Core Professional Practice

Course Overview

VET 430 covers the professional, legal, and ethical foundations of veterinary medicine. Students examine the regulatory landscape governing veterinary practice, including licensure, controlled substance management, medical record requirements, and practice standards. The course integrates real-world case discussions, regulatory scenarios, and disaster medicine fundamentals. Students will understand their legal responsibilities, ethical decision-making frameworks, and roles in public health emergencies.

Learning Objectives

• Understand veterinary licensure, scope of practice, and state/federal regulations
• Master controlled substance handling, DEA regulations, and record-keeping
• Apply ethical frameworks to clinical decision-making and end-of-life care
• Recognize malpractice liability and informed consent requirements
• Prepare for disaster medicine response: animal triage, mass casualty management
• Navigate public health reporting (zoonotic disease surveillance)
• Develop business acumen: contracts, liability insurance, employment law