LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY 2015 - 2016 VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENT HANDBOOK

LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY

Harrogate, Tennessee

VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2015– 2016

Date of Revision: August 2015

1

LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY 2015 - 2016 VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENT HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. MISSIONS, GOALS, AND PHILOSOPHY STATEMENTS / Page
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN’S OATH / 3
MISSION STATEMENT OF LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY / 3
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE SCHOOL OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES / 3
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE VETERIANRY HEALTH SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM / 3
GOALS OF THE VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT / 4
II. THE VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
CULMINATION OF THE ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY / 4
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASVMT DEGREE / 4
ACCREDITATION OF THE LMU VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGYPROGRAM / 4
ADMISSION PROCEDURE FOR THE LMU VMT PROGRAM / 5
ADMISSION APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LMU VMT PROGRAM / 5
GRADING SCALE OF THE VMT PROGRAM / 5
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE VMT PROGRAM / 5
CURRICULUM PLAN FOR THE VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY COURSES / 6-8
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF A VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN / 9
ENTRY-LEVEL COMPETENCIES OF A VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN / 9
III. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY OF LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY / 9
PROGRESSION POLICY OF THE VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM / 9
READMISSION POLICIES OF THE VMT PROGRAM / 10
ACADEMIC INTREGITY POLICY / 11
LECTURE ATTENDANCE POLICY / 12
QUIZ / EXAM ATTENDANCE POLICY / 11
CELL PHONE USAGE POLICY / 12
PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY / 12
ANIMAL NEGLECT POLICY
PROFESSIONAL DRESS POLICY / 12
13
PREVENTATIVE HEALTH MEASURES / 13
CLINICAL TRAVEL POLICY / 14
ACADEMIC APPEAL PROCEDURE / 14
ACADEMIC GRIEVANCE POLICY / 15
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART / 15
SICK LEAVE POLICY / 16
IV. STUDENT INFORMATION
COUNSELING AND TUTORING SERVICES / 16
LMU VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENT CODE OF ETHICS / 17
STUDENT SIGNATURE FORMS / 18-29

I. Missions, Goals, and Philosophy Statements

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN’S OATH

“I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and promoting public health. I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession's Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.” (Adopted by NAVTA Membership – 1989)

MISSION STATEMENT OF LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY

Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The University strives to give students a foundation for a more productive life by upholding the principles of Abraham Lincoln's life: a dedication to individual liberty, responsibility, and improvement; a respect forcitizenship; recognition of the intrinsic value of high moral and ethical standards; and a belief in a personal God.

The University is committed to teaching, research, and service. The University's curriculum and commitment to quality instruction at every level are based on the beliefs that graduates must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in an era of rapidly and continuously expanding communication technology, must have an appreciable depth of learning in a field of knowledge, must appreciate and understand the various ways by which we come to know ourselves and the world around us, and must be able to exercise informed judgments.

The University believes that one of the major cornerstones of meaningful existence is service to humanity. By making educational and research opportunities available to students where they live and through various recreational and cultural events open to the community, Lincoln Memorial University seeks to advance life in the Cumberland Gap area and throughout the region through its teaching, research, and service mission.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE SCHOOL OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

The School of Allied Health Sciences is committed to providing a values-based quality educational experience for skilled, entry-level health professionals in athletic training, medical laboratory science, and veterinary medical technology. Our graduates will be eligible for licensure, certification, and advanced education. They are aptly prepared to enter the health professions workforce.The school strives to fulfill the principles of Abraham Lincoln’s life through one school, one health, and one community.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE VETERINARY HEALTH SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

The Veterinary Health Science & Technology Department offers programs to students that wish to enter the veterinary profession upon graduation. The mission of the department is three fold;

  1. Provide quality education to prepare entry level veterinary technicians in patient assessment, evaluation, client communication, and clinical nursing skill development in preparation for passing the VTNE licensing exam and obtaining entry level positions as a veterinary technician.
  2. Provide veterinary technologists with advanced technician courses that will
  1. enhance the associate level educational foundation to foster quality clinical skill development
  2. provide an advanced level of education to obtain positions in veterinary technology education, business management, and industry positions that require a bachelor’s degree to apply
  3. benefit those that desire to pursue specialization as a credential technician
  1. Provide a quality education for those that wish to apply to veterinary college, advance studies at the graduate level, and/or prepare graduates to work in the industry of veterinary medicine.

GOALS OF THE VETERINARY MEDICALTECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE PROGRAM

As a member of Allied Health Sciences, the Veterinary Medical Technology Program seeks to fulfill the following goals:

  1. Provide an Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Medical Technology that meets the academic standards of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the State of Tennessee, and Lincoln Memorial University.
  2. Provide conscientious, caring, and highly skilled veterinary technicians who are equipped with critical thinking and clinical skills to practice the science of veterinary technology within the veterinary profession.
  3. Provide an educational background that enables graduates to become integral members of the veterinary health-care team.

