical competencies in assigned veterinary location(s).
- Demonstrate professionalism in attendance, attitude, and behavior.
- Discuss multiple aspects of veterinary medicine through case studies, guest lecturers, or other assignments.
ANSC 271: Anesthesiology and Surgical Nursing for Veterinary Technicians
This course will focus on the clinical skills necessary for safe and effective anesthesia and surgery of companion animal patients (dogs and cats). Skills such as intravenous catheter placement, proper endotracheal intubation, patient and surgical site preparation, and patient monitoring under general anesthesia will be stressed. The use and side effects of commonly used sedatives, analgesics and anesthetics will be covered. Postoperative procedures include patient monitoring and charting as well as client education for postoperative care.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses
Corequisites
Co-registration in ANSC 271L
Course Outcomes
- Understand the proper operation of anesthetic delivery equipment and monitoring instruments.
- Explain all aspects of anesthetic monitoring.
- Understand and integrate all aspects of patient management for common surgical procedures in companion animal species.
- Identify and provide appropriate instruments, supplies and environment to maintain asepsis during surgical procedures.
- Demonstrate understanding of routine surgical procedures including surgeries in these categories: ovariohysterectomy, cesarean section, orchiectomy, laparotomies, and orthopedic procedures.
ANSC 271L: Anesthesiology and Surgical Nursing for Veterinary Technicians Lab
This course will focus on the clinical skills necessary for safe and effective anesthesia and surgery of companion animal patients (dogs and cats). Skills such as intravenous catheter placement, proper endotracheal intubation, patient and surgical site preparation, and patient monitoring under general anesthesia will be stressed. The use and side effects of commonly used sedatives, analgesics and anesthetics will be covered. Postoperative procedures include patient monitoring and charting as well as client education for postoperative care.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses
Corequisites
Co-registration in ANSC 271.
Course Outcomes
- Safely and effectively manage patients during all phases of anesthetic procedures.
- Safely and effectively select, operate and maintain anesthetic delivery equipment and monitoring instruments.
- Understand and integrate all aspects of patient management for common surgical procedures in companion animal species.
- Identify and provide appropriate instruments, supplies and environment to maintain asepsis during surgical procedures.
ANSC 290: Veterinary Technician Exam Review
This course prepares students for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Topics include test-taking strategies, formation of a study plan, and a review of topics from previous veterinary technology courses. Students enrolled in this course will develop essential test-taking skills by completing practice exams covering all major topics of the Windward CC veterinary technology curriculum.
Prerequisites
Admission in the Veterinary Technology Program and a grade of “C” or better in all completed ANSC courses.
Course Outcomes
- Develop an appropriate study plan and essential test-taking skills to prepare for the VTNE.
- Identify areas of competence as well as topics which require further study.