Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

Jenni Hranek
VETE 4409 Capstone
Tarleton State University
April 21, 2016

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

2

Abstract
Technology, communication, social responsibility, professional development,
professional activities, and career exploration are the foundations on which the Bachelors of
Applied Science in Veterinary Technology degree at Tarleton State University is built. These
foundations are examined throughout the course of this paper. In the field of technology, specific
software such as Microsoft PowerPoint and its audio function will be examined as to how it
facilitates communication between colleagues. The importance of effective communication
among classmates and team members of group projects is analyzed. The significance of
positively influencing society with regards to the world of veterinary medicine is identified
through the discussion of three particular courses taken as part of this degree. Professional
development is essential while earning this degree and the courses that made the biggest impact
will be explored. This degree is designed to encourage each student to participate in professional
activities that accelerate or apply content knowledge in clinical settings or in the community.
Opportunities in which professional development might be applied in clinical or community
settings will be reviewed. Finally, career exploration and possible paths to follow will be
acknowledged.
Introduction
Utilizing special technology, participating in practical communication with colleagues,
demonstrating social responsibility to our professions standards, exhibiting professional
development, and engaging in meaningful professional activities have been the foundation upon
which the Bachelors of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology undergraduate degree at
Tarleton State University has been developed. An educational and professional journey as a

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

3
Tarleton State University student has provided intellectual, professional, and personal growth in
many areas of our profession. Improving communication, learning new technologies, and gaining
the plethora of knowledge provided will only enhance my career in the field of veterinary
medicine.
Technology
The use of technology in the profession of veterinary medicine is constantly changing
and adapting to what our career demands. Whether it be an improved method of maintaining
patient records, an easier way to communicate with colleagues near and far, or a more efficient
method of client communication, new developments are being made on a daily basis; and it is up
to us as veterinary professionals to keep up with the ever-changing technological advances being
made. One particular technological device that proves to be quite helpful is the use of
Microsoft PowerPoints audio function. This allows the presenter to add audio clips to each
slide to elaborate on more than what can fit on just one screen. Additionally, the audio function
allows the presenter to put emotion and emphasis on important statements, draw attention to
images, and explain any points that could need further elaboration. Furthermore, listening to
audio in the background while viewing a PowerPoint slide helps keep the learners attention and
functions as a learning mechanism for those individuals that are auditory learners rather than
visual learners.
Working as a veterinary technician at a very busy clinic, there are often monthly staff
meetings. Each month, two different employees are required to make a brief presentation on a
topic of focus that they feel is relevant to veterinary medicine and our clinic at that time. During
presentation on the importance of heart worm prevention, I utilized the audio function available
with Microsofts PowerPoint product and discovered that many of my coworkers didnt even

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

4
know this function existed! Also, fewer questions were asked following the completion of each
slide. This allowed verbal presentation of ideas that would have overcrowded the slide or the
presentation. My coworkers paid more attention to the presentation as well and werent having
any side conversations which can typically be a problem during any presentation to a group of
people. Using Microsofts PowerPoint and its audio function whenever possible will allow me
to showcase my technological abilities with this software and will allow an opportunity to
communicate with coworkers. The ability to use Microsofts PowerPoint can easily be
showcased in the future by work completed throughout this program.
Communication
Throughout this degree program, each student has had to participate in a multitude of
group assignments. Since this is an online program, interpersonal communication between fellow
classmates was critical to the overall outcome of our group projects in many classes, such as
Equine Nutrition, Shelter Medicine, and Animal Welfare. An essential role that I held for these
group assignments was organizing and editing the paper, acting as task manager, as well as
constructing the reference page. Having held these roles has improved my task management and
prioritizing skills. Confidence was built each time I was able to successfully communicate with a
team member via an array of technological devices. For every group project, the use of course email messages, personal e-mail messages, text messages via cellular telephone, and even video
meeting via Zoom were utilized as forms of communication.
The inferior quality of threaded discussions, project material, and posts on course
message boards were recognizable while editing a project. This honed my leadership skills by
finessing the manner in which I approached editing the project and relaying the reasons for the
changes to other group members. The manner by which I would communicate required revisions

