Veterinary Degrees Online

Turn a love of animals into a lifetime career with our Veterinary Technology degree. In our associate’s and bachelor’s programs, students work hand-in-hand with doctors and veterinary technicians by performing lab tests, drawing blood, assisting in surgery, and caring for animals. With experience in working with domestic, exotic and farm animals of every shape and size, students are well-prepared for careers in veterinary hospitals and clinics.

Our associate in science degree in Veterinary Technology is one of seven programs in New York. This is a rigorous academic program with a strong emphasis on practical application. The program includes professional, liberal arts, and preceptorship (internship) requirements, as recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Classes are designed around the responsibilities of a Veterinary Technician, with core courses in Laboratory Animal Science, Small Animal Diseases and Nutrition, Farm Animal Restraint, and Veterinary Practice Management. Students also have the option to continue at Medaille for a Bachelor of Science degree in either Biology or Liberal Studies.

In 2001, Medaille College’s accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association was reconfirmed. This accreditation is recognized throughout the United States. Upon completion of the degree, students take a licensing exam to become certified as a Veterinary Technician. This exam is recognized in New York State and nationally. In the last 10 years, Medaille graduates have had a greater than 90% passing rate. Medaille graduates have experienced 100% job placement rates

This program is designed for students interested in a career in veterinary science and technology. The format allows a student to earn an associate degree in Veterinary Technology while working toward a bachelor of science degree in Veterinary Science. The course requirements for the freshman and sophomore years are outlined in the catalog associate degree programs under Veterinary Technology. Graduates of other associate degree programs in Veterinary Technology accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association may transfer directly into the bachelor’s degree program (as long as all mandatory courses have been completed and all pre-requisite courses for courses in the Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science Program have been or will have been met).

The demand for qualified graduates in veterinary science and technology far exceeds the supply. Employers cite an increasing need for well-trained veterinary science career professionals. Careful selection of courses and preceptorship experiences can help graduates meet eligibility requirements to sit for certification exams in clinical laboratory technology, emergency medicine and critical care, laboratory animal medicine, and to work in medical and pharmacological research.

Students are encouraged to work part-time in a veterinary practice or biotechnical research setting to maintain learned technical and nursing skills. Junior and senior students are also eligible to apply for employment as laboratory teaching assistants in the associate degree Veterinary Technology program.

The Veterinary Science curriculum has a collection of core course requirements and electives. The core requirements build a foundation of knowledge for all graduate veterinary technicians. The elective course offerings provide the opportunity for the student to pursue his/her individual interests such as laboratory animal medicine, companion animal medicine or prepare to pursue a postgraduate degree (MS, Ph.D., DVM).

This broad-based baccalaureate degree program in biologic sciences, veterinary sciences and animal husbandry also allows students to select in-depth instruction and clinical experience with a practical theme. The two concentration options available are Clinical Medicine and Laboratory Animal Medicine. Supplementing the didactic course work is a preceptorship in which the student receives hands-on training at an approved facility such as a veterinary practice or research facility. The student works directly with his/her faculty advisor to select appropriate elective courses within the curriculum to match their particular area of interest.

The Clinical Medicine concentration is designed to further enhance the student’s knowledge of nutrition, animal husbandry, nursing, zoonotic diseases and preventive medicine in the major domestic animal species as well as less traditional companion animals. Biomedical technologies, advanced diagnostic procedures and nursing skills are emphasized.

The Laboratory Animal Medicine Concentration is designed for Veterinary Technology students interested in a career within the discipline of laboratory animal science. In addition to advanced foundation courses in the biological sciences, students receive training in non-human primate and non-primate laboratory animals, research methodologies, nutrition, ethics, and laboratory management

A Veterinary Technician is a graduate of a two-year, AVMA-accredited program in Veterinary Technology who has knowledge of applied science and specialized training in animal health, care and management. Graduates of the program are qualified to perform a wide range of technical medical skills and may be employed in veterinary practices, research and academic institutions, biological laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, public health organizations and zoos. The demand for veterinary technicians continues to exceed the supply of graduates.

An integral part of the program is the Lenfest Animal Health Center. This on-campus veterinary clinic treats over 1,000 animals annually and allows students to gain valuable hands-on clinical experience as part of the curriculum. In addition to the veterinary clinic on campus, field trips to shelters and large animal facilities add to the clinical experience of the students. These out-reach programs give the students experiences with a wide range of animal species. Additionally, supplementing the didactic course work is an externship in which the student receives hands-on training in an approved research facility, private veterinary practice or veterinary teaching facility.

The curriculum is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.

Veterinary technicians work with a veterinarian to provide professional healthcare. This requires extensive knowledge and training in the care and handling of animals, their normal and abnormal life processes, medical and surgical nursing, anesthesiology, diagnostic imaging, and clinical laboratory procedures-precisely the kind of knowledge and training you’ll receive at LMU.

LMU’s veterinary technology program (LMUVTP) offers several degree options that allow you to complete the pre-veterinary medicine requirements at LMU and be prepared to apply to AVMA-accredited colleges of veterinary medicine.

Degrees Offered

Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology (AAS)
Associate of Science in Veterinary Animal Science (AS)
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology (BS)

Concentrations

Animal Science
Veterinary Practice

Special Features

LMUVTP’s affiliation with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, the Harrogate Hospital for Animals, and Harrogate Genetics International enables you to gain cutting-edge knowledge and experience.

The AAS and BS degrees are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The BS degree offers concentration areas in veterinary animal science and veterinary practice management. These concentrations are excellent choices for transfer students.

All of LMU’s veterinary degrees emphasize hands-on experience with animals, preventative medicine, and service to the community.

The AAS and BS degrees qualify students to take the national veterinary technician licensing examination and to become a licensed veterinary technician (for those earning the AAS) or veterinary technologist (for those earning the BS).

LMU’s veterinary technology students are a diverse group, coming from places like the Virgin Islands and from states as far away as California, North Dakota, and New York.

Students are taught the skills and procedures to effectively contribute to the health and well being of veterinary patients. Veterinary technicians, while always working under the supervision of a veterinarian, provide many services. Routine duties include restraint of animals, sample collection, nursing care (IV catheter placement, bandage application, medication administration, etc.), feeding of animals, record keeping, office procedures, and client education and communication. Other skills include administration of anesthesia, surgical nursing, radiographic procedures, dental prophylaxis, clinical pathology procedures and medication preparation. This job requires the physical strength to lift and carry 50 pounds. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) administered by the Veterinary Examining Board of the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing. Receiving a passing score on the VTNE permits the use of the title of Certified Veterinary Technician. This program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. A completed packet consists of the completed application form, $30 application fee (if not previously paid), high school transcripts, GED/HSED test scores, college transcript(s) and COMPASS test scores. An incomplete packet will be returned without being considered for admissions. If the transcripts were previously submitted, a new copy(s) needs to be included with the admissions packet.

The Veterinary Technician works under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian in assisting with animal health care, in a wide variety of employment settings. He/she is a valuable asset to the veterinary medical team. The role of a Vet Tech in an animal health care setting is a diverse and exciting one. The technician is expected to be knowledgeable in many areas of veterinary care. Some of these areas include: surgery, anesthesia, radiology, bandaging, pharmacology, dentistry, nutrition, laboratory procedures, animal care and handling, client communication, receptionist skills, and office management. Knowledge of a variety of species of animals is essential as well.

Program Overview:
The Veterinary Technology program at Pierpont Community College was established in 1976 and is one of approximately 100 such programs and is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. This accreditation qualifies graduates of the program to take the National Board Exam and the licensing exam in every state to become Registered Veterinary Technicians. This is a two-year associate degree program and is not a pre-veterinary medicine course of study.

Students in the program receive training in all aspects necessary to become educated, competent and professional Veterinary Technicians. Areas of study include: anatomy & physiology, chemistry, microbiology, parasitology, animal diseases, animal care and handling, pharmacology and clinical procedures relative to farm and laboratory animals. These areas of study involve both classroom lectures as well as practical laboratories using live animals.

As part of the educational program students receive practical experience by doing two preceptorships in two separate veterinary facilities. The student does have a choice in the type of facility in which to gain clinical experience. These preceptorships provide the student with over 500 hours of actual work experience and also the potential for job references or recommendations.

Veterinary Technology (VETT) prepares students with knowledge and skills necessary to provide general veterinary nursing care and technical
assistance in the varied disciplines found in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery. These include nurse anesthetist, operating room
technician, radiology technician, dental hygienist, medical laboratory technician, as well as clinical and practice management. The program is
recognized by the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and is currently preparing for accreditation evaluation by the American
Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. Students that complete the program are qualified
to sit for state and national licensing examinations and enter into practice as a licensed veterinary technician. The Veterinary Technology
Program has entered into a unique partnership with the Western Veterinary Conference that allows sharing of resources such as facilities, equipment,
and educational opportunities to augment the student’s learning experience. This partnership also makes available nationally and internationally
recognized Doctors of Veterinary Medicine that act as visiting instructors in many disciplines. Entrance requirements into this
Certificate program require documented 4,000 hours work experience in a veterinary practice.

Veterinary Technology (VETT) prepares students with knowledge and skills necessary to provide general veterinary nursing care and technical
assistance in the varied disciplines found in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery. These include nurse anesthetist, operating room
technician, radiology technician, dental hygienist, medical laboratory technician, as well as clinical and practice management. The program is
recognized by the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical
Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), 1931 N. Meacham Rd., Suite 100,
Schaumburg, IL 60173, (800) 248-2862. Students that complete the program are qualified to sit for state and national licensing examinations
and enter into practice as a licensed veterinary technician. The Veterinary Technology Program has entered into a unique partnership with the
Western Veterinary Conference that allows sharing of resources such as facilities, equipment, and educational opportunities to augment the student’s
learning experience. This partnership also makes available nationally and internationally recognized Doctors of Veterinary Medicine that
act as visiting instructors in many disciplines.

Veterinarians play a major role in the health care of pets, livestock, zoo, sporting, and laboratory animals. Some veterinarians use their skills to protect humans against diseases carried by animals and conduct clinical research on human and animal health problems. Others work in basic research, broadening the scope of fundamental theoretical knowledge, and in applied research, developing new ways to use knowledge.

Prospective veterinarians must graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree from a four-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine and must obtain a license to practice. There are 28 colleges in 26 states that meet accreditation standards set by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education. The prerequisites for admission vary. Many of these colleges do not require a bachelor’s degree for entrance, but all require a significant number of credit hours—from 45 to 90 s.h.—at the undergraduate level. However, most of the students admitted have completed an undergraduate program. Applicants without a bachelor’s degree find it difficult to gain admittance.

In addition to satisfying pre-veterinary course requirements, applicants must submit test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT), or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), depending on the preference of the college to which they are applying. Currently, 22 schools require the GRE, 4 require the VCAT, and 2 accept the MCAT.

he Atlantic Veterinary College is fully accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Graduates are eligible for licensure in Canada, the US and UK. Our graduates achieve a high success rate in licensing examinations and have excellent worldwide employment opportunities.

The AVC’s curriculum is a four-year program. Emphasis during the first year is on form and function of normal animals. Second year introduces students to disease processes, agents, and treatments, as well as clinical applications. During third year, courses focus on clinical studies of large and small animals, and expand on herd-health principles for farmed species including aquatic species. In the fourth year, courses consist of core and elective clinical rotations.

Students select clinical rotations from nearly 50 choices, including traditional rotations in large and small-animal medicine and surgery, specialized experiences with dairy, beef, or aquaculture farms, and advanced rotations in acupuncture, cardiology, wildlife, and fish pathology.