The veterinary field is the second fastest-growing profession. Our Vet Tech program combines classroom study with laboratory work, seminars, and a clinical externship to give you a well-rounded education. As a result, you’ll be prepared to take the state exam required to become a licensed technician.
The Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and approved by the Ohio Board of Regents. The program, which began Fall Semester 2006, is structured to allow admission once a year with a maximum of 24 students admitted each fall. All students who graduate from an AVMA accredited program are required to pass a written board examination in order to earn a Registered Veterinary Technician License for the State of Ohio.
To prepare Veterinary Technicians, our curriculum provides combined studies of college level general education courses and rigorous course work in science, animal health, management and veterinary medical concepts. Kent State Tuscarawas looks for highly motivated students interested in becoming Veterinary Technicians. The program also looks for individuals with animal experience, who will enjoy working with animals and who have an understanding of the field of veterinary technology and medicine.
Students interested in veterinary technology or becoming a Veterinary Technician should review the Fact Sheet and Program Application at right as well as the course requirements listed below. Applications for admission into the Veterinary Technology are available on this Web site and in the main office of Founders Hall. The application deadline is April 1. Please note the application includes a form for documenting exposure to the veterinary field. Applicants should be able to document working, volunteering, shadowing or some other form of experience in the veterinary field if they are interested in becoming a veterinary technician through this program.
Students interested in veterinary medicine are expected to have sound training in the sciences. Most students elect a major in biology or chemistry. Some may elect a major in Veterinary Medical Technology, although additional courses are required to meet prerequisites for veterinary school. Veterinary school admission is based on: undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA), results of the Veterinary College Admissions Test (VCAT), and/or Graduate Record Exam (GRE), letters of recommendation from faculty and other personal references, a personal interview (if requested), and off-campus experience in community service or in the veterinary field.
Requirements for entrance to veterinary schools vary considerably. Most schools require at least two semesters of biology, general/inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and calculus. Some schools also require biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, molecular cell biology, statistics, English composition and literature, and electives in humanities and social sciences. Interested students should consult with one of the pre-professional advisors. The pre-professional advisor will help the student with the selection of appropriate undergraduate courses, and offer advice about preparation for the VCAT exam and applying to veterinary schools.