2023/24 Animal Health Technology Student Handbook (updated Sept 8/23)

WelcometoLakelandCollege!

Congratulations on choosing a career as an Animal Health Technologist and for being admitted to the Lakeland College Animal Health Technology program.

Lakeland College’s AHT program is fully accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). The CVMA and Lakeland College expects that all graduates of our program will have the highest standards of achievement and professionalism.

Be proud of what you have accomplished thus far to get admitted to the program and make every effort to maximize your experience and knowledge while you are here.

By enrolling in the AHT Program, you have agreed to the terms and conditions explained in this handbook.

ProgramOutcomes

1. Communicate and collaborate with clients and health care team

2. Uphold professional standards and protocols with personal accountability, compassion, and integrity

3. Ensure safe handling of companion animals and livestock, and perform specimen collection, diagnostic procedures, and treatment

4. Promote health and welfare using knowledge of biosecurity, husbandry and disease prevention in companion animals and livestock

5. Integrate skills and knowledge to perform surgical nursing and animal care

6. Apply critical thinking to make decisions within the professional scope of practice

Professionalism

Upon entering the program of Animal Health Technology, you have become a member of the veterinary profession. As such, there are professional standards, which are expected both within the program and within the industry.

As per the ABVMA bylaws, all students registered in an Alberta Animal Health Technology program must be student members of the ABVMA.

Professional and Academic Dishonesty

Professional and academic dishonesty, such as:

❖ Cheating or plagiarism on academic work (grade of zero)

❖ Lying to a staff member

In order to maintain academic integrity, students are responsible to familiarize themselves with what constitutes academic dishonesty. Examples include, but are not necessarily limited to:

1. Cheating, or any form of fraud, deceit, theft or omission. This may include actions such as the possession or use of crib notes and/or electronic devices, copying from another paper either before or during any academic exercise, theft of examinations, or aiding or abetting other individuals in fraudulent activities.

2. Plagiarism: The use and submission of another’s work without appropriately identifying and crediting the individual. “Work” includes direct quotations longer than two words; facts that are not common knowledge or are arguable; judgments, opinions, or ideas of others, even if paraphrased or summarized; statistics, charts, tables, and graphs from other sources; or information or help provided by friends, instructors, or others.

Plagiarism can be judged to have occurred if 1) the instructor has both the material presented by the student and the original source from which this material was taken; 2) the student is incapable of explaining the terminology or ideas in the submitted material, and such terminology or ideas do not originate in the works contained in the accompanying bibliography or works cited page; or 3) the student cannot produce the notes or texts used to prepare his/her material for oral presentations.

Plagiarism is the use of unoriginal work in assignments and papers. Anything more than 10 percent unoriginal work may be considered academic dishonesty.

3. Improper collaboration: inappropriate sharing of work on an assignment; group work situations where the degree of collaboration has exceeded the degree set by the instructor.

4. Fabrication or falsification or results for use in an academic exercise.

Penalties In consultation with the department chair, the instructor may impose the following penalties for acts of academic dishonesty:

a) Student is required to re-submit an assignment.

b) Student is assigned a mark reduction on the submitted work.

c) Student is assigned a mark of zero on the submitted work. The department chair may also recommend one or more of the following sanctions be carried out by the Registrar.

• Place the student on academic probation.

• A grade of “RW” in the course.

• Loss or repayment of scholarships and/or other awards.

• Suspension or expulsion from college.

• An order to rescind the student’s credential.

Kennel or Nursing Care/Assignment Treatments

Failure to provide required kennel or nursing care and assigned treatments to an assigned patient or falsifying medical records will result in a written letter of reprimand and a series of consequences. A second offence within the program duration will result in course failure, or potential suspension from the program, and the student will be required to fill out an incident report for the Animal Care Committee. (See Kennel Care booklet.)

