Veterinary Technology
20 courses · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
VTAH 100A Animal Care and Management
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 72-81 hours lab
This introductory course provides students with practical experience in the basic husbandry of many animal species. Students learn methods of housing nutrition and feeding, sanitation and hygiene in an animal setting. Students are actively involved in the daily care of the program's resident animals. Applicable veterinary medical and animal husbandry terminology is included. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology program.
VTAH 100B Advanced Animal Care and Management
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 100A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides students with significant responsibility in the resident animal care and advanced techniques in the general husbandry of many animal species. These techniques include advanced methods of housing or caging, nutrition and feeding, sanitation and hygiene in an animal setting. Students are actively involved in the daily care of the program's resident animals. Applicable veterinary medical and animal husbandry terminology is included. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology program.
VTAH 115 Veterinary Office Procedures
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture
This veterinary office procedures course is designed to introduce Veterinary Technology students to the development and facilitation of client care, staff management, financial guidelines, patient management and record keeping in a veterinary setting. Topics include: client and staff communication, veterinary medical ethics, veterinary logs and legalities, computer usage, medical math and financial management, and purchasing and inventory management in relationship to a veterinary establishment. Resume writing and job interviewing skills are also covered. Appropriate veterinary terminology is included. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 125 Veterinary Clinical Pathology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 140 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- VTAH 125L
This course provides Veterinary Technology students with an introduction to the clinical examination of blood, urine, feces, dermal, and other commonly analyzed samples found in the veterinary field. Topics include: the safe and proper collection of diverse samples, the safe and proper handling of samples, the various methods of sample analysis, and the significance of normal and abnormal results. The identification, life cycle, and clinical importance of ectoparasites, endoparasites, and fungal parasites are discussed. Appropriate stains, reagents, and terminology are included. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 125L Veterinary Clinical Pathology Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 96-108 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 140 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- VTAH 125
This clinical pathology laboratory course provides students with the opportunity to practice the principles and procedures of clinical pathology. Techniques for the safe and proper collection, handling, and storage of blood, urine, fecal, ear, vaginal, milk, and skin samples in various species are introduced and practiced by the student. Students perform analytical tests appropriate for each sample type and evaluate the results. Safe operation and proper maintenance of laboratory equipment commonly used in the veterinary field is stressed. Appropriate veterinary medical terminology is presented. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 135 Veterinary Pharmacology
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 145 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and VTAH 205 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides Veterinary Technology students with an introduction to the actions and uses of pharmacological agents: drug classifications, modes of action, indications and contradictions, routes of administration, and mechanisms of elimination. Dispensing and pharmacy management, as well as, the laws regulating controlled substances are covered. Students are expected to correctly solve medical math problems and calculate drug doses. Appropriate medical terminology is included. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 140 Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture
- Advisory
- BIOL 107 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 100L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course covers the fundamentals of veterinary microbiology and immunology. This includes the taxonomy, structure, physiology, reproduction, growth, and diversity of micro-organisms of importance in the veterinary field. Also covered are the basic techniques for culturing, staining, identifying, and controlling the various micro-organisms found in this field. Appropriate veterinary terminology is included. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 145 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 140 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This lecture course introduces the Veterinary Technology student to the comparative normal anatomy and physiology of selected domestic animal species. The eleven anatomical systems are covered and material presented ranges from the microscopic cellular level to the level of the full organism. Relevant application of structure and function to the clinical medical situations is addressed. Appropriate veterinary medical terminology is included with each system. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 145L Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Corequisite
- VTAH 145
This veterinary anatomy and physiology laboratory course provides the Veterinary Technology student with the opportunity to investigate and study the principles of normal anatomy and physiology presented in the corresponding lecture course. Techniques for the safe and proper dissection are introduced and practiced by the student during the extensive animal dissection. All eleven anatomical systems are studied through actual dissection or models. Relevant application of structure and function to the clinical medical situations is addressed. Appropriate medical terminology is included with each system. Animal dissection is carried out by each student. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 155 Fundamentals of Veterinary Technology
- Units
- 3.5
- Hours
- 56 - 63 hours lecture
This introductory lecture course defines the role of the Veterinary Technician in private veterinary practice, research institutions, regulatory agencies and zoos. Topics covered include basic animal care and management, identification of species and breeds, animal restraint and handling techniques, physical examination techniques, sanitation and personal hygiene, medicating, zoonotic disease risk factors, basic animal nursing skills, instruments and equipment, and identification of domestic animal breeds. Appropriate veterinary terminology is included. This course is designed for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 155L Fundamentals of Veterinary Technology Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 96-108 hours lab
- Corequisite
- VTAH 155
This introductory course utilizes demonstrations, laboratory exercises, group activities, and lectures to illustrate the fundamentals of veterinary technology. Course work fulfills the student's need to learn and practice "essential" and "recommended" tasks from the American Veterinary Medical Association's Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Task List. These tasks include animal restraint and handling skills, physical exam basics, medicating techniques, breed and species identification, basic animal nursing skills, surgical equipment and veterinary medical equipment identification, basic nutrition, sanitation/sterilization, and personal hygiene. Appropriate veterinary medical terminology is also included. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology program.
