2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Veterinary Technology
Career Cluster:	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

AS	
CIP Number	1351080800	
Program Type	College Credit	
Standard Length	73 credit hours	
CTSO	N/A	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	29-2056 - Veterinary Technologists and Technicians 	
Targeted Occupation List	http://www.labormarketinfo.com/wec/TargetOccupationList.htm	
Perkins Technical Skill Attainment Inventory	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/perkins/perkins_resources.asp 	
Statewide Articulation	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp 	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster. 

The content includes but is not limited to animal office procedure; animal pharmacy and pharmacology; animal examination room/area; animal surgical preparation and assisting; large and small animal nursing; laboratory animal procedures; animal radiology, and employability skills.  The curriculum also includes general course material such as computer literacy and use, applied mathematics, biological science, communications skills, fundamentals of microbiology, and humanities or liberal arts.  Applicants for the certification examination given by the Florida Veterinary Medical Association must be graduates of approved two-year programs.  Program approval is defined as being approved by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

Reinforcement of basic skills in English, mathematics, and science appropriate for the job preparatory programs occurs through vocational classroom instruction and applied laboratory procedures or practice.

This program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the health care industry; planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues and health, safety, and environmental issues.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 73 credit hours.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
04.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
05.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations as related to veterinary medicine.
06.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
07.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in veterinary healthcare.
08.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
09.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases.
10.0	Apply basic math and science skills.
11.0	Perform office procedures utilized in the management of a veterinary office.
12.0	Demonstrate an understanding of animal pharmacology by the proper handling and use of related drugs.
13.0	Perform under supervision, physical examinations, and laboratory procedures.
14.0	Assist with routine surgical and obstetrical procedures.
15.0	Prepare animals for surgical procedures.
16.0	Assist with anesthesia under supervision.
17.0	Perform surgical clean-up.
18.0	Perform large and small animal nursing techniques.
19.0	Perform specimen analysis laboratory procedures.
20.0	Perform parasitology laboratory procedures.
21.0	Perform microbiology laboratory procedures.
22.0	Perform necropsy laboratory procedures.
23.0	Perform cytology laboratory procedures.
24.0	Perform veterinary radiographic procedures.
25.0	Demonstrate research techniques on laboratory animals.
26.0	Apply knowledge of hospital management and equipment standards.
27.0	Apply knowledge of professional ethics, jurisprudence and professionalism.

2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Veterinary Technology
CIP Number:		1351080800 
Program Length:	73 credit hours
SOC Code(s):	29-2056