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

5
on each project and its delivery would ultimately be positively or negatively impacted by word
choice. My interpersonal communication skills between coworkers have improved as a result of
participating in the many unique assignments throughout the program, especially in the Shelter
Medicine courses. In the Shelter Medicine II, students were assigned to interview an actual local
animal shelter director (preferably in the students community) regarding that facilitys procedure
for disease management. Conducting a successful interview consisted of active listening, starting
slow by getting to know a little bit about the shelter director, and not just rushing into the topic at
hand (Israel, 2011). Taking the extra step to get to know the shelter director helped build rapport
with the facility for possible future endeavors. By being prepared, wording some questions to
require an open-ended response, and asking about what was unknown (Israel, 2011), a better
understanding of the individual animal shelter was gained.
A strong leader must effectively be able to communicate what the necessary changes are
and furthermore how to implement them for the desired outcome. The importance of developing
collegiality and respect among ones peers while demonstrating leadership is perhaps the most
significant quality attained throughout my career as a veterinary technology student at Tarleton
State University. It can be said with confidence that these leadership qualities will continue to
transfer in my current career.
Social Responsibility
It is our duty as veterinary technicians to positively influence society with regards to
veterinary medicine and the general care of pets. Social responsibility is the ideology or theory
that as human beings we have a responsibility to give back to society as a whole (Social
Responsibility, 2016). Three classes available as part of the Veterinary Technology program at
Tarleton State University truly make an impact on society because of the knowledge gained from

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

6
each course. These courses are: Veterinary Forensics, Principles of Management, and Safety and
Regulatory Compliance (OSHA). While each course is completely different with its material,
collectively they play a very important role in social responsibility in the field of veterinary
medicine. Our social responsibility as veterinary professionals encompasses not only what we
do, but how we do it (Responsibility, 2016).
The Safety and Regulatory Compliance course at first glance appeared to be very boring,
cut and dry, and just a repeat of the mandatory OSHA training required annually in the
workplace. The information learned in the OSHA class from the use of proper PPE, to how to
properly dispose of sharps, to even properly disinfecting the hospital taught us how to be more
careful in the workplace and make sure that all coworkers are complying with safety regulations.
At work if someone is not using the proper PPE or disposing of waste products improperly, it is
brought to their attention and they are taught the correct way if they already dont know how. By
being able to recognize unsafe working conditions in the clinic, our coworkers and our patients
are in a safer environment while in the hospital. Knowledge gained has been shared with the new
employees that are training at work. Additionally, the importance of following OSHA guidelines
is heavily stressed because it is our responsibility to keep the work place as hazard-free and
sanitary as possible for the patients, employees, and clients.
The Principles of Management course at first glance seemed like it was going to be just
about improving business and managing a veterinary practice. While these aspects were a major
part of the course, so was client education and providing a higher quality of care for the patients.
Working for a large company with hundreds of locations throughout the country gives employees
constant access to a plethora of company-specific client handouts to give to clients for education
on a variety of animal health topics. However, being able to discuss these topics and stress their

