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

College Eligibility
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Certificate; OR
General Educational Development (GED); OR
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 will be charged.
Program Eligibility
English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent with a grade of 60% or higher, is required).
Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C with a grade of 65% or higher or a mathematics with a similar content, is required).
Biology, Grade 11 (SBI3C or equivalent with a grade of 60% or higher, is required).
Chemistry, Grade 12 (SCH4C or equivalent with a grade of 60% or higher, is required).
Note that university (U) courses in the specified subject areas will be deemed acceptable.
All applicants must complete testing through our Test Centre, for which a fee of $40 will be charged (may be subject to change). Results of the tests will be considered in the final evaluation of the applicants. Applicants will be permitted to attend only one testing session each year.
Provide an Immunization Certificate with proof of Tetanus Vaccine upon entry to the program. Students will also be required to obtain a pre-exposure rabies vaccine at their own expense prior to entering the program.
Have the ability to lift and carry up to 25 kg.
Have strong interpersonal skills and compassion towards animals.
Possess good manual dexterity.
Be dedicated, motivated individuals with the ability to work long hours.
All applicants are expected to be computer proficient including having a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

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 primary educational and career objective of the SUNY Delhi Bachelor of Business Administration in Veterinary Technology Management program is to graduate technicians who possess business management capabilities. The semester-by-semester curriculum layout indicates how this goal has been integrated to provide the technician with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete successfully as a technician-manager in the exciting, evolving world of veterinary and laboratory animal medicine.

The Field

During the past two decades, with the advent of board certification of specialties in veterinary medicine, the nature and character of veterinary practice have changed. There has been a proliferation of multiple-veterinarian private practices, often encompassing a variety of specialties. These large group practices have provided a rich, challenging environment for well-trained-and-educated veterinary technicians. Also, these practices have created a demand for technicians who are not only knowledgeable about veterinary medicine, but also capable of managing the business aspects and lay personnel of a practice. With increasing economic pressure, even smaller, more routine veterinary practices have come to recognize the benefits of having a competent veterinary technician who also has management capabilities on staff. Such technicians free their employers from the day-to-day management of the practice, enabling the employers to function more fully as practicing veterinarians.

Industrial veterinary medicine, consisting of the commercial pharmaceutical industry, private and academic biomedical research institutions, and purely academic facilities, also has great demand for well-trained veterinary technicians and for technicians who can also function as animal resource managers. On-the-job training is not providing enough adequately trained managers to meet the needs of this aspect of veterinary medicine. Laboratory animal resource managers face many challenges, including rapidly changing technology, regulations, and institutional policies. Managers that can effectively address these challenges are in tremendous demand.

The Instructional Program

The primary educational and career objective of the SUNY Delhi Bachelor of Business Administration in Veterinary Technology Management program is to graduate technicians who possess business management capabilities. The semester-by-semester curriculum layout below indicates how this goal has been integrated to provide the technician with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete successfully as a technician-manager in the exciting, evolving world of veterinary and laboratory animal medicine.
The Field

During the past two decades, with the advent of board certification of specialties in veterinary medicine, the nature and character of veterinary practice have changed. There has been a proliferation of multiple-veterinarian private practices, often encompassing a variety of specialties. These large group practices have provided a rich, challenging environment for well-trained-and-educated veterinary technicians. Also, these practices have created a demand for technicians who are not only knowledgeable about veterinary medicine, but also capable of managing the business aspects and lay personnel of a practice. With increasing economic pressure, even smaller, more routine veterinary practices have come to recognize the benefits of having a competent veterinary technician who also has management capabilities on staff. Such technicians free their employers from the day-to-day management of the practice, enabling the employers to function more fully as practicing veterinarians.

Industrial veterinary medicine, consisting of the commercial pharmaceutical industry, private and academic biomedical research institutions, and purely academic facilities, also has great demand for well-trained veterinary technicians and for technicians who can also function as animal resource managers. On-the-job training is not providing enough adequately trained managers to meet the needs of this aspect of veterinary medicine. Laboratory animal resource managers face many challenges, including rapidly changing technology, regulations, and institutional policies. Managers that can effectively address these challenges are in tremendous demand.

Pierce College is located on 427 acres in the western San Fernando Valley of southern California. Founded in 1947 as an agricultural college, large sections of tillable and range land have been preserved as an enclave within a suburban environment. The College maintains herds of cattle, sheep, and swine, as well as orchards of citrus and other deciduous trees. Part of the college land, Canyon de Lana, located in the northern end of the Chalk Hills, has been set aside as a nature preserve. This area of campus also serves as a feeding ground for large flocks of Canada geese during the winter months.

Pierce remains unique to the greater Los Angeles area because of its farm and its instructional program in agriculture, natural resources management, Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Technology.

Pierce College offers two separate A.S. degrees in Veterinary Science: Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Technology. These majors have different end points and the student must carefully consider which degree best suits their career goal.

