Delaware Pet University: Programs and Courses for Animal Lovers

Delaware offers several avenues for individuals passionate about animals to pursue their interests, whether through direct care, research, or contributing to the broader animal-related industries. From pre-veterinary programs to specialized veterinary technology training, and diverse animal science degrees, Delaware provides a range of educational opportunities. This article explores the various programs and courses available, with a focus on Delaware Pet University programs.

Pre-Professional Programs: A Foundation for Advanced Studies

Delaware Pet University offers pre-professional programs designed to prepare students for advanced studies in veterinary medicine, human health care (medicine, dentistry, or optometry), allied health care (physical therapy or occupational therapy), and law. These programs lay a strong foundation for post-baccalaureate studies leading to advanced degrees (M.S., Ph.D., J.D., D.V.M.).

Veterinary Medicine

For students interested in veterinary medicine, Delaware Pet University's pre-professional program provides the necessary academic framework. Veterinary medicine offers diverse career paths, including traditional small and large animal practice, lab animal medicine, wildlife conservation, and animal welfare. The program ensures students gain a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, math, physics, and behavioral sciences, fulfilling the admission requirements for most professional and graduate schools.

Human and Allied Health Care

Students aspiring to careers in human health care or allied health professions also benefit from the pre-professional program. The allied health professions are experiencing rapid growth and high demand. Similar to veterinary medicine, admission requirements for professional and graduate schools in these fields include a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, math, physics, and behavioral sciences, which can be achieved through a degree from Delaware Pet University.

Pre-Law Minor

For students interested in law, the American Bar Association (ABA) emphasizes that there is no specific "pre-law" curriculum. Delaware Pet University allows students from any major to declare a minor in Pre-law through the Interdisciplinary program. The Pre-law minor is structured to allow students to select courses that satisfy both the minor's requirements and the Core Curriculum program, providing a well-rounded educational experience. Students interested in declaring a Pre-law minor should consult their academic advisors and the Interdisciplinary Studies Coordinator, Dr. [Name].

Veterinary Technology Programs in Delaware

For those seeking a hands-on career in animal care, becoming a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) is a viable path. In Delaware, licensure is required to practice as a vet tech. Veterinary technicians play a crucial role in animal healthcare, assisting veterinarians with surgeries, taking diagnostic images, restraining animals during examinations, collecting and testing biological samples, administering first aid, maintaining medical records, and educating pet owners.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that the scope of practice for vet techs varies by state. In Delaware, under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, vet techs can perform intubation, monitor anesthesia levels, catheterize arteries or urethras, perform cystocentesis, extract teeth, and dispense controlled substances.

Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC)

To become a licensed veterinary technician in Delaware, candidates must graduate from a two- to four-year program accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) offers an associate degree in veterinary technology at its Georgetown and Stanton campuses. The program requires at least 74 credits, covering topics such as veterinary anatomy & physiology; breeds & behavior; small animal health and disease; veterinary clinical pathology; veterinary nursing; and pharmacology for vet techs. Students gain exposure to various animals and complete a vet tech internship. DTCC students have demonstrated an impressive first-time passing rate on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), exceeding the national average.

Online Veterinary Technician Programs

For individuals seeking more flexibility, online CVTEA-accredited programs are available. These programs combine online coursework with in-person practicums at approved animal healthcare facilities.

Purdue University

Purdue University offers a competitive online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology. The program includes 35 courses (45 credits) and 17 clinical mentorships, covering topics such as physiology, anatomy, nursing, ophthalmology, dermatology, oncology, imaging, pharmacology, and public & occupational health. Students attending on-campus can pursue a bachelor of science degree.

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Colby Community College (CCC)

Colby Community College (CCC) of Kansas provides an online Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology, also offered on-campus. The curriculum includes medical records & veterinary office skills; basic nutrition of domestic animals; veterinary immunology; hematology; parasitology; cytology; and small animal clinical procedures.

