Harcum College (Harcum)

Harcum College, located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, is widely recognized for its specialized Veterinary Technology program, which is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The program is designed to prepare students for the rigorous demands of clinical veterinary practice, with a heavy emphasis on the care, handling, and medical management of canine patients.

Core Curriculum and Training

The Veterinary Technology curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience. Students engage in comprehensive coursework that covers:

• Canine Anatomy and Physiology: An in-depth study of canine biological systems to support diagnostic and surgical assistance.
• Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Procedures: Training in hematology, urinalysis, and parasitology specifically tailored to canine health diagnostics.
• Surgical Nursing and Anesthesia: Practical instruction in preparing canine patients for surgery, monitoring vital signs under anesthesia, and post-operative recovery care.
• Pharmacology and Toxicology: Understanding the administration of medications and the identification of common toxins affecting domestic dogs.
• Radiology and Imaging: Utilizing diagnostic imaging equipment to identify orthopedic and soft tissue issues in canine patients.

Clinical Experience and Mission

The mission of the Harcum Veterinary Technology program is to produce highly skilled, compassionate veterinary technicians who are proficient in the latest industry standards. Students benefit from the college's commitment to experiential learning, often working with live animals in controlled, supervised environments to master restraint techniques, physical examinations, and nursing care. The program emphasizes the human-animal bond and the ethical responsibilities inherent in veterinary medicine.

Professional Preparation

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). By focusing on the technical and medical aspects of canine care, Harcum College ensures that its students are prepared to work effectively in private veterinary practices, specialty referral hospitals, research facilities, and animal shelters. The program's rigorous standards ensure that graduates possess the critical thinking skills necessary to handle complex canine medical cases and provide high-quality support to licensed veterinarians.