The Veterinary Technology major prepares students to take the California State Board Examination to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. (RVT) Students who successfully complete an A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology also have the option of transferring to Cal Poly Pomona to obtain a B.S. in Veterinary Technology. Additionally, Pierce college offers academic training for individuals who qualify for R.V.T. certification under the Alternate Route category.

The Veterinary Technology Program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. It has been at Pierce College since 1972 and has evolved to meet the changing needs of veterinary medicine. The Veterinary Technology Program is well-equipped for this specialized education with the equivalent of a small veterinary teaching clinic on the premises. The program is experience oriented, with lecture classes complementing hands-on laboratory work. The practical and theoretical knowledge gained enables students to pass the State Board Exam and is directly applicable to employment in veterinary settings.

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.

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.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Medical Technology (VMT) provides the student with skills in surgical nursing, anesthesia, clinical laboratory, animal handling, and radiology. All clinical tasks required by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) are performed by the student in laboratory and clinical situations. Graduates are eligible for the National Veterinary Technician Examination and individual state licensure.

Two concentrations for the B.S. are offered: Veterinary Biology and Veterinary Business Management
Veterinary Biology concentration prepares the student for opportunities in clinical practice, education, research, or industry. Although the concentration provides good preparation for entry to veterinary school, additional course work is necessary to fulfill the prerequisites required for entrance. An academic advisor will assist students with course planning.
Veterinary Business Management concentration is intended for the student who plans to work in private veterinary practice. The graduate will be able to function as a supervisor or hospital manager as well as a veterinary technician. Since many of the requirements are met through this concentration, students may also wish to pursue a minor and certificate in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management.

The VMT program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Students must obtain at least a grade of C (2.0) in each VMT course prior to taking the next sequenced VMT course. Animal care will be required of all VMT students in courses utilizing animals. A VMT Handbook (available through the Wilson College Bookstore) is required by all students enrolled in the major.