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and veterinary health occupations – the student will be able to:	
01.01	Identify the basic components of the veterinary health care delivery system including public, private, government and non-profit.	
01.02	Identify common methods of payment for veterinary healthcare services.	
01.03	Describe the various types of veterinary healthcare providers and the range of services available including resources for animal abuse and neglect. 	
01.04	Describe the composition and functions of a veterinary healthcare team. 	
01.05	Identify the general roles and responsibilities of the individual members of the veterinary healthcare team. 	
01.06	Identify characteristics of effective veterinary healthcare teams. 	
01.07	Recognize methods for building positive veterinary healthcare team relationships.	
01.08	Analyze attributes and attitudes of an effective veterinary healthcare leader. 	
01.09	Recognize factors and situations that may lead to conflict.	
01.10	Demonstrate effective techniques for managing team conflict. 	
01.11	Explain the impact of emerging issues including technology, pet insurance, epidemiology, bioethics and socioeconomics on healthcare delivery systems. 	
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively – the student will be able to:	
02.01	Develop basic speaking and active listening skills.	
02.02	Develop basic observational skills and related documentation strategies in written and oral form.	
02.03	Identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful communication including barriers. 	
02.04	Respond to verbal and non-verbal cues. 	
02.05	Compose written communication using correct spelling, grammar, formatting and confidentiality. 	
02.06	Use appropriate veterinary medical terminology and abbreviations. 	
02.07	Recognize the importance of courtesy and respect for patients and other veterinary healthcare workers and maintain good interpersonal relationships. 	
02.08	Recognize the importance of client educations regarding veterinary healthcare. 	
02.09	Adapt communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation including diverse age, cultural, economic, ethnic and religious groups. 	
02.10	Distinguish between and report subjective and objective information. 	
02.11	Report relevant information in order of occurrence. 	
03.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts – the student will be able to:	
03.01	Describe strategies for prevention of diseases including health screenings and examinations. 	
03.02	Identify environmental factors which affect optimal function of each of the major body systems.	
03.03	Identify behavioral reactions to illness including defense mechanisms. 	
03.04	Identify complementary and alternative veterinary health practices. 	
03.05	Explain animal nutrition in health and disease.	
03.06	Recognize the steps in the grief process. 	
04.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures – the student will be able to:	
04.01	Recognize safe and unsafe working conditions and report safety hazards. 	
04.02	Demonstrate the safe use of medical equipment.	
04.03	Demonstrate personal safety procedures based on Occupations Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations (including standard precautions. 	
04.04	Recognize Materials Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) and comply with safety signs, symbols and labels. 	
04.05	Demonstrate proper body mechanics and ergonomics to maintain technicians’ health and safety. 	
04.06	Demonstrate the procedure for properly identifying patients. 	
04.07	Demonstrate procedures for the safe transport and transfer of patients. 	
04.08	Describe fire, safety, disaster and evacuations procedures. 	
05.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations as related to veterinary medicine – the student will be able to:	
05.01	Monitor and record vital signs.	
05.02	Describe legal parameters relating to the administration of emergency care. 	
05.03	Recognize adverse drug related emergencies and take appropriate first aid action. 	
06.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures – the student will be able to:	
06.01	Define principles of infection control. 	
06.02	Demonstrate knowledge of medical asepsis and practice procedures such as hand-washing and isolation. 	
06.03	Describe how to dispose correctly of biohazardous materials according to appropriate government guidelines such as OSHA. 	
07.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in veterinary healthcare – the student will be able to:	
07.01	Describe the uses of computers in veterinary healthcare. 	
07.02	Define terms and demonstrate basic computer skills including billing and record keeping. 	
07.03	Recognize technology applications in veterinary healthcare. 	
07.04	Interpret information from electronic veterinary medical documents. 	
07.05	Identify methods of communication to access and distribute data such as fax, e-mail and internet. 	
08.0	Demonstrate employability skills – the student will be able to:	
08.01	Identify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the veterinary healthcare team. 	
08.02	Define basic professional standards of veterinary healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, confidentiality and behavior (i.e. courtesy and self-introductions).	