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

7
importance not only brings in revenue for the clinic, it also educates the owner on aspects of pet
care that they may have previously been unaware of. The two fliers handed out most frequently
are for heart worm prevention and dental care. Many owners know what heart worm disease is;
however, they do not know how it is transmitted, the cost and process of treatment, and that
monthly prevention can essentially save their pets life at a very low cost. Each client we see is
reminded of their pets heart worm prevention and the importance to continue administering
heart worm prevention throughout the patients life. Many clients are also unaware that dental
disease can affect the overall health of their pet, not just its oral health. We make sure each client
is aware that we offer dental prophylaxis for cats and dogs and stress the importance of oral
hygiene for each pet. A handout can only give you so much information, but serves as a reference
guide for the owner to look back at if they forget something that was discussed with them. By
educating the owner, the hospital receives revenue from client compliance which helps keep the
practice open. More importantly, client education provides knowledge to help give the pet a
healthier life, which is always our ultimate role and responsibility as a veterinary professional.
The Veterinary Forensics courses provided perhaps the most knowledge with regards to
social responsibility in our profession. Recognizing potential signs of abuse/neglect just based on
a patients physical exam; knowing how to survey a crime scene, gather evidence, log evidence
in accordance with specific guidelines; and recognizing a client that abused or neglected their pet
based purely on observation and strategic questioning were all priceless lessons learned in these
courses. The knowledge gained in the Veterinary Forensic courses has already proved useful in
the workplace as we were able to determine with one patient that its broken limb was the result
of blunt force trauma. By bringing attention to the veterinarian the tone in which the owner
spoke, the owners body language, and their overall behavior toward the dog, further

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

8
investigation was pursued via the local animal control and we were informed that the owner in
fact did have previous animal cruelty charges. This course relates to social responsibility because
coworkers have been educated on how to really pay attention to an owners demeanor and how
to recognize signs of potential animal abuse/neglect. It is the overall goal of social responsibility
to protect animal health because it in return helps protect and enhance human health
(Responsibility, 2016).
Professional Development
While every course in this program has helped build knowledge of the veterinary
medicine world, the class that perhaps had the most impact was Veterinary Forensics. These
courses taught everything from the basics of what veterinary forensics is, to how to assess a
crime scene, how to process and log evidence gathered, what to look for on a patients physical
exam, forensic entomology, blunt force trauma signs- the list goes on.
Animal cruelty can involve anything from act to omission, from teasing to torture, and
from intentional to negligent (Merck, 2013, p. 1) and includes animal hoarding, animal fighting,
and animal neglect. The most interesting parts of the Veterinary Forensics courses were the
portions regarding blunt-force trauma. A common type of abuse seen in veterinary medicine is
blunt force trauma. Blunt force trauma occurs as a result of the impact of an animals body
against a blunt surface, or the impact of an object with a blunt surface against an animals body
(Merck, 2013, p. 97). Contusions, abrasions, lacerations, fractures, ligature injuries, and avulsion
injuries are some of the types of blunt force trauma and can be accidental or non-accidental
(Merck, 2013). Recently, I was able to visually identify some bruising patterns on a patient while
in the exam room. Based on the examples provided by the coursework, these observations were
brought to the doctors attention. In addition to the owners demeanor towards its pet, further

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

9
investigation was pursued for potential animal abuse. The clinic was informed by law
enforcement that the owner did in fact have previous animal cruelty charges and was in fact in
violation of their sentencing by owning an animal. The puppy has been re-homed and is now
living in an abuse-free household. The coursework in Veterinary Forensics III provided the subtle
but very important hints and signs to look for with regards to blunt force trauma and potential
animal abuse.
The Shelter Medicine courses provided insight into what running an animal shelter is
actually like. These courses taught about infectious disease outbreak and control, animal cruelty,
behavior assessments, and spay/neuter advocacy within shelter programs (Miller & Zawistowski,
2013). An opportunity was presented to help volunteer with an adoption event going on outside
the veterinary hospital where I work and naturally, I jumped at the opportunity. Many of the
animals up for adoption were victims of cruelty, neglect, or abuse and needed someone to be
their voice and advocate their desperation for a second chance. Adoption criteria and adopter
interaction are key aspects to consider when communicating with or assessing potential adopters
(Miller & Zawistowski, 2013). Since there was personal background in Shelter Medicine
courses, I was asked to help gather information regarding adopter assessment. This process helps
focus adopters on pets who best match their lifestyle by helping to ensure that adopters leave
with pets who meet their expectations (Miller & Zawistowski, 2013, p. 535). By matching the
adopters with an animal suitable to their lifestyle, the animal has the best chance at finding its
forever home.
Once my Bachelors of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology is completed, I would
like to broaden my knowledge on the subjects of Shelter Medicine and Veterinary Forensics.
While Veterinary Forensics is not a specialty that will likely grow at the clinic I work for, it is a