Classroom Conduct

An atmosphere of respect and tolerance is expected towards your peers and your instructors. Unprofessional conduct, such as texting, sleeping in class or disruptive talking, will not be permitted. Refer to https://www.lakelandcollege.ca/campus-life/rules-regulations-forms/policies-procedures/.

Cell phone use is prohibited in labs, unless specified by the instructor.

Without prior notification to the instructor, late entry to class is not permitted. When the classroom door is closed, there will be no further entry and the student will be recorded as “absent. ”

Pictures and recordings cannot be taken during lectures whether they are in-person or online unless required by the Accessibility Advisor and appropriate documentation.

When face-to-face instruction is not possible or practical, Lakeland College will use online learning tools, such as Microsoft Teams. In such circumstances, your image, voice and other personal information shared by you, other students or instructors may be recorded and will be seen by other students in your class. By enrolling in courses and/or programs at Lakeland College, participating in required online learning activities, and through the use of online learning tools, you are providing consent to Lakeland College to record your image and voice and other personal information that may be revealed by you, and/or fellow students, or instructors. The recorded videos and class presentations are not intended for public viewing, but there may be circumstances in which people outside your courses have access to them (i.e. someone watching over the shoulder of a student viewing a recording, or if someone is provided access to a student’s account).

The personal information that may be recorded is collected under the authority of Section 33(c) of the Act and will be protected under Part 2 of that Act. If you have any questions about the collection or use of this information, please contact the Chief Financial Officer at (5707 College Drive, Vermilion AB, T9X 1K5, 780-853-8524, FOIP@lakelandcollege.ca ).

Absences Labs

Missed labs are often impossible to make up or reschedule and will result in a zero. The only excusable absence for a lab is prior notification and discussion with the instructor (for example, a medical event with a doctor’s note, a funeral card or a College-sanctioned event). Students are responsible for material missed during the absence. Twenty percent (20%) absence in both lecture or lab could result in removal from the program.

Exams

Once dates and times are set, final exams will not be moved. Midterms will be set by the instructor. Students are expected to write on the date that exams are set. The only excusable absence for an exam is with prior notification to the instructor (for example, a medical event with a doctor’s note, a funeral card or a College-sanctioned event). If a student is approved by the instructor to be able to write a make-up exam, the alternate date will be determined by the instructor to write the “excused” exam.

Late Assignments

We have a consistent procedure within the program regarding the handing in of assignments or projects:

❖ Assignments/projects are due on the deadline set by the instructor

❖ Late assignments/projects will not be accepted and will result in a grade of zero (0)

❖ Students are responsible to ensure that assignments are submitted on time following the directions that were provided by your instructor

Exam Policy

During the writing of any exam or quiz, students will not be permitted to:

❖ No food will be permitted

❖ Have backpacks and coats beside their desk (must be left at the front of the room)

❖ Cell phones and Smart watches are not permitted

Be advised that assigned seating for exams may also be implemented.

Field Trips and Guest Speakers

Professional conduct (as outlined in classroom conduct) is expected from all students.

❖ Please be aware that you are representing Lakeland College, as well as the AHT profession during these times

❖ Dress appropriately – sweats and hats (toques and ball caps) are not considered professional attire

❖ No alcohol consumption or drug use during business hours

Confidentiality and Social Media Etiquette from Lakeland College AHT Lecture or Labs

The AHT profession follows a Code of Ethics to promote professionalism and confidentiality. The sharing of any patient and client information, including photos, from laboratories at Lakeland College is considered unprofessional conduct and will not be tolerated

ClothingandFootwear

Proper Clothing and Footwear must be worn to participate in all labs

Farm Clothing

For all large animal labs, the following clothing must be available to be worn:

❖ Two pairs of coveralls are required

➢ Students are required to have two pairs of coveralls. All street cloths must be covered.

