VET

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

cr.

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

cr.

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

of Domestic Animals This course offers a comparative study of the anatomy and physiology of domestic animals. This course covers cellular struc- ture, anatomical terms and review of the organ systems including integumentary, skeletal, muscle, nervous, circulatory, respi- ratory, urinary, gastrointestinal, reproduc- tive, and endocrine. Laboratories include the study of prosected specimens, models, illustrations, demonstrations, case studies, and computer-assisted learning.

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Corequisite

VET102

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

cr.

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

DIV Diversity Elective 3 cr. 18 cr.

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

cr.

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

drive.google.com

and Management This course is an introduction to the sci- ence of nutrition and the management of the exotic animal species commonly kept as pets (ferrets, reptiles, caged birds). Handling, nursing procedures, nutrition, husbandry, normal and abnormal behav- iors, and common disease conditions are covered. Cat and dog nutrition topics are also covered.

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

None

This course is a fundamental course for the veterinary nurse on principles and prac- tices of surgical nursing. Topics discussed include sterile technique, description and use of surgical instruments, basic operating room procedure, common surgical proce- dures, and veterinary dentistry. Radiology topics include the physics of radiography, equipment, techniques, and safety. Dental topics include oral exam, charting, common dental conditions, and prophylactic care. The lab provides an opportunity to practice instrument identification and pack prepara- tion, sterile gowning and gloving, dental cleaning and radiography, and radiology skills.

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

VET 108, VET 110

This course is an introduction to large ani- mal medicine for the veterinary nurse. Pertinent aspects of large animal diseases are discussed. Emphasis is placed on a review of large animal anatomy, nursing skills, and common diseases and their clini- cal signs.

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

VET 108

This course provides a fundamental back- ground in laboratory animal science. Emphasis is placed on the ten most com- monly used laboratory animals and the technician’s responsibility with these ani- mals. Laboratory instruction consists of a hands-on approach to proper management, handling, restraint, sexing, breeding, administering injections, and collecting bio- logical specimens from the laboratory ani- mals discussed in lecture. Animal care is mandatory.

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

None

18 cr.

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

cr.

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

cr.

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

drive.google.com

and Dentistry In veterinary medicine, a thorough dental exam- ination and cleaning requires general anesthesia. This course addresses dentistry and anesthesia skills necessary for the veterinary nurse. Anesthesia topics include drugs used for general and local anesthesia, patient specific anesthetic considerations, how to operate the anesthesia machine, planes of anesthe- sia, and monitoring parameters. The second part of the course provides a solid foundation of veterinary dental anatomy and terminology, periodontal dis- ease, periodontal treatment, and common dental pathologies encountered in veterinary patients. In addition, the course covers preventative dentistry with a focus on client education. (3 didactic; 1 lab) CATALOG 2025–2026 127

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

drive.google.com

Prerequisite

VET 240

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2025-2026

Source

drive.google.com

This course reinforces basic nursing skills taught and practiced in VET 225 and VET 235 and include more advanced skills in patient monitoring, venipuncture, under- standing of disease states, and management of emergency and critical care patients. Must be taken in the final semester.

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

VET 108, VET 110, VET 240

15 cr. 74 HARCUM COLLEGE

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

cr.

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

and Final Exam Students choose a case with which they were involved during their practicum and write up the case study, including informa- tion from the record, research, and first- hand experience. Students then present this report to their peers. Participation in semi- nar discussions and the final exam are aver- aged in with the case study grade. coursework, a cumulative grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher, and a grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher in all Veterinary Nursing coursework. 138 H A RC U M C O L L E G E

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

completion of all required

This is a two-week course in which students participate in the care and treatment of hos- pitalized patients. This treatment includes basic evaluation of patient history and cur- rent therapy, skills involved with patient comfort and care, fluid therapy, record keeping, venipuncture, and catheter main- tenance. coursework, a cumulative grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher, and a grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher in all Veterinary Nursing coursework.

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

completion of all required

This is a two-week course in which students gain a basic understanding in the assess- ment, treatment, and care of the critically ill patient. This course includes building on medical knowledge of disease processes and physiology; providing treatment, main- tenance, and comfort to critically ill ani- mals; assessing subtle changes in patient status and becoming proficient in a variety of skills such as venipuncture, catheter placement, fluid therapy, and administra- tion of medication. Some night shifts are required. coursework, a cumulative grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher, and a grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher in all Veterinary Nursing coursework.

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

completion of all required

This is a one-week course in which stu- dents gain skills in the application of sterile and aseptic techniques including prepara- tion of surgery patients, equipment, and operating areas. Identification of surgical instrumentation, suture material, and other surgical equipment is included. Students also gain a basic understanding of common surgical practices. coursework, a cumulative grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher, and a grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher in all Veterinary Nursing coursework.

