P.O. Box 278, Dixon, California 95620  |  (888) 499-8273  |  sjsnyder@vetstaff-edu.com

California RVT Curriculum

Session I:  Orientation and Math (18 hours)

Basic math, the metric system, conversions, dosage calculations and dilution problems are addressed.  General introduction to chemistry and biology are discussed.

  1. Metric system
  2. Conversions
  3. Dosage Calculations
  4. Dilutions

Session II:  Chemistry (27 hours)

Such courses provide a basic general introduction to chemistry and biology, basic math, the metric system, conversions, dosage calculations and dilution problems.

  1. General Introduction to Chemistry
  2. Elements
  3. Compounds
  4. Chemical Equations
  5. Ph Problems
  6. Chemical Reactions

Session III:  Biology (27 hours)

Such courses will include general biology and introduction to anatomy and physiology of organ systems as they apply to Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT).

  1. Introduction Biology
  2. Cells
  3. Tissue
  4. Organs
  5. Organ Systems
  6. Metabolic Cycles

Session IV:  Anatomy and Physiology (18 hours)

This course focuses on topics that are directly relevant to the field of veterinary medicine in anatomy and physiology of organ systems as they apply to RVTs.

Session V:  Veterinary Nursing (18 hours)

This course incorporates anesthesiology and anesthesia techniques; including equipment and equipment care and maintenance, types of anesthesia and basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Session VI:  Casting, Splinting, Bandaging and Suturing (18 hours)

This course covers casting, splinting and bandaging types and materials, different applications and uses.  The suturing segment focuses on different suture materials, patterns and instrumentation.  This session includes open reduction of fractures and tissue handling for suturing and surgical assistance training.

Session VII:  Laboratory Theory (12 hours)

Students learn the theory behind some of the most common laboratory procedures in veterinary clinics.  Students learn about hematology, cytology and histology.  Class discussion topics include infectious disease testing, cultures, urine and fecal testing.

  1. Common Laboratory Procedures
  2. Hematology, Cytology and Histology
  3. Testing for Infectious Diseases, Cultures, Urine and Fecal Testing

Session VIII:  Veterinary Nursing (12 hours)

This course focuses on dental prophylaxis and extractions, radiology and radiological safety, technique charts, anesthetic induction and monitoring.

  1. Anatomy of the Mouth for Different Species
  2. Dental Care
  3. Extractions
  4. Dental Prophylaxis

Sessions IX through XII:  Radiology (60 hours)

This course includes radiology, radiological safety, technique charts, anesthetic induction and monitoring and basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

  1. Radiography Machines
  2. Technique Charts and How to Use Them
  3. Processing Equipment
  4. Manual
  5. Automatic
  6. Related Anatomy
  7. Positioning
  8. Aids
  9. Positioning
  10. Radiation Safety

Session XIII:  Veterinary Nursing and Emergency Medicine (24 hours)

This course incorporates toxicology, infectious diseases and zoonotic diseases that are normally encountered in both small and large hospital settings.

  1. Diseases and Disease Producing Agents
  2. General Vaccination Protocols and Preventive Medicine
  3. General animal nursing
  4. Emergency Medicine
  5. What is Emergency Medicine?
  6. Most Common Emergencies for Different Species
  7. Emergency Protocols

Session XIV through XVI:  Pharmacology (54 hours)

This course incorporates pharmacology and dosage calculations, including definitions, commonly used drugs in different species and contraindicated drugs.

  1. What is Pharmacology?
  2. Commonly Used Drugs in Different Species
  3. Common Drug Reactions
  4. Contraindicated Drugs for Different Species

Session XVII:  California Jurisprudence, Hospital Procedures, Animal Behavior and Nutrition and Communications Labs (18 hours)

The course topics cover the California Practice Act, record keeping, inventory and ordering and exam room procedures.  Communications issues and marketing concepts are introduced. Students are exposed to legal and ethical issues that occur in a clinical and hospital setting as well as leadership and professional etiquette.  Students learn about small, large and exotic animal behavior as it relates to restraint and training.  Commercial diets and feeding practices as they apply to different species are discussed.  Students participate in a roundtable discussion format that includes role playing.  Topics of discussion include client greeting, invoice presentation, emergency situations, client and interoffice conflict and client education.

  1. California Jurisprudence
  2. Hospital Procedures
  3. Animal Behavior and Nutrition
  4. Communications Lab
Topics

Math
6%
Chemistry
9%
Biology
9%
Anatomy and Physiology
6%
Veterinary Nursing
6%
Casting, Splinting, Bandaging and Suturing
6%
Laboratory Theory
3%
Veterinary Nursing
3%
Radiology
20%
Veterinary Nursing and Emergency Medicine
8%
Pharmacology
18%
California Jurisprudence, Hospital Procedures, Animal Behavior and Nutrition and Communications Labs
6%