Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Veterinary Technology 
Career Cluster:	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Associate in Science	
CIP Number	1301830100	
Program Type	College Credit	
Program Length	73 credit hours	
CTSO	N/A	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster. 

The content includes but is not limited to animal office procedure; animal pharmacy and pharmacology; animal examination room/area; animal surgical preparation and assisting; large and small animal nursing; laboratory animal procedures; animal radiology, and employability skills.  The curriculum also includes general course material such as computer literacy and use, applied mathematics, biological science, communications skills, fundamentals of microbiology, and humanities or liberal arts.  

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 73 credit hours.

When developing the course sequence for the local implementation of this program, select courses that:
•	Meet the skill development requirements of the standards and benchmarks of this program.
•	Meet the general education core course requirements of Rule 6A-14.0303, Florida Administrative Code.
•	Where reasonable and practicable, align with programs offered by your institution or other postsecondary institutions in Florida, including: 
o	Related CCC and ATD credentials.
o	Baccalaureate degrees within the same career pathway and/or Federal CIP code.

Visit FloridaShines’ Discover Programs website to identify other institutions that offer similar programs to review their course sequencing. Where appropriate, course alignment between institutions offering related programs can facilitate interagency student articulation.

Visit FloridaShines’ Common Prerequisites Manual to identify courses that are prerequisites for admission into an upper division program.  When sub-baccalaureate courses are aligned to the course admissions requirements of baccalaureate programs with the same career pathway, students can enter upper division coursework seamlessly.   

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Participate in facility management utilizing traditional and electronic media and appropriate veterinary medical terminology and abbreviations.
02.0	Communicate in a professional manner in all formats - written, oral, non-verbal, and electronic.
03.0	Follow and uphold applicable laws and the veterinary technology profession's ethical codes to provide high quality care to patients. 
04.0	Safely and effectively administer prescribed drugs to patients. 
05.0	Accurately dispense and explain prescribed drugs to clients. 
06.0	Demonstrate and perform patient assessment techniques in a variety of animal species.
07.0	Understand and demonstrate husbandry, nutrition, therapeutic and dentistry techniques appropriate to various animal species.
08.0	Safely and effectively manage and maintain patients in all phases of anesthesia.
09.0	Safely and effectively select, utilize, and maintain anesthetic delivery and monitoring instruments and equipment.
10.0	Understand and integrate all aspects of patient management for common surgical procedures in a variety of animal species.
11.0	Understand and provide the appropriate instruments, supplies and environment to maintain asepsis during surgical procedures.
12.0	Demonstrate knowledge of proper handling, packaging, and storage of specimens for laboratory analysis to ensure safety of patients, clients, and staff.
13.0	Properly perform analysis of laboratory specimens.
14.0	Safely and effectively produce diagnostic radiographic and non-radiographic images.
15.0	Safely and effectively handle common laboratory animals used in animal research.
16.0	Understand the approach to providing safe and effective care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and ferrets.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Veterinary Technology
CIP Number:		1301830100 
Program Length:	73 credit hours