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

completion of all required

This is a two-week course in which students gain skills involving induction, mainte- nance, and recovery of the anesthetized patient. Included are patient evaluation and monitoring, drug calculations, drug choices, and some special anesthetic considerations. Students also gain familiarity with the func- tion and care of anesthesia machines and monitoring equipment. coursework, a cumulative grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher, and a grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher in all Veterinary Nursing coursework.

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

completion of all required

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

2

Credits (max)

2

Credit unit

cr.

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

3 cr. VET 320 Anesthesia Rotation 2 cr. 3 cr. VET 321 Operating Room Rotation 1 cr. 4 cr. VET 322 Critical Care Rotation 1 cr. 3 cr. VET 323 Patient Care Rotation 1 cr. 4 cr. VET 324 Overnight Nursing Rotation 1 cr.

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

cr.

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

This is a one-week course in which stu- dents learn to produce diagnostic-quality radiographs for routine and some special- study procedures with the safety of both the patients and the handler in mind. Students also become knowledgeable in radiology equipment care and usage. Ultrasonography and echocardiography are introduced. coursework, a cumulative grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher, and a grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher in all Veterinary Nursing coursework.

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

completion of all required

72 H A RC U M C O L L E G E

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

This is a two-week course in which students learn and become familiar with the basics of large-animal anesthesia. Students learn chemical restraint, pharmacology of com- monly used drugs, calculations, anesthesia equipment, and how to recognize problems and trends as they occur during induction, maintenance, and recovery of the anes- thetized patient. Some on-call shifts are required with this rotation. coursework, a cumulative grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher, and a grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher in all Veterinary Nursing coursework.

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

completion of all required

This is a one-week course in which stu- dents participate and gain skills in aseptic techniques while preparing patients for sur- gery. Students learn routine and emer- gency surgical procedures, instrumentation and its uses, proper patient positioning, and suture material. Students also learn and develop skills in the proper handling, pack- aging, and sterilization of instrumentation prior to use in a sterile operating room envi- ronment. Some on-call shifts are required for this rotation. coursework, a cumulative grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher, and a grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher in all Veterinary Nursing coursework.

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

cr.

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

completion of all required

This is a one-week course in which stu- dents learn the nursing care required in dealing with critically ill large animals. Students learn the main causes of illness, the associated complications, how to moni- tor these complications, and how to avoid them. Students also learn emergency pro- cedures and triaging of patients and become familiar with the specialized emer- gency equipment that an intensive care unit has to offer. Students work on skills as they relate to medications, drug dosages, fluid therapy, and venipuncture. Documentation and communication skills are utilized. coursework, a cumulative grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher, and a grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher in all Veterinary Nursing coursework. CATALOG 2023–2024 139

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

completion of all required

This is a one-week course in which stu- dents learn to work up various emergencies as they present to a clinic after hours. Students continue to learn more nursing skills. This rotation continues to develop observation, monitoring, and patient assess- ment skills. coursework, a cumulative grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher, and a grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher in all Veterinary Nursing coursework.

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

completion of all required

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

17 cr. VET 326 Field Service Rotation 1 cr.

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

cr.

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

This is a one-week course in which stu- dents participate actively with field service veterinarians when they make farm calls away from New Bolton Center. Students learn routine vaccinations, surgical proce- dures, routine herd health considerations, and other large-animal procedures handled by a veterinarian on a farm call. coursework, a cumulative grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher, and a grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher in all Veterinary Nursing coursework.

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

completion of all required

This one-week rotation requires students to spend time in both the clinical lab and the pathology lab. Students learn large animal lab procedures and specific laboratory tests commonly performed when working with large animals. In the pathology lab, stu- dents gain experience with basic post- mortem methods, tissue sampling, and cytology readings. coursework, a cumulative grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher, and a grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher in all Veterinary Nursing coursework.

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

completion of all required

3 cr. VET 329 Large Animal Elective 1 cr. 1 cr. 12 cr. Total Credits: 93 Credits 4 cr. 4 cr. 3 cr. *Small Animal and

Subject

VET

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

cr.

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

This one-week rotation provides the stu- dent with an opportunity to participate in one of several elective rotations. These rota- tions include: Food Animal Rotation, Biomedical Research Lab, Animal Care/Herd Management, or Medical Records/Pharmacy. coursework, a cumulative grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher, and a grade point aver- age of 2.0 or higher in all Veterinary Nursing coursework. TOTAL CREDITS = 15

Subject

VET

Type

course

Edition

2026

Source

www.harcum.edu

Prerequisite

completion of all required