Veterinary Administrative Procedures

Curriculum guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course code
VTEC 1112
Descriptive
Veterinary Administrative Procedures
Department
Veterinary Technology
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
30
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

Lecture: 2 hours/week

and

Lab: 2 hours/week

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning activities

This course may include online quizzes, group work, role play and client interaction simulations, assignments, discussion board, case studies, student presentations, and flipped classroom.

 

Course description
This course introduces students to the administrative duties and procedures required to manage a veterinary hospital. Topics include reception and public relations skills, appointment scheduling, communication and interpersonal skills, time and stress management, inventory control and medical records. Students are introduced to current veterinary practice management software systems. Health and safety, including WHMIS certification, are covered.

Course content

Regulatory bodies, health and safety

  • College of Veterinarians of BC
  • BC Veterinary Technology Association
  • Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
  • Health Canada
  • WHMIS
  • occupational radiation safety
  • personal protective equipment and injury prevention

Professionalism

  • workplace expectations including preparedness, punctuality and work ethic
  • professional presentation and attire
  • confidentiality

Computer skills

  • veterinary practice management software
  • appointment systems and procedures
  • medical records
  • client communication documents
  • vaccine certificates and reminders
  • invoices and estimates            

Communication

  • telephone etiquette
  • verbal and non-verbal communication
  • electronic and written communications
  • team dynamics and conflict resolution
  • crisis intervention and grief management

Reception

  • estimates, invoices and informed consent
  • veterinary emergencies
  • admission and discharge procedures
  • referral procedures

Self-care and stress management

  • personal stress management techniques
  • complaints and conflict resolution

Practice management

  • basic clinic finances
  • ordering and inventory of drugs, medical instruments and supplies
  • controlled drug ordering, logging, auditing and disposing
  • introductory marketing
Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:

  • use veterinary practice management software;
  • create client files, invoices, vaccine certificates and reminders;
  • develop a financial estimate;
  • obtain and document informed client consent;
  • maintain an appointment scheduling system;
  • triage and respond to veterinary emergencies;
  • describe protocols for admitting and discharging patients;
  • refer clients to other veterinary services;
  • communicate effectively with clients in all formats (written, verbal, non-verbal, electronic);
  • practice professional telephone etiquette;
  • maintain client-patient confidentiality;
  • maintain an efficient, professional and friendly office environment;
  • describe strategies for respectful and collaborative interpersonal skills and team dynamics;
  • apply crisis intervention and grief management skills;
  • maintain inventory control of drugs, medical equipment and supplies;
  • apply self-care and management techniques to manage stress in the workplace;
  • maintain a healthy and safe working environment, including radiation safety, disposal of hazardous materials and WHMIS;
  • discuss the role of provincial and federal regulatory bodies in veterinary practice;
  • use online veterinary resources and services.
Means of assessment

Assessments will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. A final minimum cumulative grade of C or 60% is required in order to progress in the Veterinary Technology program.

Evaluation will be based on:

Quizzes: 10-40%

Assignments & Evaluations: 20-50%

Final Assessment: 20-40%

Total: 100%

Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:

  • J.M. Bassert, A.D. Beal and O.M. Samples. (Current Edition). Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians. Pub Elsevier.
Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None