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

10
newly emerging field of study in veterinary medicine and is growing increasingly popular with
each passing day. Many shelters and rescues such as the SPCA utilize veterinary forensics
specialists, especially during investigations involving animal cruelty and animal hoarding.
Continuing education in the field of Veterinary Forensics is a viable option through the
University of Floridas online Masters degree program that will be personally considered upon
completion of this degree. Additionally, there is a plethora of animal shelters that are always in
need of volunteers, especially those with a background in veterinary medicine. I anticipate
volunteering with local organizations more often once I have more free time following
graduation.
Professional Activities
The Veterinary Technology program at Tarleton State University is designed to encourage
each student to participate in professional activities to enhance their career. Staff member
presentations are a required component of our companys monthly meetings. An opportunity was
given to make a presentation on nutrition for companion animals. Coursework taken on the
subject matter in the Companion Animal Nutrition and Care course provided solid content
background knowledge when compiling information for the presentation. The Companion
Animal Nutrition and Care course taught about the basics of nutrition, including energy, water,
carbohydrates, fats, protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, digestion, and absorption (Case,
Daristotle, Hayek, and Raasch, 2011). Awareness of balanced nutrition, core ingredients to
include or omit from a pets diet, whether premium-produced commercial pet food or a homemade diet was essential in determining content of the teaching session to fellow employees.
Microsofts PowerPoint technology assisted both in presentation and employees
comprehension of content during the seminar. The information presented was made available for

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

11
further review by coworkers via e-mail if so desired.
In the Safety and Regulatory Compliance course, we were assigned to perform a worksite
analysis to evaluate the overall safety of our current clinic and to identify any potentially
hazardous situations. During the evaluation, it was noticed that cleaning products such as Clorox
Bleach, laundry detergent, and company-specific floor cleaning products were stored above eyelevel, which for most employees; this was also above head level. Serious injuries if the
aforementioned products were spilled onto an employee or patient include topical chemical burns
to the face, skin, or exposed body parts, permanent or temporary ocular damage, potential
damage as a result of inhaling toxic fumes, or slip-and-fall injuries. Once management was
apprised of these hazards and OSHA compliance violations, immediate action was taken to
correct the violation and proper storage protocol was implemented. Subsequent changes
occurred, including being designated as the hospitals Safety Regulations Officer. This
opportunity most likely would not have presented itself without the specific content knowledge
gained through the aforementioned courses taken at Tarleton State University.
Career Exploration
Each course taken over the past two years at Tarleton State University has revealed that
there are numerous paths to follow in the pursuit of furthering ones career in the field of
veterinary technology. Although every course has enticed my interest in its own unique way, the
courses that have been of greatest interest have been the Shelter Medicine and Veterinary
Forensics courses. The topic of Veterinary Forensics has always peaked personal interest;
however, I didnt know much about it with the exception of the shows watched on Animal
Planet.
Animal shelters often work closely with local veterinary hospitals to reduce animal

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

12
intake, identify and reunite lost animals with their owners, complete successful adoptions,
provide trap-neuter-return (TNR) services, and transport animals for relocation (Miller &
Zawistowski, 2013). Shelters are always in need of skilled staff and volunteers and it is a
personal desire to become more involved with the local shelters and adoption agencies following
graduation.
The Veterinary Forensics I course was basically an introduction into what this newly
emerging field of veterinary medicine actually entails. Veterinary Forensics deals with animal
cruelty, neglect, and abuse along, with documentation and legal proceedings regarding the
aforementioned wrongdoings. The veterinarian and veterinary technician are responsible for
investigating and properly documenting a crime scene, examination of animals and collection of
samples from live and deceased patients at the crime scene, and providing witness testimony
when required. The combined use of science and technology will help any investigators to
provide on-site evidence as well as medical evidence to support their case in finding the guilty
person(s). It is important to remember that each piece of evidence collected and every piece of
documentation could potentially be used in a court of law.
The Veterinary Forensics II course went a little more in-depth and taught about postmortem intervals, veterinary entomology, how an animal exam should take place, and how to log
crime scene photos and cruelty evidence. Extreme importance was placed on properly adhering
to the sacred chain of command, which is a system that helps keep track of evidence from start
to finish. This portion of the course brought the realization that there is a much greater
connection between human and veterinary medicine than was originally expected.
Veterinary Forensics III is when extreme interest in this field of veterinary medicine
developed. This portion of the course taught about the different types of wounds from which an