▪ Coveralls must be washed if visibly dirty and coveralls should be cleaned or changed between animal units; failure to do this may result in you being asked to leave the lab

❖ Boots – washable steel-toed, rubber boots must be worn when working with large animals

➢ Boots must be cleaned and disinfected after every lab

Surgery Clothing

❖ Clean scrubs (pants and tops), which are worn only in the surgery labs

❖ Lab coat/scrub jacket is required

❖ Ensure you have a watch that counts seconds; no cell phones

❖ Surgery footwear

➢ A separate pair of shoes that are worn only in surgery is required (no heels, open toes or boots)

Clinical Labs

Refer also to individual/course handouts.

❖ Lab coats or scrub tops

➢ Must cover all shirts worn underneath

❖ Indoor lab footwear

➢ No open toes (crocs, sandals or boots), must have one pair of indoor shoes (ie. running shoes) to be used only in the clinic

❖ For biosecurity concerns, any clothing worn during labs must be designated/restricted for Lakeland College labs only

❖ You will require a minimum of one long-sleeved lab coat or scrub jacket, but we recommend two as the coat/jacket must always be clean when worn to lab; coats/jackets with cuffed sleeves are recommended

❖ Most labs require a scrub top and/or a scrub jacket worn with regular pants

StudentRabiesImmunization

Rabies is a disease that can be transmitted from unvaccinated animals to humans. There is no effective treatment for rabies. The AHT program at Lakeland College uses cats and dogs from humane societies and rescue organizations in teaching labs that may not be vaccinated against rabies or that have an unknown vaccine status. It is a recommendation of the program that all students be vaccinated against rabies at the beginning of their first year to insure protection against rabies.

Arrangements to have this done will be set up by the AHT program and you will be notified in early September of the dates and times. Rabies immunization consists of a series of three vaccine injections. The first two are one week apart with the third vaccine being two weeks after the second one. Vaccinations will be administered by a Public Health nurse at Lakeland College. You will then be required to have a rabies titre done three weeks after the last vaccine to confirm protection against rabies. Any costs associated with the rabies series will be the responsibility of the student.

Students that have been previously immunized against rabies will need to have antibody titres done or provide a copy of their last antibody titre to ensure they still have protective levels of antibodies.

AHTStudentPregnancyPolicy

The potential for human injury always exists in the practice of veterinary medicine, and it increases whenever the person is pregnant. Possible hazards to the pregnant person and/or their unborn child include physical trauma, as well as exposure to toxic drugs, infectious agents, inhalation anesthetics, radiation and other agents.

It is recognized that a pregnant person has rights for decisions concerning their pregnancy. At the same time, all students are expected to complete all requirements of the Animal Health Technology curriculum in order to graduate.

Student Responsibilities

The pregnant student is advised to:

❖ Contact their program head and individual instructors for specific information on the types of toxic, infectious, radiation and other hazards to which the student may be exposed.

❖ Contact their treating physician/obstetrician to obtain recommendations for a plan to minimize exposure to the hazards that may be associated with being an Animal Health Technology student.

❖ Provide a signed statement from the treating physician/obstetrician that defines any required limitations during the pregnancy.

Options for The Student

❖ Continue as a student with no necessary schedule or assignment changes.

❖ Continuation as a regular student with some possible schedule and assignment changes. This option may not delay the time of graduation.

❖ Medical leave of absence: A student who needs time off but does not want to withdraw and reenter with the next graduating class, may be able to obtain a medical leave of absence for the time period deemed medically necessary by their physician. It will be the student’s responsibility to make up assignments or courses missed during the leave of absence and may depend on the ability of the program to provide access to missed essential skills.

❖ Withdrawal as a student: The pregnant student may consider withdrawing as a student and reapply to return the following year, space permitting in the program, to graduate with the next class. This option minimizes risks, but delays graduation.

AnimalCareExpectations

We expect animals, which are under our care at Lakeland College, to receive the highest quality of care and attention. See Kennel Care booklet.

See “Kennel or Nursing Care/Assignment Treatment” under Professionalism in this handbook for more information.

BoardingofPrivately-OwnedAnimals

The Animal Clinic facility is here for the use of the AHT program for teaching purposes.

