Vet tech faculty training with the SynDaver Canine Surgical Model
The Baker College Veterinary Technology program has begun implementing a new canine surgical model by SynDaver as an aid to its curriculum. The SynDaver Surgical Canine was developed by SynDaver Labs in Tampa, FL and offers students a realistic model for surgical training.
“The SynDaver canine model is cutting edge technology that assists the Vet Tech program in being able to increase simulated learning experiences and increases the quality of our learning environment,” said Tanya Lewis, dean of the College of Health Science. “Our Vet Tech program is competitive because we are committed to ensuring a variety of strategies to support student learning. The SynDaver model will be utilized in several Vet Tech courses as students progress through the program.”
The SynDaver Surgical Canine is made of water, fiber, and salt and can breathe and bleed just like a real dog with muscles, bones, and organs. This provides a realistic experience for students to refine their skills.
“Students can be introduced to the model early in the curriculum to learn surgical nursing techniques such as injections, blood sampling, catheter placement, and surgical prep procedures,” said Dr. Laurie Wright, program director of Veterinary Technology at Baker College’s Muskegon campus. “As they progress through the program the model can be used to teach anesthesia induction techniques and anesthetic monitoring procedures. Instructors can customize simulated scenarios that commonly occur in clinical practice so that students can develop critical thinking skills in response. Students will have a safe environment to develop essential skills in a realistic setting before they encounter these situations with live animals.”
The canine model can be implemented for continual use and will last essentially forever. Students will be able to repeat procedures over and over again making them more prepared to save animal lives after they graduate and are working in the community as certified veterinary technicians.
Baker College has been training veterinary technicians since 2003 and offers its Vet Tech program at its Owosso, Cadillac, Jackson and Muskegon campuses.
More information on veterinary technology at Baker is available at the College’s Veterinary Technology Program Page.