At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Participate in facility management utilizing traditional and electronic media and appropriate veterinary medical terminology and abbreviations. The student will be able to: 	
01.01	Schedule appointments, admit, discharge and triage according to client, patient and facility needs through phone and in-person contact*.
•	Recognize and respond to veterinary medical emergencies*.	
01.02	Create and maintain individual client records, vaccination certificates, and other appropriate forms*: 
•	develop computer skills*.
•	be able to utilize veterinary practice management software*.
•	be familiar with veterinary on-line services* (e.g., laboratory submissions, client financing plans, continuing education, discussion groups).	
01.03	Perform basic filing of medical records, radiographs, lab reports, etc.*	
01.04	Create and maintain all appropriate facility records and logs in compliance with regulatory guidelines (e.g., radiography, surgery, anesthesia, laboratory, controlled substance)*.	
01.05	Manage inventory control*.	
01.06	Recognize roles of appropriate regulatory agencies*.	
01.07	Maintain appropriate disposal protocols for hazardous materials*.	
01.08	Establish and maintain appropriate sanitation and infection control protocols for a veterinary facility, including patient and laboratory area*.	
01.09	Handle daily client-based financial transactions*.	
02.0	Communicate in a professional manner in all formats:  written, oral, non-verbal, and electronic. The student will be able to:	
02.01	Demonstrate an understanding of interpersonal skills and team dynamics*.	
02.02	Utilize appropriate interpersonal and public relations skills*.	
02.03	Demonstrate telephone etiquette* (e.g., through role playing, educational resources, etc.).	
02.04	Recognize the legality of the veterinary-client-patient relationship*.	
02.05	Develop and provide client education in a clear and accurate manner at a level the client understands (i.e., oral and written form, including educational handouts)*.	
02.06	Apply crisis intervention/grief management skills with clients*.	
03.0	Follow and uphold applicable laws and the veterinary technology profession’s ethical codes to provide high quality care to patients. The student will be able to: 	
03.01	Understand and observe legal boundaries of veterinary health care team members*.	
03.02	Interact professionally with clients and fellow staff members*.	
03.03	Demonstrate a commitment to high quality patient care*.	
03.04	Respect and protect the confidentiality of client and patient information*.	
04.0	Safely and effectively administer prescribed drugs to patients. The student will be able to: 	
04.01	Read and follow veterinarian's pharmacy orders*.	
04.02	Recognize groups of drugs, their mechanisms, and clinically relevant side effects*.	
04.03	Recognize the safe and effective manner in which vaccines must be administered; recognize and explain common side effects*.	
04.04	Accurately perform appropriate calculations; use weights and measures correctly*.	
04.05	Safely and effectively administer drugs by common parenteral and enteral routes; explain appropriate routes and methods and when used*.	
04.06	Monitor therapeutic responses*.	
04.07	Demonstrate the ability to accurately record medical information*.	
04.08	Demonstrate understanding of controlled substance regulations*.	
04.09	Demonstrate compliance with all federal and state regulatory guidelines for drug purchase, storage, administration, withdrawal, dispensing, disposal, and inventory control (e.g., biologics and therapeutic agents, pesticides, and hazardous wastes)*.	
05.0	Accurately dispense and explain prescribed drugs to clients. The student will be able to:	
05.01	Given a drug order, properly prepare medications for dispensing, including performing accurate calculations*.	
05.02	Demonstrate compliance with regulations governing prescription drugs versus over-the-counter drugs*.	
05.03	Demonstrate understanding of regulations governing maintenance of controlled substances log book*.	
05.04	Demonstrate compliance with all federal regulatory and state guidelines for drug purchase, storage, administration, withdrawal, dispensing, disposal, and inventory control (e.g., biologics and therapeutic agents, pesticides, and hazardous wastes)*.	
05.05	Relay drug information to clients (e.g., handling, storage, administration, side-effects, drug interactions, safety, reasons for use of drug)*.	
06.0	Demonstrate and preform patient assessment techniques in a variety of animal species. The student will be able to:	
06.01	Recognize common domestic animal species and breeds*.	
06.02	Describe and use common animal identification methods*.	
06.03	Demonstrate effective and appropriate restraint techniques for various animal species: 
•	properly restrain dogs and cats for procedures*.
•	encage and remove small animals from cages*.
•	apply dog muzzle safely*.
•	apply Elizabethan collar*.
•	use restraint pole and other restraint aids*[GROUP].
•	halter, tie, and lead horses/ponies/donkeys/mules*.
•	restrain pocket pets and exotics
•	restrain cattle and horses/ponies/donkeys/mules*.
o	apply twitch (horses/ponies/donkeys/mules)*[GROUP].
o	apply bovine tail restraint*.
o	apply bovine halter*.
