Veterinary Technician

Program Description

The Veterinary Technician two-year associate of applied science degree program focuses on the basic skills needed by individuals in order to assist veterinarians in the handling and restraint and disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment of large and small animals. Students are given practical applications in animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology. Students learn skills in assisting veterinarians in surgery and instrumentation as well as in office procedures. Clinical sites are used to practice actual procedures that a veterinary technician is expected to perform. Recommended high school courses include animal science, chemistry, biology, mathematics, reading, writing and oral communication.

This program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Statewide Salary Range for Recent Graduates

$11,800 $35,661

Approximate Costs

• $106 per credit (resident)
• $ per credit (out-of-state resident)
• *Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Career Opportunities

• Graduates may find employment as a veterinary technician in veterinary hospitals; clinics; humane societies; commercial, state and federal labs; academia; research and pharmaceutical companies; and medical supply companies. Veterinary hospitals and clinics may be classified as small animal, exotic, large animal, equine, mixed animal, emergency and referral practices.

Program Outcomes

• Understand and conform to professional standards of practice within legal, ethical and regulatory framework of the credentialed veterinary technician.
• Communicate in a professional manner in all formats: written, oral, nonverbal and electronic.
• Function as an effective team member through participation in patient and facility management activities.
• Collaborate to respond to needs of patients, clients and groups across the human-animal community.
• Safely perform patient management techniques through husbandry, therapeutic, diagnostic, anesthetic and surgical procedures.
• Incorporate teaching and learning techniques to promote human and animal health.

Entrance Scores

Admission Process

• Submit the college admission application.
• Submit the $30 one-time fee.
• Submit high school and other official college transcripts.
• Take the college assessment test (Accuplacer, ACT or other). The Accuplacer assessment can be taken at MPTC.
• Meet with Admissions to discuss order of courses and prerequisites (required for this program).
• Check with Admissions if any additional steps are required.