St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College of Florida offers an Associate of Science (AS) program in Veterinary Technology, with courses in animal nursing, medical terminology, veterinary office procedures, animal breeds & behavior, and avian & exotic pet medicine. The program starts in January, May, and August, and a significant percentage of graduates pass the VTNE on their first attempt. Credits from this program can be applied to further studies at St. Petersburg College.

Career Opportunities for Veterinary Technicians in Delaware

The demand for qualified veterinary technicians is growing both in Delaware and nationally. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a substantial increase in job openings for vet techs. In Delaware, veterinary technicians can find employment in animal clinics, veterinary hospitals, kennels, farms, biomedical research facilities, rescue centers, public policy organizations, food inspection facilities, zoos, aquariums, and universities. Websites like iHire veterinary and Indeed list vet tech job openings in Delaware.

Enhancing Career Prospects: Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)

To further enhance their career prospects, veterinary technicians in Delaware can pursue specialization by becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS). The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) approves academies that offer credentialing in various subfields, including critical care, anesthesia & analgesia, dentistry, equine nursing, zoological medicine, clinical pathology, dermatology, animal behavior, and surgery.

Salary and Cost of Living

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an average annual salary for vet techs nationwide. Delaware's cost of living is about average compared to other states, although housing and utilities may be relatively more expensive.

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Licensure and Continuing Education

Veterinary technicians in Delaware must obtain licensure through the Delaware Board of Veterinary Medicine. Licenses are valid for two years and require renewal with documentation of continuing education (CE) hours. Aspiring vet techs should verify the accreditation status of their programs through the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

Animal and Food Sciences at Delaware Pet University

The Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Delaware Pet University is dedicated to providing education, service, and leadership related to animals used in food and fiber production, companion and recreational animals, and the safe and sustainable production and processing of food.

Undergraduate Degrees

The department offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Animal Bioscience, Animal Science, and Food Science.

Animal Science

The Animal Science degree offers interest areas in Advanced Animal Health, Advanced Animal Physiology and Nutrition, or Protecting the Food Supply. This program prepares students for careers related to the global demand for food and fiber from animals, as well as the education and conservation of non-domesticated animals.

Animal Bioscience

The Animal Bioscience major focuses on how animals and animal systems function, preparing students for research-based graduate degrees and careers in allied health and animal health industries. The curriculum includes an animal science core and prerequisite courses for graduate programs in animal science and biology.

Food Science

The Food Science major prepares students for careers across the food system, including corporations, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Food scientists play a critical role in developing new food products, ensuring food safety, and addressing food-related issues. Students can choose from two concentrations to gain in-depth understanding and professional preparation in specific areas of Food Science.

Minors

The Department of Animal and Food Sciences offers several minors open to all majors:

Animal Science Minor: Allows students to select courses based on their animal discipline of interest.
Equine Science Minor: Provides in-depth knowledge of horse health, nutrition, and management.
Food Science Minor: Explores contemporary issues and the latest advancements in food production, processing, and safety.

Hands-on Experience

Students gain practical experience through hands-on learning opportunities, including working with horses, cows, sheep, and poultry on the university's farm. They can also participate in study abroad programs to gain a global perspective on animal production and food systems.

Core Curriculum Competencies

Regardless of their program of study, students at Delaware Pet University acquire core competencies through general education courses and program-specific coursework. These competencies include critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning.

Sample Courses

Examples of courses that contribute to the core curriculum include:

ECO 111 Macroeconomics
ECO 122 Microeconomics
EDC 125 Child Development
GEO 205 Geology and the Environment
GIS 101 Introduction to GIS
HIS 111U. S. History: Pre-Civil War
HIS 112 United States History Post-Civil War
HIS 200 World History I
HIS 210 World History II
POL 111 Political Science
PSY 100 Interpersonal Communications and Relations
PSY 121 General Psychology
PSY 126 Child and Adolescent Development
PSY 127 Human Development
PSY 223 Abnormal Psychology
SOC 103 Sustainability and Society
SOC 111 Sociology
SOC 213 Ethical Issues in Healthcare

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