Are you passionate about animal health and well-being? Our Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technician is designed to prepare you with the skills and procedures necessary to contribute effectively to the care of veterinary patients. Whether your goal is to work in a small animal clinic or gain exposure to large animal and research settings, this program offers a comprehensive education.

Program Overview

In this program, the emphasis is on preparing students for small animal clinic settings, but it also includes exposure to large animals and research information. Veterinary technicians, under the supervision of veterinarians, play crucial roles in animal care. Their responsibilities range from restraining animals and collecting samples to providing nursing care, administering medications, record-keeping, and educating clients.

Additional skills encompass anesthesia administration, surgical nursing, radiographic procedures, dental prophylaxis, clinical pathology procedures, and medication preparation. This program addresses each of these areas, providing students with opportunities to develop and demonstrate the required skills and abilities to succeed in a professional veterinary context.

Hands-On Learning

To successfully complete this AVMA accredited program, students must attend class sessions and fulfill all in-class and out-of-class assignments. These assignments may include reading, projects, papers, various learning activities, and the required AVMA Essential Skills list. On average, students can anticipate dedicating about two hours to out-of-class activities for every one hour of lecture.

Certification and Career Opportunities

Upon successfully completing the program, students have the opportunity to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam and gain certification. They can then seek or obtain employment as a credentialed Veterinary Technician in the veterinary field.

Program Outcomes

Upon successfully completing this program, students should be able to:

• Perform patient examinations and collect data on vital signs.
• Restrain and manage all animals in clinical situations.
• Calculate, prepare, and administer medications by common drug routes and prepare pharmaceuticals as prescribed by a veterinarian.
• Prepare anesthetic delivery systems, induce anesthesia, monitor patients under anesthesia, manage complications, and recover anesthesia.
• Prepare and maintain the surgical area and assist during surgical procedures.
• Perform dental prophylactic procedures on dogs and cats.
• Produce standard diagnostic radiographs.
• Collect and process samples for diagnostic tests, such as blood chemistries, differentials, culture/sensitivities, and EKGs.
• Perform basic veterinary practice management, including computer applications.
• Recognize and assess behavioral signs of animals and how they relate to husbandry, handling, and disease.
• Educate clients on their animal’s health, nutrition, management during illness, preventative medicine, and euthanasia.
• Perform nursing care for small, large, and exotic species while advocating for their patients’ health.

Join our program and embark on a fulfilling journey to become a credentialed Veterinary Technician. Your contribution to animal care will make a significant impact on their well-being!