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

13
animal can suffer. Students learned how to examine an animal suffering from blunt force trauma
or sharp force trauma, how to examine and document firearm injuries, how to identify and
classify the different levels and types of burn/fire related injuries and chemical/electrical burn
related injuries, and finally, how much animal abuse is present in the surrounding community.
Every course taken the past two years has served to provide an education that can be
applied to various aspects of the field of veterinary technology. Although working in the area of
Veterinary Forensics is not in my foreseeable future, priceless information was gained that can
prove useful in any veterinary setting. Animals that are severely suffering from
cruelty/neglect/abuse do not appear to be as common of an occurrence in a basic veterinary
hospital setting as it is in animal shelters and adoption agencies. Having to evaluate such
horrendous acts of cruelty/neglect on a regular basis is an aspect of veterinary medicine that is
heart-wrenching to have to witness, whether on a regular basis or not. Having taken the
Veterinary Forensics and Shelter Medicine courses proved beneficial because they were not only
interesting, but full of essential information that I now know how to utilize should the need arise
one day.
The integration of technology in the field of Veterinary Forensics sheds light onto the
advancements being made in the field of veterinary medicine. These courses emphasized the
importance of photographic and, if possible, video documentation of a crime scene investigation.
Additionally, immediately imputing relevant data collected at the crime scene into online reports
facilitates the chain of command and access to pertinent case information. A database of
animal cruelty offenders and the corresponding case information is available to view online for
free; this allows not only veterinary medicine students, but also the general public to research
animal cruelty cases in a specific city. In cases where animal abuse is suspected by a community

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

14
member or in a clinical setting, online databases prove to be a valuable resource in substantiating
or expediting a legal claim to the proper authorities. Repeat offenders are more likely to face
consequences with substantive evidence.
Summary
The educational and professional journey as a student of Tarleton State Universitys
Veterinary Technology Bachelors Degree was more exciting and valuable than expected. Every
course taken the past two years has served to provide information and experience that can be
applied to various areas of veterinary technology. Utilizing special technology, participating in
practical communication with colleagues, demonstrating social responsibility to our professions
standards, exhibiting professional development, and engaging in meaningful professional
activities resulted in intellectual, professional, and personal growth. The aforementioned
experiences have increased self-confidence and enriched understanding of application and
synthesis of content specific to veterinary technology. In addition, realization of career
advancement and new responsibilities resulting from courses taken has been implemented in my
current position as a veterinary technician.

Running Head: Integration of Veterinary Technology Education

15

References
Case, L. Daristotle, L., Hayek, M., & Raasch, M. (2011). Canine and Feline Nutrition (3rd ed).
Maryland Heights: Mosby Elsevier.
Israel, S. (2012, April 14). 9 Tips on Conducting Great Interviews. Retrieved April 20, 2016,
from http://www.forbes.com/sites/shelisrael/2012/04/14/8-tips-on-conducting-greatinterviews/#3ec1d6df387a
Merck, M.D. 2013. Veterinary Forensics: Animal Cruelty Investigations. 2nd ed. Ames, Iowa:
Wiley-Blackwell.
Miller, L., & Zawistowski, S. (2013). Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff (2nd ed.).
Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell
Responsibility. (2016). Retrieved February 19, 2016, from
https://www.zoetis.com/responsibility/

Social Responsibility. (2016). Retrieved February 19, 2016, from

http://www.vcchope.com/social