Veterinary Degrees Online

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

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.