Description

The Veterinary Technician Associate of Applied Science is designed to prepare students to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination to become certified veterinary technicians. The program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities as a program for educating veterinary technicians.

The program provides education in subjects such as animal husbandry, nursing, nutrition, animal handling, parasitology, hematology, microbiology, radiology, pharmacology, anesthesiology, dental prophylaxis, surgical assisting, and office procedures. It includes practicums designed to provide practical, hands-on experience to build on skills learned in the classroom.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Perform comprehensive veterinary technician medical processes and apply critical thinking skills for optimal patient care.
2. Utilize therapeutic and professional communication skills to achieve patient outcomes in collaboration with veterinary health care team members and clients.
3. Apply principles of professionalism and confidentiality within the veterinary client/patient relationship.
4. Implement ethical and legal standards as they apply to veterinary medical practice.
5. Practice current concepts of infection control and occupational safety.
6. Utilize knowledge of facility policies and procedures.

Entrance Requirements

Academic Entrance Requirements

Required:

•  High school diploma or GED
• The following prerequisite courses must be completed with a C grade or higher before applying to the program:
  • BI 101 General Biology: Cells & Genes or BI 221 Principles of Biology: Cells
  • CH 104 Introduction to Chemistry I or CH 221 General Chemistry I
  • WR 121Z Composition I
  • COMM 218Z Interpersonal Communication
  • Minimum placement Math Level 18 or complete MTH 095 Intermediate Algebra or MTH 111Z Precalculus I: Functions or higher
• 40 hours of observation in a veterinary clinic

Other Entrance Requirements

Required:

• Refer to the current program admissions handbook for a detailed description of admission requirements. Students must complete 40 hours of observation in a veterinary clinic, the program application, and must submit any required documentation as part of their application packet. Admission packets are available on the Veterinary Technician page. Applications are accepted biennially during Spring term for admission to the program the following Fall term.
• Students must be 18 years of age or older before starting the program.
• Once admitted into the program, students need to complete the following before Fall term:
  • 10-panel urine drug screen
  • Criminal history check
  • Documentation of immunizations
    • Tdap vaccine
    • Required: Pre-exposure rabies vaccination- Students need to provide proof of the completed 2 dose vaccination series or proof of adequate protection documented by a serologic test.

Additional Program Costs (Beyond Standard Tuition/Fees and Textbooks)

Material Costs

Required:

• Criminal history check, drug screening, immunization verification: $120
• In some cases, immunization cost for tetanus and rabies: $100 to $1000
• Supplies, such as scrubs, lab jacket, coveralls, farm boots, stethoscope, thermometer, bandage scissors, wrist watch, name badge, calculator, laptop or tablet computer: $500 to $1200
• Transportation costs: variable

Enrollment Fees

• Student lab fee, per term: $300

Course Requirements

Advising Notes

Students are admitted to the Veterinary Technician program through a selective admission process. Admission to the program is competitive and enrollment is limited. Program courses must be taken in sequence.

Students are strongly recommended to attend a program information session to learn about the College's Veterinary Technician program and admission requirements prior to application submission. Currently, a cohort begins every other Fall term.

This program is intended for students seeking employment as veterinary technicians. These courses are not intended as preparation for a doctor of veterinary medicine degree. (See Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Veterinary AAOT). Some courses may transfer to other veterinary technician programs. Please contact your transfer institution for more information.

A pre-exposure Rabies vaccine is required to attend the Veterinary Technician Program. Students need to provide proof of the completed 2 dose vaccination series or proof of adequate protection documented by a serologic test. 

Performance Standards

• Academic Requirements:

  • Students must earn a C or higher in each prerequisite course.

  • All Veterinary Technician courses must be completed with a C or higher to qualify for continuation in the program.

  • Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree.

• Additional Requirements

  • Students must enroll full-time in all courses listed for each term.

  • All Veterinary Technician coursework must be successfully completed prior to entering the clinical practicum courses.

Sample Plan