Purpose: The curriculum will prepare the student for a career as a veterinary technician. Satisfactory completion of the curriculum will make the student eligible to take State Board and National Board examinations for certification as a veterinary technician. The curriculum is broad based and includes both practical and theoretical course work which prepares the student for employment in various areas of animal health care, including veterinary hospitals and research and diagnostic laboratories. There is a part-time online and a full-time on-site option.
Special Curriculum Admission Requirements: The Veterinary Technology program accepts 30 students each year to both the onsite program and the online program. To be admitted to the Veterinary Technology program, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Admission to NOVA in the Veterinary Technology program must be at the Loudoun campus.
2. Be 18 years of age or older, or have assistant dean approval.
3. Satisfactory scores on NOVA placement tests for reading, writing, and mathematics.
4. Completion of one unit of high school level algebra or equivalent.
5. Completion of at least one unit of high school biology and one unit of high school chemistry.
6. Past academic achievement in the above course requirements must reflect a C or better. Deficiencies may be corrected in the College’s developmental program before entering the Veterinary Technology program.
7. A student may elect to take general education courses listed in the program’s curriculum prior to seeking acceptance to the Veterinary Technology program. These courses may be taken at any of the College’s campuses and may be transferred to NOVA from other accredited post-secondary institutions. A cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or better is required in all required general education courses taken preceding admission to the Veterinary Technology program, unless waived by the division dean upon the recommendation of the assistant dean.
8. Students seeking admission to the Veterinary Technology program must indicate if they are applying to the onsite or the online program. Applicants must arrange to have an interview with the assistant dean for the online program ONLY prior to entering the program.
9. Students must send separate copies of their transcripts to both Student Services Center at the Loudoun Campus and the Veterinary Technology Program:
Northern Virginia Community College
Veterinary Technology Program
1000 Harry Flood Byrd Hwy.
Sterling, VA 20164
10. Priority in the admissions process will be given to students currently working in the field, Virginia residents, students with a GPA of 3.0 and higher and who have completed support courses.
Responsibilities of Veterinary Technology Students: The following are responsibilities of students in the Veterinary Technology program:
1. Students in the Veterinary Technology program incur a variety of additional expenses. These include, but are not limited to, the cost of uniforms, rabies pre-exposure vaccinations, lab fees, accessories, and travel to clinical assignments. Students are also responsible for state licensure and national accreditation application and testing fees.
2. A strict dress code is required in the clinical setting. Students may be dismissed if they fail to comply with this dress code.
3. Students are required to complete learning experiences at local hospitals and/or other agencies. Students may be required to attend both day and/or evening clinical assignments.
4. Students must provide their own transportation to clinical assignments. Strict attendance is required at clinical sites.
5. While enrolled in clinical courses, students may not replace or take the responsibility of “qualified” staff in affiliated facilities. However, after demonstrating proficiency, students may be permitted to perform specified procedures under careful supervision. Veterinary Technology students may be employed in clinical facilities outside regular education hours provided that such work does not interfere with academic responsibilities.
Veterinary Technology Program Continuation Requirements: The following continuation requirements govern students in the Veterinary Technology program:
1. All courses in the program major must be completed with a grade of C or better before taking the next course in the sequence, unless waived by the division dean upon the recommendation of the assistant dean.
2. All courses in the major must be taken in the sequence prescribed in the NOVA Catalog, unless otherwise approved by the assistant dean.
3. Students must pass both the theoretical and the clinical/lab portions in order to pass a course.
4. Program faculty and clinical affiliates reserve the right to recommend, through appropriate channels, withdrawal of any student who either fails to exhibit safe performance or fails to adhere to prescribed clinical affiliate policies and procedures.
5. Satisfactory physical and mental health must be maintained for continuance in the program. Applicants must be free of any physical and/or mental condition which might adversely affect their acceptance or performances in the program. The College reserves the right to require medical examinations to verify continuing compliance.
Program Re-Enrollment Requirements: Any student who has voluntarily withdrawn or who has been withdrawn due to unsatisfactory academic or clinical performance may apply for re-admission the following academic year. Acceptance will be based upon space availability, successful fulfillment of any contingencies agreed to in writing at the time of withdrawal, and assistant dean approval. An interview and medical examination may be required.
Special Accreditation Status: Both the on-campus and online programs are fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Delivery Method Options: The program may be completed full-time on campus, or by program placement in the online program.
Online Veterinary Technology Program: Courses are internet based. Students will use class notes from the internet and textbooks for the didactic portion of the class. Students will participate in online class discussions and meet regularly with faculty online and by e-mail. Formal examinations will be taken at testing centers at the student’s local community college. Many methods of evaluation of clinical skills will be employed including: on-site evaluation by faculty and mentors, product evaluation (i.e. radiographs and blood slides, etc. done by student), videotaping, e-mail assignments, task list check-off, visits by college faculty, and student journals.
Special curriculum admission requirements (1-10 above) and Veterinary Technology Program Continuation requirements (1-5 above) also pertain to the online program.
The online program requires 3 years (8 semesters) for completion. Students enroll in two or three veterinary technology courses per semester for 8 semesters. Classes must be taken in sequence.
The following requirements apply to students in the online veterinary technology program in addition to the requirements listed for the on-campus program:
1. Students must work at an approved veterinary facility, an average minimum of 20 hours per week.
2. Students must have a veterinary mentor; this person must be a licensed veterinarian and will receive a certificate as an adjunct clinical professor after verification of credentials. The mentor will work with the student and NOVA faculty members to complete specific educational objectives with the student. Mentors will meet with the students on a regular basis and stay in touch with the college faculty by phone or e-mail. The mentor has the option of appointing an assistant mentor who must be another veterinarian or licensed technician to assist the student and sign off on clinical tasks as required for each course.
3. Students must attend the Loudoun Campus up to three times per semester for laboratory session and practical examinations.
Two Years Credits
1st Semester
ENG 111 College Composition I 3
MTH 126 Mathematics for Allied Health 2
SDV Elective 1
VET 105 Introduction to Veterinary Technology 3
VET 111 Anatomy/Physiology of Domestic Animals 4
VET 116 Animal Breeds & Behavior 3
VET 211 Animal Diseases I 2
Total 18
2nd Semester
1CHM Elective 4
VET 121 Clinical Practices I 3
VET 131 Clinical Pathology I 3
VET 135 Anesthesia of Domestic Animals 2
VET 212 Animal Diseases II 2
2___ Social Science Elective 3
Total 17
3rd Semester
VET 290 Internship 4
Total 4
4th Semester
3___ Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3
VET 122 Clinical Practices II 3
VET 132 Clinical Pathology II 3
VET 216 Animal Pharmacology 2
VET 221 Advanced Clinical Practices III 4
4PED 116 Lifetime Fitness & Wellness 1
Total 16
5th Semester
4PED/RPK Elective 1
VET 133 Clinical Pathology III 3
VET 217 Intro./Lab./Zoo/Wildlife Medicine 2
VET 235 Animal Hosp. Mgt. /Client Relations 3
VET 298 Seminar & Project 2
5SPD 110 Intro. to Speech Communication 3
Total 14
Total credits for the A.A.S. Degree in Veterinary Technology = 69.
1 Choose CHM 101, CHM 121, CHM 111, or other CHM courses approved by your faculty advisor.
2 The social science elective may be selected from the social/behavioral sciences courses listed under General Education Electives.
3 Humanities/fine arts elective may be selected from the humanities/fine arts courses listed under General Education Electives.
4 The PED requirement may be met by one of the following options: PED 116, 2 cr.; PED 220, 2 cr.; PED 116, 1 cr. plus a PED activities course, 1 cr.; or PED 116, 1 cr. plus RPK activities course. PED 116 is offered as both a 1-credit and a 2-credit course.
5 SPD 126 may be substituted.