08.03	Identify documents that may be required when applying for a job. 	
08.04	Write an appropriate resume. 	
08.05	Conduct a job search. 	
08.06	Complete a job application form correctly.	
08.07	Demonstrate competence in job interview techniques. 	
08.08	Recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
08.09	Identify acceptable work habits. 	
08.10	Recognize appropriate affective/professional behavior. 	
08.11	Compare careers within the veterinary health science career pathways 	
09.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases – the student will be able to:	
09.01	Recognize emerging diseases and disorders.	
09.02	Distinguish between fact and fallacy about the transmission and treatment of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens.	
09.03	Apply infection control techniques designed to prevent the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
10.0	Apply basic math and science skills – the student will be able to:	
10.01	Draw, read, and report on graphs, charts and tables.	
10.02	Measure time, temperature, distance, capacity, and mass/weight.	
10.03	Make and use measurements in both traditional and metric units.	
10.04	Make estimations and approximations and judge the reasonableness of the result.	
10.05	Convert from regular to 24 hour time.	
10.06	Demonstrate ability to evaluate and draw conclusions.	
10.07	Organize and communicate the results obtained by observation and experimentation.	
10.08	Ask appropriate scientific questions and recognize what is involved in experimental approaches to the solution of such questions.	
10.09	Calculate ratios. 	
11.0	Perform office procedures utilized in the management of a veterinary office – the student will be able to:	
11.01	Make appointments.	
11.02	List state/federal health regulations and prepare health and vaccination certificated for signatures.	
11.03	Admit patients, take history, and maintain records.	
11.04	Demonstrate basic filing of x-rays, lab reports, etc.	
11.05	Demonstrate effective client and public relations in the receiving, discharging and educating clients.	
11.06	Demonstrate knowledge of First-Aid and CPR as they relate to animal care.	
11.07	Identify documentation procedures for responding to veterinarian medical emergencies.	
11.08	Practice basic cleanliness and orderliness in relationship to the on-going activity of a veterinary facility (including hospital, clinic, center, practice, laboratory, etc.).	
11.09	Demonstrate the knowledge of the technician's role in generation of veterinary practice income.	
11.10	Demonstrate basic bookkeeping.	
11.11	Demonstrate business letter and report writing.	
12.0	Demonstrate an understanding of animal pharmacology by the proper handling and use of related drugs – the student will be able to:	
12.01	Identify and discuss general types and groups of drugs.	
12.02	Label and package dispensed drugs correctly.	
12.03	Read and fill prescriptions.	
12.04	Calculate dosages.	
12.05	Store and handle biologic and therapeutic agents appropriately.	
12.06	Identify controlled substances.  	
12.07	Handle and record controlled drugs according to DEA regulations. 	
12.08	Describe inventory control.	
12.09	Prepare medications for administration and dispensing.	
12.10	Discuss the signs of adverse drug reactions.	
12.11	Use and explain appropriate routes and methods of drug administration.	
13.0	Perform under supervision physical assessments and laboratory procedures – the student will be able to:	
13.01	List "normal" temperature, pulse and respiration in all common species.	
13.02	Use proper medical terminology in oral and written communications as related to veterinary technology.	
13.03	Perform under supervision and explain to clients schedules, procedures, and types of immunizations.	
13.04	Identify common breeds of large, small, exotic, and laboratory animals.	
13.05	Demonstrate basic restraint techniques in animals (encaging and removing from cages, placing on and removing from tables, haltering horses and cattle, application of nose tongs, twitches, hog holders, Elizabethan collars, dog safety muzzles; bovine tail and horse leg restraint, bird restraint, and operation of cattle chutes.	
13.06	Demonstrate basic rope usage and knot tying techniques.	
13.07	Identify heart and lung sounds with stethoscope.	
13.08	Explain routine hospital procedures (e.g.  surgeries, dental prophylaxis, deworming, patient care, etc.).	
13.09	Collect blood, perform skin scrapings, and administer specific drugs under supervision of veterinarian.	
13.10	Obtain and record patient history.	
13.11	Describe training of companion animals and correction of behavior problems.	
13.12	Identify common grains, grasses, hay.	
13.13	Identify common poisonous plants.	
14.0	Assist with routine surgical and obstetrical procedures – the student will be able to:	
14.01	Explain routine surgical procedures and the veterinarian technicians’ role in each procedure: (See Section 5 Surgical Nursing in AVMA student Essential Skills list) http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/cvtea_appendix_i.asp	
14.02	Explain artificial insemination techniques and equipment in various species and the role of the veterinarian technician.	
14.03	Explain pregnancy evaluation in various species. 	
15.0	Prepare for surgical procedures – the student will be able to:	
15.01	Prepare surgical sites - aseptic techniques.	