•	restrain sheep and pigs.
•	load large animals.
•	safely operate cattle chute*[GROUP].	
06.04	Obtain a thorough patient history*.	
06.05	Demonstrate the ability to obtain objective patient data: 
•	temperature (dog, cat, horse/pony/donkey/mule, cow)*.
•	pulse (dog, cat, horse/pony/donkey/mule, cow)*.
•	respiration (dog, cat, horse/pony/donkey/mule, cow)*.
•	auscultate heart/lungs* (dog, cat, horse/pony/donkey/mule, cow).
•	assess hydration status	
06.06	Properly collect diagnostic specimens for analysis (ex: urine, blood, feces, specimens for cytology)*. 	
06.07	Perform venipuncture: 
•	cephalic (dog, cat)*
•	jugular (dog, cat, horse, ruminant)*
•	saphenous (dog, cat)*
•	sublingual (dog)
•	ear (pig, rabbit)
•	coccygeal (cow)
•	anterior vena cava (pig)	
06.08	Collect urine sample: 
•	catheterize male dog* [GROUP]
•	catheterize female dog
•	catheterize female cat
•	catheterize male cat
•	collect voided urine sample(dog and cat))*.
•	perform cystocentesis (dog and cat)*[GROUP].
•	catheterize large animal	
06.09	Prepare diagnostic specimens for shipment*.	
07.0	Understand and demonstrate husbandry, nutrition, therapeutic and dentistry techniques appropriate to various animal species. The student will be able to:	
07.01	Grooming: 
•	Demonstrate understanding of therapeutic bathing, basic grooming, and dipping of small animals*.
•	trim nails (dog, cat)*.
•	trim hooves (ruminant, horse).
•	apply equine tail and leg wraps*.
•	express canine anal sacs*.
•	clean and medicate ears (dog, cat)*.
•	clean sheath (horse/pony/donkey/mule).	
07.02	Perform microchip scanning and implantation.	
07.03	Environmental conditions: implement sanitation procedures for animal holding and housing areas*.	
07.04	Demonstrate understanding of permanent identification*.	
07.05	Demonstrate understanding of breeding/reproduction techniques*.	
07.06	Demonstrate understanding of care of orphan animals.	
07.07	Demonstrate understanding of nursing care of newborns*.	
07.08	Understand life stage energy and nutrient requirements of well animals (dog, cat, horse/pony/donkey/mule, cow)*.	
07.09	Identify common grains and forages.	
07.10	Understand key nutritional factors in disease conditions*. 
•	be familiar with therapeutic foods*.	
07.11	Understand current developments in nutritional supplements and additives including benefits and potential toxicities*.	
07.12	Understand and identify substances that when ingested result in toxicity: 
•	identify common poisonous plants*.
•	be familiar with substances (organic and inorganic) that cause toxicity*.	
07.13	Develop and communicate hospital nutrition protocols*.	
07.14	Administer parenteral medications: 
•	subcutaneous (dog, cat, ruminant)*.
•	intramuscular (dog, cat, horse)*.
•	intradermal (ruminant, dog).
•	intramammary (mastitis therapy only) (ruminant).
•	intravenous (dog, cat, ruminant, horse)*.	
07.15	Administer enteral medications:
•	balling gun (ruminant)*
•	dose syringe (ruminant, horse/pony/donkey/mule)*
•	gastric intubation (small animal)*[GROUP]
•	hand pilling (dog, cat)*
•	gastric lavage (dog)
•	dose syringe (pig)
•	oral speculum and stomach tube (ruminant)
•	nasogastric intubation (small animal, horse/pony/donkey/mule)	
07.16	Administer topical medications (including ophthalmic)*.	
07.17	Perform ocular diagnostic tests (including tonometry, fluorescein staining and Schirmer tear test)*.	
07.18	Administer enemas*[GROUP].	
07.19	Collect/evaluate skin scrapings*.	
07.20	Fluid therapy:
•	administer subcutaneous fluids*.
•	place intravenous catheters (cephalic*, saphenous*, jugular).
•	maintain and care for catheters*.
•	determine/maintain fluid infusion rate*.
•	monitor patient hydration status*.
•	develop familiarity with fluid delivery systems*.	
07.21	Apply and remove bandages and splints*.	
07.22	Remove casts.	
07.23	Develop understanding of wound management and abscess care*.	
07.24	Perform critical care:
•	maintain chest, tracheostomy, esophagostomy tubes.
•	collect and crossmatch blood for transfusion*[GROUP].
•	blood typing.
•	perform blood transfusions (autotransfusions may be considered).	
07.25	Apply established emergency protocols:
•	maintain emergency medical supplies/crash cart*.
•	perform first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (simulation acceptable)*.
•	use resuscitation bag*.
•	apply emergency splints and bandages*.	
07.26	Perform routine dental prophylaxis (manual and machine)*.	
07.27	Understand client education regarding home care*.	
07.28	Float teeth.	
07.29	Clip teeth.	
08.0	Safely and effectively manage and maintain patients in all phases of anesthesia. The student will be able to: 	
08.01	Calculate dosages of appropriate anesthetic-related drugs*.	
08.02	Administer anesthetic-related drugs (injection, endotracheal tube, mask)*.	
08.03	Place endotracheal tubes in patients*.	
08.04	Utilize clinical signs and appropriate equipment to monitor patient status during anesthetic procedures* (e.g., esophageal stethoscope, blood pressure monitor, capnometer, electrocardiogram, pulse oximeter)*.	
08.05	Evaluate patient and implement pain management protocols as directed*.	
08.06	Recognize and respond appropriately to patients in compromised states*.	
08.07	Perform appropriate resuscitation procedures as needed (e.g., calculate and administer appropriate anesthetic antagonists and emergency drugs as directed)*.	
