Principles of Toxicology for Veterinary Technicians

This is a 100% online, asynchronous course.  The first three weeks of this course will introduce the general principles of toxicology, including the history and definition of key toxicological concepts. The next six weeks will be dedicated to reviewing the toxic responses of specific target organs/systems, and examples of common toxicants affecting those organs/systems will be provided. Eleven of those examples primarily affecting small animals will be reviewed in much greater detail during the last four weeks of the course. Other examples provided can affect both large and small animals, and some of most important intoxications impacting only cattle or horses will also be covered briefly. 

 

During the tenth week and eleventh weeks of the course, students will be introduced to basic principles involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of common veterinary intoxications, especially those frequently encountered in mixed animal veterinary practice in the Midwestern United States. Finally, during the last four weeks of this course, students will be reacquainted with eleven of the most common small animal intoxications, all of which were already introduced during weeks four through nine. Students will be expected to be familiar with the common sources of the toxic principles, clinical signs, common differential diagnoses for those clinical signs, and more detailed steps commonly utilized in the diagnosis treatment, and prevention of these specific intoxications. 

 

Prerequisites:

As this certificate program is for continuing education, all certificate seekers must be current veterinary technicians or veterinarians. Must already have an AAS or BS in Veterinary Technology or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD).