Veterinary Technology Students Experience Hands-On Procedures
To give OSU-Oklahoma City Veterinary Technology students priceless hands-on experience, the program began a cooperative agreement with the Midwest City Animal Shelter in March 2011.
Through the agreement, the shelter provided the program with three to five dogs twice a week throughout April. The Veterinary Technology department performed general anesthesia services including dental prophylaxis (cleaning), vaccinations, and either an ovariohysterectomy (spay) or castration (neuter) at no cost. Each of these procedures saves the shelter $70 per dog.
“The students were supervised by licensed veterinarians and technicians,” said Dr. David Morales, OSU-OKC Veterinary Technology department head. “It was a ‘win-win-win’ situation for the shelter, students and dogs, as they are better candidates for adoption.”
Students are able to perform procedures such as placing I.V. catheters, drawing blood, performing blood tests, collecting samples for laboratory analysis, monitoring patient vitals during general anesthesia procedures and so much more.
Dr. Morales hopes to extend the agreement as the overall experience was positive for everyone involved.
“Veterinary Technology students receive rigorous, complicated training,” Dr. Morales says. “A well-qualified, well-trained Registered Veterinary Technician can be an invaluable asset to a veterinary medical team whether in private practice, specialty referral practice or emergency facilities.”
For more information on OSU-OKC’s Veterinary Technology program, visit www.beavettech.com or call (405) 945-6742.