15.02	Clean surgical instruments.	
15.03	Prepare sterile surgical packs.	
15.04	Prepare and use gowns, masks, gloves, and drapes.	
15.05	Sterilize instruments and supplies using steam and cold methods.	
15.06	Identify instruments.	
15.07	Operate and maintain autoclaves.	
15.08	Explain the use of common surgical closure techniques and materials.	
15.09	Position patients for common procedures.	
15.10	Arrange lighting during surgery.	
15.11	Demonstrate knowledge of alternative sterilization of instruments and supplies.	
16.0	Assist with anesthesia under supervision – the student will be able to:	
(See Section 4 Anesthesia in AVMA student Essential Skills list) http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/cvtea_appendix_i.asp	
17.0	Perform surgical clean-up – the student will be able to:	
17.01	Describe and perform surgical clean-up including equipment, surgical room or area, instruments, patient, personnel and proper disposal of waste and tissue.	
18.0	Perform large and small animal nursing techniques – the student will be able to:	
(See AVMA Essential Skills list for required skills) http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/cvtea_appendix_i.asp	
18.01	Demonstrate common injection techniques.	
18.02	Demonstrate common intravenous catheterization. 	
18.03	Maintain fluid therapy. 	
18.04	Describe and perform pre and post-operative patient care.	
18.05	Administer oral medication by means of dose syringe, balling gun, oral speculum in large animals; hand pilling - small animals and gastric lavage in small animals.	
18.06	Demonstrate bandaging techniques.	
18.07	Apply and remove casts and splints.	
18.08	Perform suture removal.	
18.09	Apply emergency splint application.	
18.10	Perform dental prophylaxis, using hand and machine techniques.	
18.11	Demonstrate understanding in therapeutic bathing, grooming, and anti-parasitic treatment.	
18.12	Demonstrate routine recordkeeping, care, and observation of hospitalized patients.	
18.13	Observe stomach tubing of dogs, cats, cattle and horses.	
18.14	Describe and perform intramammary treatment (mastitis therapy only).	
18.15	Implement patient and personnel safety measures.	
18.16	Describe and perform orphan animal care of small, large and exotic animals.	
18.17	Perform feed preparation and therapeutic diets for animals.	
18.18	Clean and care for cages, kennels, and stalls.	
18.19	Practice nail trimming for dogs, cats, and birds, and observe beak-trimming and wing trimming for birds.	
18.20	Practice equine leg and tail wraps.	
18.21	Express canine anal sacs.	
18.22	Practice blood collection.	
18.23	Practice ear cleaning and dressing.	
18.24	Observe enema administration.	
18.25	Demonstrate catheterization of urinary tract of canine and feline.	
18.26	Demonstrate emergency care of trauma patients.	
18.27	Clean, prep, and medicate wounds or abscesses.	
18.28	Apply topical medication to the eye.	
18.29	Describe nursing care of newborns.	
18.30	Care for and repair equipment.	
18.31	Prepare for equine vaginal examination and cervical culture.	
18.32	Demonstrate bovine mastitis testing.	
18.33	Describe the procedures and purposes for marking, tattooing, and microchipping animals.	
18.34	Practice physical therapy.	
18.35	Describe the principles of blood transfusion.	
19.0	Perform specimen analysis laboratory procedures – the student will be able to:	
19.01	Perform and demonstrate skill in specimen analysis.	
(See Section 6 Laboratory Procedures- Specimen Analysis- in AVMA student Essential Skills list) http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/cvtea_appendix_i.asp	
20.0	Perform parasitology laboratory procedures – the student will be able to:	
20.01	Perform and demonstrate skill in the parasistology.  	
(See Section 6 Laboratory Procedures- Specimen Analysis- in AVMA student Essential Skills list) http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/cvtea_appendix_i.asp	
21.0	Perform microbiology laboratory procedures – the student will be able to:	
21.01	Perform and demonstrate skill in microbiology:
•	Sample collection.
•	Bacteriology to include culture and sensitivity, identification of common bacteria, common biological tests and staining procedures.
•	Mycology to include fungal culture and wet mount and identification of common fungi.
•	Virology to include principles of sampling and testing.
•	Principles of immunology.	
22.0	Observe necropsy laboratory procedures – the student will be able to:	
22.01	Observe skill in necropsy procedures such as sample collection, storage and shipment, disposal of dead animals. 	
22.02	Describe euthanasia procedures and handling of rabies suspects.	
23.0	Perform fluid analysis laboratory procedures – the student will be able to: 	
23.01	Explain skill in the following:  Cytology:
•	smear preparation and staining procedures
•	basic cell identification (normal and abnormal)
•	Tissue aspirates and impressions
•	smear preparation and staining procedures
•	basic cell identification (normal and common abnormal)	
23.02	Assist in collecting, preparing, and evaluating transudate, exudates, and cytologic specimens.	
23.03	Prepare and stain bone marrow specimen.	
23.04	Collect, prepare and evaluate vaginal smears.	
23.05	Evaluate semen.	
23.06	Collect, prepare, and evaluate ear cytology.	
24.0	Perform veterinary radiographic procedures – the student will be able to:	