08.08	Complete controlled substance log* (does not need to be official controlled substance log; mock logs may be utilized).	
08.09	Record and maintain anesthesia records*.	
09.0	Utilize and maintain anesthetic delivery and monitoring instruments and equipment. The student will be able to: 	
09.01	Maintain and operate anesthetic delivery and monitoring equipment: 
•	pulse oximeter*
•	capnometer*
•	esophageal stethoscope*
•	electrocardiograph (e.g., recognize abnormal rhythms/audible sounds, properly apply leads)*
•	anesthetic machines, including rebreathing systems, non-rebreathing systems, and masks*
•	endotracheal tubes*
•	resuscitation bag*
•	scavenging systems*
•	oxygen sources*
•	blood pressure monitoring devices*
•	laryngoscopes*
•	ventilator
•	defibrillator
•	temperature monitoring device* (e.g. thermometer, etc.)	
10.0	Understand and integrate all aspects of patient management for common surgical procedures in a variety of animal species. The student will be able to: 	
10.01	Properly identify patients and surgical procedures*.	
10.02	Patient assessment 
•	organize medical records/consent forms*.
•	review pre-operative evaluation*.
•	evaluate current patient status*.
•	organize and implement anesthesia*.	
10.03	Palpate the urinary bladder and express it if needed*.	
10.04	Prepare surgical site using appropriate aseptic techniques*.	
10.05	Position patient for common procedures*.	
10.06	Provide surgical assistance: 
•	demonstrate proper operating room conduct and asepsis*.
•	assist with care of exposed tissues and organs*.
•	properly handle and pass instruments and supplies*.
•	operate and maintain suction and cautery machines*.
•	understand the principles of operation and maintenance of fiber optic equipment*.
•	record and maintain operative/surgical records*.
•	perform basic suturing techniques.	
10.07	Coordinate pain management with the anesthesia/surgical team*.	
10.08	Provide post-operative care: 
•	pain management*
•	fluid therapy*
•	adequate nutrition*
•	wound management*
•	bandaging*
•	discharge instructions*
•	suture removal*	
11.0	Understand and provide the appropriate instruments, supplies and environment to maintain asepsis during surgical procedures. The student will be able to: 	
11.01	Prepare surgical instruments and supplies*.	
11.02	Prepare gowns, masks, gloves, and drapes*.	
11.03	Operate and maintain autoclaves*.	
11.04	Sterilize instruments and supplies using appropriate methods*.	
11.05	Perform pre-surgical set-up*.	
11.06	Identify and know proper use for instruments*.	
11.07	Identify common suture materials, types, and sizes*.	
11.08	Provide operating room sanitation and care*.	
11.09	Maintain proper operating room conduct and asepsis*.	
11.10	Perform post-surgical clean-up (e.g., equipment, instruments, room, proper disposal of hazardous medical waste)*.	
12.0	Demonstrate knowledge of proper handling, packaging, and storage of specimens for laboratory analysis to ensure safety of patients, clients, and staff. The student will be able to: 	
12.01	Select and maintain laboratory equipment*.	
12.02	Implement quality control measures*[GROUP].	
12.03	Understand how to ensure safety of patients, clients, and staff*.	
12.04	Prepare, label, package, and store specimens for laboratory analysis*.	
13.0	Perform analysis of laboratory specimens. The student will be able to:	
13.01	Perform urinalysis: 
•	determine physical properties (e.g., color, clarity, specific gravity)*.
•	test chemical properties*.
•	examine and identify sediment*.	
13.02	Perform CBC to include: 
•	hemoglobin*
•	packed cell volume*
•	total protein*
•	white cell count*
•	red cell count*	
13.03	Perform microscopic exam of blood film: 
•	prepare film and stain using a variety of techniques*.
•	perform leukocyte differential – normal vs abnormal*.
•	evaluate erythrocyte morphology – normal vs abnormal*.
•	estimate platelet numbers*.
•	calculate absolute values*.
•	correct white blood cell counts for nucleated cells*.	
13.04	Calculate hematologic indices*	
13.05	Coagulation tests – perform one of the following*:[GROUP] 
•	buccal mucosal bleeding time.
•	activated clotting time (ACT).
•	prothrombin time (PT).
•	partial thromboplastin time (PTT).
•	fibrinogen assay.	
13.06	Perform blood chemistry tests (BUN, glucose, common enzymes)*.	
13.07	Perform serologic test (ELISA, slide/card agglutinations)*.	
13.08	Identify blood parasites: 
•	Dirofilaria sp/Acanthocheilonema sp (formerly Dipetalonema sp)*
•	Hemotropic Mycoplasma sp (Hemoplasmas)* (formerly Haemobartonella sp and Eperythrozoon sp)
•	Anaplasma sp
•	Babesia sp
•	Trypanosoma sp
•	Eperythrozoan sp
•	Ehrlichia sp	
13.09	Perform parasitologic procedures for external parasites and identify: 
•	mites* 
•	lice*
•	ticks*
•	fleas*
•	flies*	
13.10	Perform diagnostics procedures for parasites: 
•	Antigen kit*, direct*, filter, Knotts* [GROUP]
•	flotation solution preparation
•	fecal flotations*
•	fecal sedimentation*
•	direct smears*
•	centrifugation with flotation*
•	adhesive tape retrieval of pinworm ova
•	perform fecal egg count using McMaster method	
13.11	Identify common parasitic forms: 
•	nematodes*
•	trematodes*
•	cestodes*
•	protozoa*	
13.12	Perform coprologic tests.	