VTAH 205 Diseases of Domestic Animals
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 145 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- VTAH 125
This course provides Veterinary Technology students with an introduction to infectious, non-infectious, and zoonotic diseases and conditions of domestic animals. Material covered includes the etiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and clinical signs of each disease. This course also details any disease/condition-specific nursing care, treatments or diagnostic test methods. Appropriate veterinary medical terminology is included. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 215 Veterinary Radiography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 135 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and VTAH 145 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course introduces Veterinary Technology students to the use of radiography and role of radiography and other imaging modalities in the veterinary medical fields. Topics include radiation, x-ray beam production, intensifying screens, cassettes, grid usage, latent and visible image formation, film processing, alternative imaging methods, and legal requirements. Protocols for commonly used radiographic studies and introductory radiographic film interpretation are included. Special emphasis is placed on radiation safety for the patient and all personnel. Also included is the proper use and maintenance of all veterinary radiographic and processing equipment. Appropriate imaging terminology is included. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 215L Veterinary Radiography Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 145 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- VTAH 215
This course is designed to provide Veterinary Technology students with the opportunity to practice the concepts of radiology. The students utilize established veterinary positioning and technical protocols. They expose and process radiographs to develop a technique chart for commonly used veterinary radiographic studies, including contrast studies. The students also practice radiographic film evaluation techniques, radiation log production, and radiographic equipment maintenance. Darkroom procedures and practices that prevent artifacts are employed including equipment maintenance. An introduction to performing an ultrasound abdominal exam is provided including handling and maintenance of the equipment. Also included is an introduction to digital dental exam, including handling and maintenance of the equipment. Procedures and protocols for radiation safety of patient, handler, and equipment are stressed. Appropriate veterinary imaging terminology is included. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 225 Animal Nursing Techniques and Anesthesiology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 145 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This lecture course is designed to introduce the Veterinary Technology student to veterinary anesthesia, surgical and medical nursing techniques, dental hygiene, emergency first aid, and correct legal documentation. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate use of veterinary medical terminology to explain techniques of intravenous and inhalation anesthesia, surgical asepsis, instrument sterilization, patient monitoring, and pre operative, operative, post operative and after care nursing. Additional topics include fluid therapy, bandaging/splints/casts, and commonly performed medical procedures. Appropriate pharmacological agents are discussed throughout the course with emphasis on classification, dosage, method of action, method of administration, dispensing procedures and pharmacy management. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 227 Veterinary Surgical and Nursing Procedures Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 145 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and VTAH 155 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and VTAH 155L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VTAH 225 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This surgical nursing and anesthesia laboratory course provides students with the opportunity to practice the principles and procedures of surgical nursing and anesthesia. Topics include surgical asepsis, instrument sterilization, patient monitoring, surgical and medical nursing, dental prophylaxis, emergency first aid, bandages, splints, casts, catheters, suturing patterns, collection and analysis of clinical pathology samples, blood transfusion therapy and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Students calculate anesthetic doses, fluid drip rates, and post-operative medication doses and practice safe operation and proper maintenance of anesthetic machines, anesthetic-surgical monitoring equipment, crash carts, and laboratory equipment commonly used in the veterinary field. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 229 Advanced Surgical Nursing Procedures Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 135 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and VTAH 225 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and VTAH 227 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This lab course is designed to introduce students to the practical application of veterinary anesthesia, surgical and medical nursing techniques, dental hygiene, emergency first aid, and correct legal documentation. Techniques of intravenous and inhalation anesthesia, surgical asepsis, pre-operative, operative, post-operative, after care nursing and patient monitoring are performed by assisting the veterinarian. Instrument sterilization, fluid therapy, bandaging/splints/casts, and commonly performed medical treatments and procedures are practiced by each student. Appropriate pharmacological agents are discussed, and utilized including classification, dosage, method of action, method of administration, calculation, dispensing procedures and pharmacy management. Appropriate veterinary medical terminology is applied. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 260 Laboratory Animal Medicine
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 225 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
The course covers the use of animals in biomedical research with an emphasis on common laboratory species, animal welfare legislation and the philosophy of laboratory animal management. The course includes handling, restraint, husbandry, care and observation of laboratory species. Methods and procedures involved in laboratory animal breeding, injections, anesthesia, sample collection, medicating, nutrition, euthanasia and necropsy are also covered. Appropriate terminology is included. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 260L Laboratory Animals Medicine Laboratory
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 24-27 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 125L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or VTAH 225 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- VTAH 260
This course provides the Veterinary Technology student with the opportunity to practice the procedures and techniques of safe and proper animal restraint, anesthesia, injection techniques, and sample collection. Students also perform tattooing, ear notching and other procedures commonly utilized in the research setting. Students are required to perform a necropsy following established guidelines. Appropriate veterinary and research terminology is included. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.
VTAH 270 Veterinary Work Experience
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 54 - 216 hours other
- Prerequisite
- VTAH 115 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and VTAH 125 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and VTAH 125L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VTAH 135 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and VTAH 225 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and VTAH 227 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is for Veterinary Technology students to acquire on-the-job training in an approved veterinary facility. Students must complete a minimum of 240 hours (4 units) to graduate. This work experience course of supervised internship work or employment is designed to assist students to acquire career awareness, work habits, attitudes and skills related to the field of veterinary medicine. One unit of credit may be earned for every 54 hours of work experience. A maximum of fourteen credit hours for all work experience subject areas may be earned during one enrollment period. This course is for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technology Program.