Instruction on basic nutritional requirements, nutrients, additives and preservatives is given. Variations in nutritional considerations for different physiological conditions and for small and large animals are discussed. Normal rations and indications for prescription or specialty diets will be identified. The student will learn to make recommendations to clients and educate them as to their animal's particular needs.

Students will learn basic husbandry, common nursing care procedures and diseases of rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles and other exotic animals. Human health implications of handling and working with these animals will be discussed. Students will gain knowledge of regulations and protocols involved in working with laboratory and exotic animals. Discussion of Canadian Council and Animal Care Regulations is included.

Skills in personal management, professionalism, and communications with clients, coworkers and employers will be taught. Students will learn to provide client education and grief counselling. The student is required to discuss relevant legislation and provisions with respect to ethics and jurisprudence. Discussion on codes of practice, animal rights are included.

Students will develop proper anatomical and physiological terminology. Instruction of cellular biology and physiology will progress into an understanding of organization of cells into tissues, organs and body systems. A working knowledge of body systems will include basic components and functions. The inflammatory process and tissue response to disease or injury will be covered briefly. Students will receive hands-on instruction in necropsy procedures for small and large animal species. Proper collection, handling and submission of samples and transportation of dangerous goods is discussed or demonstrated.

Students will develop proficiency in care and use of lab equipment, performing dilutions, conversions and quality control. Features of bacteria, fungi and viruses are discussed and basic microbiological agents are covered. Students will learn to group bacteria and fungi according to staining results, morphology and characteristics. Practical microbiological procedures will be performed or discussed to help differentiate common microbiological pathogens. Important veterinary infectious diseases and their clinical signs, treatment and human health implications are discussed. Case studies will be used in presentation of course material.

Mathematical concepts that are frequently encountered by the Animal Health Technician will be covered and a working knowledge of common measurement systems and conversions is developed. Accurate calculations using correct notation and units are required.

Proper use of medical nouns, verbs and adjectives, includes background in root words and development of prefix, suffix and plural variations. Students will learn to provide definitions of medical terms and use correct abbreviations and symbols.

Students will develop communication and office skills to prepare them to work in the veterinary industry. Students will learn how to communicate effectively in both written and oral form. They will develop skills in office duties--basic financial transactions, filing, computer skills and inventory control. Students will develop a solid foundation of utilizing medical records to promote continuity of quality animal care.

Students will become familiar with the characteristics and purposes of various breeds of small and large animals and some of the non-traditional farm animals. Animal production systems and methods of individual identification for both large and small animals will be discussed.

Students will develop proper anatomical and physiological terminology. Instruction of cellular biology and physiology will progress into an understanding of organization of cell into tissues, organs and body systems. A working knowledge of body systems will include basic components and functions, gross anatomical features, common abnormalities, interactions with other systems, surgical and diagnostic imaging considerations and location and/or palpation in live animals or cadavers. The student will learn the names, location and function of important anatomical structures in common domestic animal species with an emphasis on the application of practical anatomical knowledge required for mastery of subsequent courses in medical and surgical nursing, x-ray technology, etc.