VTEC 1101: Veterinary Office Management
AVAILABLE IN CANADA ONLY FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA OPEN LEARNING PROGRAM
Students are introduced to effective veterinary management skills with a focus on fostering professional communication within a veterinary environment. With both a theoretical and hands-on approach, veterinary technology students will learn how to effectively employ communication strategies through a variety of methods.
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency in professional oral and written communication within the veterinary profession.
- Examine the parameters of professional ethics and understand professional association regulations.
- Perform generalized practice management skills within a veterinary office environment.
- Perform basic functions using veterinary practice software.
- Examine stress management and alternative techniques to assist with mental health within the profession.
- Demonstrate the appropriate use of medical records to manage a veterinary hospital, using professional communication.
- Discuss and recognize animal welfare related topics.
- Demonstrate knowledge of proper kennel management and sanitation in a veterinary facility.
Course topics
Module 1: Professionalism and Communications
Module 2: Stress Management
Module 3: Patient Records
Module 4: Professional Ethics and Associations
Module 5: Animal Welfare
Module 6: Practice Management
Module 7: The Veterinary Facility
Module 8: Finances
Module 9: Kennel Management and Hospital Sanitation
Required text and materials
The following materials are required for this course:
Note: Print versions of the textbooks are strongly recommended for all VTEC courses.
- Samples, O.M. (2026). McCurnin’s Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians (11th ed.). Elsevier.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780323936514
Optional materials
The following textbooks are optional for this course:
- VanAlstyne, J. S. (2004). Professional and Technical Writing Strategies: Communicating in Technology and Science (6th ed.). Pearson.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-13-191520-7 - Studdert, V. P., & Gay, C. C. (2020). Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (5th ed.). Elsevier.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-7020-7463-9
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a passing grade of 60% or higher on the overall course and 50% or higher on the mandatory Final Exam.
| Assignment 1: Personal Reflection on Stress Management | 5% |
| Assignment 2: Group Discussion—Animal Welfare and Ethics | 15% |
| Assignment 3: Leadership Personality Assessment | 5% |
| Assignment 4: My Workplace Facility | 10% |
| Assignment 5: Hospital Sanitation | 5% |
| Quizzes (4) | 20% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