II. The Veterinary Medical Technology Program

CULMINATION OF THE ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

The Veterinary Medical TechnologyProgram culminates in the Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Medical Technology being awarded by Lincoln Memorial University. Granting of the degree is not contingent upon the student passing any external certification or licensure examination. Upon successful completion of the Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Medical Technology, students are eligible totake the National Veterinary Technician Examination (VTNE).

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASVMT DEGREE

Graduation requirements for the Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Medical Technology include all general studies requirements of the University (as listed in the Lincoln Memorial UniversityUndergraduate Catalog); as well as all Academic Requirements of the Veterinary Medical Technology Program, with an intense concentration of professional Veterinary Medical Technologycourses and clinical practicums.

ACCREDITATION OF THE LMU VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGYPROGRAM

Accreditation is the voluntary process by which educational institutions are evaluated for quality based on conformity with established standards. Accreditation serves to enhance the profession and to protect the public by identifying educational and facility goals and assisting institutions in achieving these goals. Lincoln Memorial University maintains accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). In addition, The Associate of Science (AS) in Veterinary Medical Technology is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). The program is designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, critical thinking skills, and technical abilities required of credentialed veterinary technicians working as members of veterinary health care teams.Veterinary technicians work in clinical practice, biological research, educational facilities, zoos, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies such as the USDA and APHIS. Careers of the veterinary technician parallel those of veterinarians.

Address and telephone number of the AVMA are given below:

American Veterinary Medical Association

1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100

Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360

Phone: 800.248.2862 Fax: 847.925.1329

ADMISSION PROCEDURE FOR THE LMU VMTPROGRAM

Students must first be admitted to the University before formally applying for admission to the Veterinary Medical Technology (VMT) Program. Admission to the University, however, does not guarantee admission to the VMT program.

The VMT Admissions Committee is comprised of faculty members of the Veterinary Health Science & Technology Department will review all applicants’ materials and will make the admission recommendations to the Program Director, who will then in turn notify each applicant of their admission status. It should be noted that any omission, false or misleading information in the application process will delay or preclude the student from being considered for admission and will result in a previously admitted student being dismissed from the VMT program.

ADMISSION APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LMU VMT PROGRAM

  1. Admission to the University
  2. Completed VMT Program application
  3. Completion of 20 clinical observation hours and submission of clinical observation hours form
  4. Submission of 2 confidential evaluator forms
  5. Submission of personal statement of professional goals
  6. ACT composite score of 18 with a math score of 19 OR

SAT critical reading & math composite score of 870 or SAT critical reading, math & writing composite score of 1290

  1. HS GPA of 3.0, transfer GPA of 2.0

GRADING SCALE OF THE LMU VMT PROGRAM

All VMT prefixed courses will adhere to the following grading scale:

Letter Grade:Final Grade %

A94-100

A-90-93

B+87-89

B84-86

B- 80-83

C+77-79

C74-76

C-70-73

D+67-69

D63-66

D-60-63

F Below 60

It should be noted that all VMT students must earn a letter grade of “B-” or higher in order to be considered as being successful in that course. A student may earn one course grade of 70-79 (C- to C+). Refer to Progression Policies of the Veterinary Medical Technology Program (p. 9) for additional detail.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE VMTPROGRAM

  1. The minimum grade of B-(80%) is required to pass each VMT course. Refer to Progression Policies of the Veterinary Medical Technology Program (p. 9) for additional detail.
  1. Veterinary Medical Technology students must meet University requirements for the associate degree in veterinary medical technology, which consists of a minimum of 73 semester hours of general education, collateralmath and science, and VMT courses.
  1. Extensive reading outside of class is required in Veterinary Medical Technology courses. As with any professional program, there is much information to assimilate in a limited amount of time. Therefore, students are responsible for promptly completing all reading assignments.

CURRICULUM PLAN FOR VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCES COURSES - Two Year Plan

The following is a two year plan of study for freshmen entering LMU during the 2015 academic year. This plan is to be used in conjunction with the university catalog and advice of faculty advisors. All students accepted at LMU with English ACT score of 18 or below and/or Math ACT score of 18 or below will be placed on a 3 year plan of study involving developmental courses. This plan meets LMU’s Lincoln Liberal Arts Common Core requirements and major requirements.