❖ Permission must be obtained from an AHT staff member prior to bringing the animal

❖ Must be an AHT student’s animal

➢ And is an SPCA adoption or an animal that is used in a lab

➢ Space must be available

➢ Time limit – 7 days maximum

❖ No other boarding of animals will be permitted

❖ Proof of vaccination status will be required

VeterinaryCareforStudentAnimals

Drugs and Supplies

We cannot sell any veterinary drugs or supplies.

Professional Veterinary Service

Due to the large number of students in the program, and in the interest of fairness, we cannot provide any professional veterinary services for student-owned animals, unless requested by instructor for use in a lab. Must be student’s own animal.

AHTCourseRequirementsfor Graduation

CVMA accreditation standards are higher than the School’s minimum requirements for courses.

Requirement for Successful Completion of Course and Competencies

All courses require a minimum of 60% (C) in lecture and a minimum of 60% (C) in labs, as well as successful completion of any required competencies. Lab final exams must be passed with a minimum of 50%.

Students must successfully complete all courses in a semester before advancing to the second semester and must complete all of the first-year courses before advancing to second year. Failure to do so will result in suspension from the program for one semester. Students will be required to reapply if they wish to return to the program.

It is the student’s responsibility to know their marks.

Failure to achieve the minimum requirements in either lecture or lab will result in the course mark being recorded as a “D.”

Grade Strip

Course Failure

Please review to the Agricultural Sciences Student Handbook.

As an over-subscribed program, students who do not meet this requirement after Semester 1 will be required to re-apply for the following academic year and repeat all deficient course work from Semester

1. Students who fail Semester 2, 3 or 4 must reapply for that semester the following year, with approval for entry dependent on available space. All deficient course work from that semester must be repeated. Although it is not mandatory, we strongly suggest repeating all courses in the semester for continuity and student success.

Students must complete all courses in any given semester before proceeding to the following semester.

Students must complete the AHT diploma within three (3) years from their date of entry in order to remain relevant with industry standards and curriculum changes.

Course requirements are outlined in Appendix A.

Practicum Completion

According to Lakeland College Student Procedure 5.89, a student may attempt a practicum twice. Students successfully completing a practicum may not attempt it again.

VTNE Exam

Graduates of a CVMA-accredited Animal Health Technology program are eligible to write the VTNE Exam and become registered veterinary technologists. All provinces in Canada require technologists to be registered in order to practise veterinary medicine (except in Ontario).

Students will register for the VTNE Exam on their own in April. Registration is done on-line through AAVSB and a credit card payment of $345 US is required.

AppendixA

These are the course requirements for AHT courses

Students must complete all courses in a given semester before proceeding onto the next semester

First Year AHT Courses

All courses require a “C” in the lecture portion and a “C” in the lab portion in order to move onto the next level:

Semester 1

VS 101 – Anatomy and Physiology

VS 102 – Animal Behavior and Handling

VS 103 – Animal Care and Nursing I

VS 104 – Communications I

Semester 2

VS 106 – Laboratory Procedures I

VS 107 – Animal Care and Nursing II

VS 108 – Anesthesia and Analgesia

VS 109 – Nutrition

VS 105 – Surgery I VS 110 – Animal Disease I

Second Year AHT Courses

All courses require a “C” in the lecture portion and a “C” in the lab portion in order to move onto the next level:

Semester 1

VS 202 – Surgery, Dentistry and Pain Management

VS 203 – Laboratory Procedures II

VS 204 – Pharmacology

VS 205 – Diagnostic Imaging

VS 220 – Student-Led Clinic I

** VS 210 – Practicum is a pass/fail course

Semester 2

VS 206 – Animal Care and Nursing IV

VS 207 – Animal Diseases II

VS 208 – Clinical Practices

VS 210 – **AHT Practicum

VS 221 – Student-Led Clinic II

AppendixB

Staff Directory