13.13	Perform microbiologic procedures/evaluations: 
•	collect representative samples*.
•	culture bacteria and perform sensitivity tests*.
•	identify common animal pathogens using commercially available media and reagents*[GROUP].
•	collect milk samples and conduct mastitis testing (e.g., CMT, bacterial culture)*[GROUP].
•	perform common biochemical tests*[GROUP].
•	perform staining procedures*.
•	culture and identify common dermatophytes*.	
13.14	Perform cytologic evaluation. 
•	assist in collecting, preparing and evaluating transudate, exudate and cytologic specimens (joint, cerebrospinal, airway, body cavity).
•	perform fine needle tissue aspirates and impression smear preparation (differentiate benign vs. malignant).
•	prepare and stain bone marrow specimens.
•	collect, prepare, and evaluate ear cytology*.
•	collect, prepare, and evaluate canine vaginal smears*[GROUP].
•	evaluate semen.
•	understand timing and types of pregnancy testing.
•	assist with artificial insemination.	
13.15	Perform necropsy procedures: 
•	perform a postmortem examination or dissection on non-preserved animal*[GROUP].
•	collect samples, store and ship according to laboratory protocols*[GROUP].
•	explain how to handle rabies suspects and samples safely*.
•	handle disposal of dead animals.
•	perform humane euthanasia procedures.	
14.0	Safely and effectively produce diagnostic radiographic and non-radiographic images. The student will be able to: 	
14.01	Implement and observe recommended radiation safety measures*.	
14.02	Implement radiographic quality control measures*.	
14.03	Properly utilize radiographic technique charts*.	
14.04	Position live animals and produce diagnostic radiographic images (dogs*, cats*, horses/ponies/donkeys/mules*, and birds).	
14.05	Demonstrate an understanding of the modifications of diagnostic imaging techniques as they apply to mice, rats, guinea pigs, lizards, and amphibians*.	
14.06	Position live animals and utilize dental radiographic equipment to produce diagnostic intra-oral dental radiographic images (dog or cat)*.	
14.07	Appropriately label, file, and store images*.	
14.08	Demonstrate an understanding of completing a radiographic log for systems, reports, files, and records*.	
14.09	Perform radiographic contrast studies — perform one of the following*:[GROUP] 
•	GI Series
•	Pneumocystogram
•	Intravenous pyelogram
•	Other	
14.10	Perform on a sedated canine radiographic techniques utilized in screening for canine hip dysplasia*[GROUP].	
14.11	Demonstrate proper maintenance of radiographic equipment, including recognition of faulty equipment operation*.	
14.12	Use and care of ultrasonography equipment.	
14.13	Use and care of endoscopic equipment.	
15.0	Safely and effectively handle common laboratory animals used in animal research. The student will be able to:	
15.01	Recognize and restrain (mouse/rat, rabbit)*.	
15.02	Determine sex and understand reproduction (mouse, rat, rabbit)*.	
15.03	Perform and/or supervise basic care procedures: 
•	handling (mouse/rat, rabbit)*.
•	nutritional needs/diet*.
•	provide food, water, and enrichment in a species-appropriate manner (mouse, rat, rabbit)*.
•	trim nails.
•	identification*.	
15.04	Perform methods of injection: 
•	subcutaneous (mouse/ rat, rabbit)*
•	intramuscular (rabbit)
•	intradermal (rabbit)
•	intraperitoneal (mouse/rat)* [GROUP]
•	intravenous	
15.05	Collect blood samples 
•	Intravenous (mouse/rat [GROUP], rabbit)*	
15.06	Perform oral dosing (mouse/ rat)* [GROUP].	
15.07	Have working knowledge of anesthetic and recovery procedures*.	
15.08	Identify and describe clinical signs of common diseases*.	
15.09	Perform necropsy and collect specimens.	
15.10	Clean and medicate ears (rabbit).	
15.11	Anesthetize mouse/rat, and rabbit.	
15.12	Understand restraint of non-human primates.	
15.13	Demonstrate knowledge of zoonotic diseases and modes of transmission.	
16.0	Understand the approach to providing safe and effective care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and ferrets. The student will be able to:  	
16.01	Recognize, understand, and perform restraint techniques of birds*, reptiles, amphibians, and ferrets.	
16.02	Understand unique husbandry issues for each species (birds, reptiles, amphibians, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and ferrets) and provide client education*: 
•	nutritional needs/diet
•	watering
•	caging (temperature, humidity, light)
•	aquarium care
•	understand reproduction.
•	basic grooming (beak, wing, and nail clipping).
•	appropriate transportation methods.	
16.03	Demonstrate the ability to obtain objective data: birds*, reptiles, amphibians, and ferrets.	
16.04	Perform nail trim (bird*, exotic, small mammal).	
16.05	Perform injections using appropriate sites: 
•	subcutaneous
•	intramuscular
•	intradermal
•	intraperitoneal
•	intravenous	
16.06	Perform oral dosing.	
16.07	Administer drugs or medicaments using appropriate sites and routes.	
16.08	Understand appropriate sites for catheter placement.	
16.09	Understand tube feeding in birds.	
16.10	Perform laboratory procedures.	
16.11	Anesthetize birds and exotic animals.	
16.12	Recognize normal and abnormal behavior patterns.	
16.13	Explain inadvisability of keeping wildlife as pets.	
16.14	Collect blood samples.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