Freshman Year

Fall SemesterSpring Semester

Mathematics requirement a / 3 / COMM 200 / Fund of Speech Communication a / 3
LNCN 100 / Lincoln’s Life and Legacy a / 1 / Ethics/FA/History/Humanities Requirement a / 3
ENGL 110 / Freshman Composition a / 3 / VMT 112 / Domestic Animal A&P II b / 3
VMT 100 / Intro to Veterinary Technology b / 1 / VMT 112L / Domestic Animal A&P II Lab b / 1
VMT 270 / Imaging & U/S for Vet Tech b / 1
VMT 270L / Imaging & U/S for Vet Tech Lab b / 1
VMT 111 / Domestic Animal A&P I b / 3 / VMT 210 / SA Clinical Procedures & Techniques b / 2
VMT 111L / Domestic Animal A&P I Lab b / 1 / VMT 210L / SA Clinical Procedures & Techniques Lab b / 1
VMT 120 / Animal Husbandry/Nutrition/Breeds b / 2 / OR
VMT 120L / Animal Husbandry/Nutrition/Breeds Lab b / 1 / VMT 220 / LA Clinical Procedures & Techniques b / 1
VMT 160 / Medical Terminology b / 1 / VMT 220L / LA Clinical Procedures & Techniques Lab b / 2
TOTAL / 16 / **VMT 241 (SEE NOTE) / Pharmacology & Anesthesia for Vet Tech I b / 2
TOTAL / 17

Sophomore Year

Fall SemesterSpring Semester

Social/Behavior Science Requirement a / 3 / BIOL 230 / General Microbiology a / 3
VMT 210 / SA Clinical Procedures & Techniques b / 2 / BIOL 230L / General Microbiology Lab a / 1
VMT 210L / SA Clinical Procedures & Techniques Lab b / 1
OR
VMT 220 / LA Clinical Procedures & Techniques b / 1 / VMT 232 / Diag. Lab Procedures II b / 1
VMT 220L / LA Clinical Procedures & Techniques Lab b / 2 / VMT 232L / Diag. Lab Procedures II Lab b / 1
VMT 231 / Diag. Lab Procedures I b / 1 / VMT 242 / Pharm & Anes for Vet Tech II b / 2
VMT 231L / Diag. Lab Procedures I Lab b / 1 / VMT 252 / Surgical Nursing & Anes II b / 2
VMT 180 / Laboratory and Zoo Animals b / 1
VMT 180L / Laboratory and Zoo Animals Lab b / 1
VMT 251 / Surgical Nursing & Anesthesia I b / 2 / VMT 252L / Surgical Nursing & Anes II Lab b / 1
VMT 251L / Surgical Nursing & Anesthesia I Lab b / 1 / VMT 260 / Animal Diseases & Zoonoses b / 3
VMT 297 / Veterinary Clinical Review b / 1
ISYS 100 / Computer Literacy a / 2
TOTAL / 17
VMT 300 / Veterinary Parasitology & Entomology b / 3
VMT 300L / Veterinary Parasitology & Entomology Lab b / 1
TOTAL / 17

Summer

VMT 298 b (1 of 2) / Veterinary Technician Practicum b / 3
VMT 298 b (2 of 2) / Veterinary Technician Practicum b / 3

Total Hours: 73

a = General Education Requirement

b = Major requirement

*Students required to take UACT 100 (2 hours) in their first semester will need to be advised accordingly. This will affect organization of curriculum for further semesters.

**VMT 241 NOTE: Student must have successfully completed a minimum of MATH 105 to register for VMT 241 – please be sure to advise students in the FALL semester accordingly

Three Year Plan

Freshman Year

Fall SemesterSpring Semester

***MATH 099 / Intro to Algebra a
***SEE NOTE BELOW / 3 / ENGL 099 / Reading Comprehension a
***SEE NOTE BELOW / 3
OR / OR
***ENGL 099 / Reading Comprehension a
***SEE NOTE BELOW / 3 / ENGL 110 / Freshman Composition a / 3
VMT 100 / Intro to Veterinary Technology b / 1 / Mathematics Requirement a / 3
VMT 160 / Medical Terminology b / 1 / Ethics/FA/History/Humanities Requirement a / 3
LNCN 100 / Lincoln’s Life and Legacy a / 1 / COMM 200 / Fund of Speech Communication a / 3
Social/Behavior Science Requirement a / 3
UACT 100 / Strategies for College Success / 2
Course of student’s choice / 3
TOTAL / 14 / TOTAL / 12

