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

It is a new and innovative four-year degree program that provides the necessary knowledge, and facilitates the development of skills needed to assume administrative and leadership roles in Veterinary Technology.

Graduates will have developed the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary for positions of responsibility in a variety of advanced clinical, educational, research and management settings. The student will also acquire advanced technical knowledge and applied principles of sound research design to the critical evaluation of scientific literature related to veterinary technology as a foundation for lifelong learning.
Bachelors’ Degree Classes That Fit Your Schedule

SPC offers Specialist-Preparation courses in animal anesthesia, dental hygiene, and in emergency and critical care. Students may attend class in the traditional classroom both full-time and part-time or you may choose to earn your degree by taking classes Online. Classes are offered online with course access 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Introduction

In the near future some veterinary nursing graduates will not be sufficiently academically prepared to meet the increasing intellectual demands for supporting veterinary medicine that are currently arising as veterinary medicine advances with examples of such advances including digital radiography and ultrasonography. In addition the animal industries have seen significant production advances in the past 10 years and an increase of compliance regulations and technological changes. The skills and knowledge of veterinary nursing graduates needs to evolve and advance with the veterinary and agricultural industries.

The new degree in veterinary technology will allow advancement from a Diploma level Veterinary Nurse, to a Bachelors degree level in Veterinary Technology and will open opportunities in the veterinary industry, the agricultural industry such as animal health technologists and/or herd health managers who work alongside veterinarians to ensure that farmers institute herd health plans. Veterinary technology graduates will be viewed as relevant and of value to the future of veterinary medical practice and the agricultural animal industries.

Career opportunities

Veterinary technologists are utilised in government agencies as well as the veterinary industry where they complement the role of the veterinarian. A veterinary technology degree will equip graduates with the attributes of critical thinking, problem solving, and independent learning, preparing them for supervisory, and management positions.

Example areas of career opportunities for veterinary technologists with BVT degree include:

- clinic staff supervisors or hospital managers
- animal behaviour advisors to clients about problem pets
- specialty practice technologists (ie, dermatology, surgery, internal medicine, critical case care, etc)
- biomedical research technologists and laboratory animal managers
- instructors in veterinary nursing /technology programs and veterinary school hospitals
- herd health technologists on food animal, poultry, or equine farms
- pharmaceutical sales and marketing representatives
- health technologists in zoos, animal control or humane societies
- food or livestock inspectors for government agencies
- zoo veterinary hospital or wildlife rehabilitation technologists
- marketing and/or teaching roles in veterinary organizations and practices

Veterinary technicians and technologists are compassionate, highly motivated professionals dedicated to animal health care. Licensed veterinary technicians are integral members of the veterinary health care team that have been educated in the care and handling of animals, the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in routine laboratory and clinical procedures. Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a veterinarian and are able to perform a wide variety of procedures, however they are not able to diagnose, perform surgery or prescribe.

Veterinary technicians and technologists enjoy the diverse medical responsibilities that are entrusted to them.

Veterinary technicians and technologists have a wide array of employment opportunities upon graduation. The may go into private practice, teaching, research, regulatory medicine, public health, zoo medicine, humane society work and many other veterinary and animal related positions.

Salaries for veterinary technicians and technologists vary depending on the degree earned, experience, responsibility, geographic location, and employment type. However the average salaries reported by MSU Veterinary Technology graduates range from $12 to $18 per hour.