AVMA Student Essential and Recommended Skills
In order to properly prepare students for certification please refer to the Appendix section in the certification manual for the most up to date listings of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Student Essential and Recommended Skills List required of students.  

Required tasks are denoted by an asterisk (*). 

Italicized text denotes hands-on (psychomotor) skills; all other text denotes didactic (knowledge-based) skills. The term "demonstrate" along with a didactic (knowledge-based) skill means that the instructor is free to determine the best method(s) for the student to demonstrate mastery or understanding of that particular skill to the instructor. The term "demonstrate" is not synonymous with "hands-on".

Skills indicated by the designation [GROUP] may be performed by a group of program students. The appropriate size of the group will be determined by the task being performed taking into account humane treatment of the subject animal. Each member of the group must play an active role in the completion of the task.

Students are expected to physically perform skills that are italicized.

General Education Course Requirements for AS and AAS Degrees

State Board of Education Rule 6A-14.030(4), F.A.C., identifies 15 credit hours as the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.  In addition, Rule 6A-14.0303, F.A.C., implements s. 1007.25, F.S., and requires students entering a technical education degree program in the 2022-2023 academic year, and thereafter, to complete at least one identified core course in each subject area as part of the general education course requirements (15 credit hours total) before a degree is awarded) The core subject areas include: 
•	Communication. 
•	Humanities.
•	Mathematics. 
•	Natural Sciences.
•	Social Sciences.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Certificate Programs

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).  This AS degree program includes the following College Credit Certificates (CCC):

Veterinary Assisting (0301830100) - 14 credit hours

Standards for the above certificate programs are contained in separate curriculum frameworks.