Veterinary Technology
Degree:Associate in Applied Science
Award:Veterinary Technology
Length:Five-semesters including one summer (two-year) curriculum*

The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology is designed primarily for people who seek full-time employment in the area of veterinary technology immediately upon completion of the community college program. The objectives of the program are to prepare graduates for employment in private veterinary hospitals and other related fields. In a private veterinary hospital, the primary job responsibilities of a veterinary technician may include:

animal nurse
outpatient/farm service technician
laboratory technician
radiology technician
critical care/emergency technician
pharmacy technician
hospital manager
anesthesia technician

In addition to these responsibilities, veterinary technicians employed in biomedical research may become involved in the production, care and handling of research animals. They may also assist in designing and implementing research projects and managing research facilities.

A coordinated externship, required during the summer between the first and second year, includes 400 hours of work in a veterinary hospital. The College staff will assist the student in obtaining placement.

Admission Requirements:

To be admitted to the Veterinary Technology program, applicants should:

  1. be a high school graduate or equivalent;
  2. have successfully completed algebra and biology with a laboratory;
  3. complete an application for admission and submit transcripts from high school and all colleges and universities attended;
  4. observe in a veterinary hospital for 16 hours;
  5. complete an interview with a member of the Veterinary Technology staff;
  6. have good organizational and study skills.

    Since admission to the Veterinary Technology Program is competitive, applicants are encouraged to complete the admissions requirements by January 1 of the year they wish to enroll. Experience in the animal health field or working with animals is advantageous.

    Graduates of the program are eligible to take the state licensing examination administered by the State Board of Veterinary Medicine.

    * For a full-time student; part-time enrollment is not recommended due to sequencing of the required classes.
Curriculum
First Semester:
Course No.TitleCredits
ENG 137Communication Processes I3
or
ENG 111College Composition I(3)
STD 100Orientation1
VET 100Introduction to Animal Science4
VET 105Introduction to Veterinary Technology3
VET 111Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals4
15
Second Semester:
Course No.TitleCredits
CHM 110Survey of Chemistry3
HUM 202Survey of Western Culture II a3
VET 115Laboratory Techniques I4
VET 121Clinical Practices I4
VET 216Animal Pharmacology2
16
Summer Semester:
Course No.TitleCredits
VET 290Coordinated Practice in Veterinary Technology5
5
Third Semester:
Course No.TitleCredits
AGR 235Companion Animal Behavior2
Social Science Elective3
HLT/PEDHealth or Physical Education b1
VET 210Animal Diseases and Microbiology4
VET 215Laboratory Techniques II4
VET 221Advanced Clinical Practices III4
18
Fourth Semester:
Course No.TitleCredits
HLT/PEDHealth or Physical Education b1
PSY 105Psychology of Personal Adjustment3
VET 217Introduction to Laboratory, Zoo and Wildlife Medicine3
VET 222Advanced Clinical Practices IV4
VET 230Veterinary Hospital Management3
VET 240Computers in Veterinary Practice2
16
Total credits required for veterinary technology major ­ A.A.S. Degree in Animal Science ­ Veterinary Technology - 70
aHUM 201 will also meet this requirement (offered during fall semester)
bStudents must take one course that includes CPR or have CPR certification.