24.01	Perform and demonstrate the following radiographic procedures:
•	Implement safety measures.
•	Prepare and use technique charts.
•	Take and process diagnostic radiographs including small, large and laboratory, avian, and exotic animal positioning and techniques.
•	Use darkroom procedures. 
•	Replace or replenish developer and fixer.
•	Demonstrate film labeling, filing, and storage.
•	Maintain radiographic quality control.
•	Maintain equipment including hanging or storage of gloves or aprons, cleaning screens, detecting or suspecting faulty equipment operation.
•	Proper use of both stationary and portable x-ray machines.
•	Perform special radiographic techniques (including contrast media studies).
•	Discuss use of digital systems.	
25.0	Demonstrate research techniques on laboratory animals – the student will be able to:	
25.01	Explain basic principles of research, and necessity for use of laboratory animals.	
25.02	Identify and restrain common species of small laboratory animals.	
25.03	Determine sex of laboratory animals.	
25.04	Perform and/or supervise basic animal care procedures, e.g. feeding, watering, breeding, identification, and handling.	
25.05	Administer or inject drugs or medicaments using appropriate sites and routes.	
25.06	Collect body tissues or fluids.	
25.07	Demonstrate knowledge of gnotobiotic techniques.	
25.08	Perform oral dosing (intubation, blunt needle, stomach tube)	
25.09	Anesthetize laboratory animals.	
25.10	Identify common disease signs of laboratory animals.	
25.11	Identify species of non-human primates.	
26.0	Apply knowledge of hospital management and equipment standards – the student will be able to:	
26.01	Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of infection control, cross contamination, and zoonosis.	
26.02	Maintain inventory of supplies, medications and disposables.	
26.03	Demonstrate knowledge of personnel management, assignments.	
26.04	Determine personnel needs on each shift.	
26.05	Perform routine maintenance checks and monitor equipment use.	
26.06	Describe risk management techniques.	
27.0	Apply knowledge of professional ethics, jurisprudence and professionalism – the student will be able to:	
27.01	List the benefits of belonging to a professional organization.	
27.02	Describe the technician/veterinarian relationship.	
27.03	Discuss the legal framework of the healthcare occupations including scope of practice legislation.	
27.04	Explain practices that could results in malpractice, liability and/or negligence. 	
27.05	Demonstrate procedures for accurate documentation and record keeping. 	
27.06	Interpret healthcare facility policy and procedures. 	
27.07	Describe informed consent. 	
27.08	Explain the laws governing harassment, labor and employment. 	
27.09	Differentiate between legal and ethical issues in healthcare.	
27.10	Describe a code of ethics consistent with the healthcare occupation. 	
27.11	Identify and compare personal, professional, and organizational ethics. 	
27.12	Recognize the limits of authority and responsibility of healthcare workers. 	
27.13	Recognize and report illegal and/or unethical practices of healthcare workers. 	
27.14	Demonstrate knowledge of ethics and jurisprudence as related to veterinary technology.	
27.15	Describe a valid veterinary/client relationship.	
27.16	Describe laws governing veterinary medicine in Florida.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program.  These activities include instruction in the use of safety procedures, tools, equipment, materials, and processes related to these occupations.  Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students. 

Special Notes

AVMA Student Essential and Recommended Skills

In order to properly prepare students for certification please refer to Appendix I in the certification manual for the most up to date listings of Essential and Recommended skills required of students.  The list is updated at least once a year, because the list is updated more frequently than our frameworks in some standards you see a reference to the list to ensure you are teaching the most update material and not just was is listed in the framework.  Please use the link below to access the skills list.
http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/cvtea_appendix_i.asp

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan to meet individual needs and ensure equal access.  Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors.  Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education.  Accommodations change the way the student is instructed.  Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems.  Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Articulation

To be transferable statewide between institutions, this program must have been reviewed, and a “transfer value” assigned the curriculum content by the appropriate Statewide Course Numbering System discipline committee.  This does not preclude institutions from developing specific articulation agreements with each other. 

For details on articulation agreements which correlate to programs and industry certifications refer to http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp .

Program Length

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  The standard length of this program is73 credit hours according to Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.