Sophomore Year

Fall SemesterSpring Semester

VMT 111 / Domestic Animal A&P I b / 3 / VMT 112 / Domestic Animal A&P II b / 3
VMT 111L / Domestic Animal A&P I Lab b / 1 / VMT 112L / Domestic Animal A&P II Lab b / 1
VMT 120 / Animal Husbandry/Nutrition & Breeds b / 2 / VMT 210 / SA Clinical Procedures & Techniques b / 2
VMT 120L / Animal Husbandry/Nutrition & Breeds Lab b / 1 / VMT 210L / SA Clinical Procedures & Techniques Lab b / 1
VMT 220 / LA Clinical Procedures & Techniques b / 1 / VMT 241 / Pharmacology & Anesthesia for Vet Tech I b / 2
VMT 220L / LA Clinical Procedures & Techniques Lab b / 2 / BIOL 230 / General Microbiology a / 3
ISYS 100 / Computer Literacy a / 2 / BIOL 230L / General Microbiology Lab a / 1
TOTAL / 12 / TOTAL / 13

Junior Year

Fall SemesterSpring Semester

VMT 180 / Laboratory and Zoo Animals b / 1 / VMT 270 / Imaging & U/S for Vet Tech b / 1
VMT 180L / Laboratory and Zoo Animals Lab b / 1 / VMT 180L / Imaging & U/S for Vet Tech b / 1
VMT 251 / Surgical Nursing & Anesthesia I b / 2 / VMT 242 / Pharmacology & Anesthesia for Vet Tech II b / 2
VMT 251L / Surgical Nursing & Anesthesia I Lab b / 1 / VMT 232 / Diag. Lab Procedures II b / 1
VMT 231 / Diag. Lab Procedures I b / 1 / VMT 232L / Diag. Lab Procedures II Lab b / 1
VMT 231L / Diag. Lab Procedures I Lab b / 1 / VMT 252 / Surgical Nursing & Anesthesia II b / 2
VMT 300 / Parasitology & Entomology b / 3 / VMT 252L / Surgical Nursing & Anesthesia II Lab b / 1
VMT 300L / Parasitology & Entomology Lab b / 1 / VMT 260 / Animal Diseases & Zoonoses b / 3
Course of student’s choice / 1 / VMT 297 / Veterinary Clinical Review b / 1
TOTAL / 12 / TOTAL / 13

Summer

VMT 298 b (1 of 2) / Veterinary Technician Practicum / 3
VMT 298 b (2 of 2) / Veterinary Technician Practicum / 3

Total Hours: 78-80

a = General Education Requirement

b = Major requirement

*Students required to take UACT 100 (2 hours) in their first semester will need to be advised accordingly. This will affect organization of curriculum for further semesters.

***IF STUDENT ENTERS FALL SEMESTER WITH REQUIREMENT TO COMPLETE MATH 099 AND ENGL 099 – PLEASE BE SURE TO REGISTER STUDENT FOR MATH 099 FALL SEMESTER AND REGISTER STUDENT FOR ENGL 099 FOR SPRING OF FRESHMAN YEAR

Math ACT <19 = MATH 099 Intro to Algebra

Math ACT 19-20 = MATH 105 Transitional Mathematics

English ACT <18 = ENGL 099 Reading Comprehension

English ACT ≥18 = ENGL 110 Freshman Composition

**VMT 241 NOTE: Student must have successfully completed a minimum of MATH 105 to register for VMT 241 – please be sure to advise students in previous semesters accordingly

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF A VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

Applicants must be physically able to accomplish certain functions that are essential for Veterinary Medical Technology training. Technical standards are necessary to protect the technician/technologist, doctor, client, patient, as well as other members of the veterinary health care team. Examples of these technical standards include the ability to (a) see through a microscope and discern colors, (b) stand, walk, and carry small objects, (c) demonstrate manual dexterity, and (d) communicate with patients and other medical staff. For optimum achievement in this program, applicants should be able to read, write, and comprehend the English language at the college level. LMU’s Technical Standards are outlined in the Appendix of this student handbook.After reading the standards, each student must sign and return the attached document to the Office of Allied Health. This acknowledgement shall indicate that the student has read, understands, and meets the technical standards required of Veterinary Medical Technology students.

ENTRY-LEVEL COMPETENCIES OF A VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (PROGRAM OBJECTIVES)

The goal of the LMU Veterinary Medical Technology Program is that graduates will demonstrate entry-level competency in the following areas of professional practice:

  1. Properly assess and evaluate needs of patients as they relate to pathophysiology of disease and disease prevention. (Advance Medical Knowledge)
  2. Administer quality medical care involving companion, food and laboratory animals. (Advanced Medical Knowledge)
  3. Demonstrate and apply laboratory procedures essential to diagnostic veterinary medicine. (Advanced Medical Knowledge)
  4. IV.Demonstrate understanding of disease processes and subsequent therapeutic procedures. (Promote Public Health)
  5. Demonstrate therapeutic interpersonal communication skills in the client-technician-doctor relationship. (Service to Humanity)
  6. Understand the human-animal bond and how the bond impacts society. (Promote Animal Welfare)

III. Policies & Procedures of the Veterinary Medical Technology Program

NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY OF LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY