Veterinary Degrees Online

The pre-veterinary concentration allows the student to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science, meeting the requirements for most Veterinary Schools as well as the requirements for the two-year, AVMA-accredited program in Veterinary Technology. Students are advised that the requirements of each Veterinary School are different, and that they may need to take additional courses to meet the pre-requisite requirements of a specific school. Students should be prepared to begin the application process at the end of the Junior year and may receive feedback at that time on how they might make their application stronger.

An integral part of the program is the Lenfest Animal Health Center. This on-campus veterinary clinic treats hundreds of 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 are made to local shelters and farm animal facilities. These out-reach programs give the students experiences with a wide range of animal species. 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 objective of the Bachelor’s degree program in Laboratory Animal Management is to prepare graduates to provide the daily care for the animals used in biomedical research, and to provide support to the veterinary and research staff within a research facility. Graduates will be prepared to assume supervisory roles relating to the overall management of laboratory animal care personnel and the animal care facility.
The Massachusetts Society for Medical Research has identified the lack of sufficient appropriately trained staff caring for Laboratory Animals as one of the biggest threats to the more than $2.5 billion dollar industry of biomedical research in New England. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is expected to grow faster than average through 2016. The Worcester area is home to several scientific research and development companies which are significant employers in this area.

The College’s modern, on-campus veterinary clinic houses a kennel, laboratory animal rooms, dog training and grooming rooms in addition to clinical facilities. Field trips to area research facilities supplement the hands-on experience in the classroom and laboratory. Students are encouraged to work part-time in a biotechnical research setting to enhance learned technical skills. This is facilitated by the internship and preceptorship components of the curriculum which may result in additional employment opportunities.

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.

Freshman YearFall Semester Credit Hours Spring Semester Credit Hours
ACAD1001 First Year Experience 2 ANSC1010 Animal Health Skills 3
ANSC1003 Animal Care Management 3 ANSC1201 Introduction to Grooming 1
ANSC1005 Kennel Operation and Design 3 ANSC1400 Introduction to Animal Science 3
BIOL1001 Biology I 4 BIOL1002 Biology II 4
ENGL1001 English Composition I 3 INFO1001 Technology and Society 3
ENGL1003 Writing about Literature 3
15 17

Sophomore YearFall Semester Credit Hours Spring Semester Credit Hours
ANSC2000 Introduction to Laboratory Animal Science 2 MATH1200 College Algebra 3
ANSC2201 Intermediate Grooming 2 ANSC2200 Dog Obedience 2
ANSC2401 Animal Nutrition 3 ANSC2202 Domestic Animal Behavior 3
ANSC2900 Career Internship 3 ANSC2501 Animal Breeding 3
MGMT2500 Small Business Management 3 Elective (Humanities/Social Science) 3
Elective (Humanities/Social Science) 3
16 14
Total Credits: 62

Special Requirements:

All full and part-time students are required to demonstrate proof of medical insurance, a tetanus booster within the last ten (10) years, and a tuberculosis test within one (1) year to participate in animal laboratories, veterinary clinic rotations and career externship. Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis immunization is highly recommended. Students are required to either show proof of rabies immunization or sign a declination form. Students must be able to lift 50 pounds and be able to demonstrate the physical capabilities to work closely and safely with animals of all sizes. Students with limitations to movement, sight or hearing may find it difficult to meet all course requirements. For the health and safety of students appropriate attire will be addressed in all classes with laboratories.

This program has been specifically developed for those individuals who feel a strong attachment toward animals and want to work closely with them on a daily basis. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of animal care and management. The primary focus is on dogs and cats but students also receive instruction in the health maintenance and care of laboratory animals.

Many students who select the Animal Care program are actually undecided as to which specific area in the animal care field best suits them. One of the strengths of the program is that it exposes students to the wide variety of opportunities in the animal care profession. The College’s modern, on-campus veterinary clinic houses a kennel, dog training and grooming rooms and laboratory animal rooms.

Graduates of this program are prepared to demonstrate correct kennel management procedures; evaluate and modify canine behavior; perform basic grooming skills; and demonstrate proper health, safety and nutritional practices for companion animals.