Veterinary Technology

Introduction to the Veterinary Technology Associate in Science Degree (AS) Program

The two year, full-time limited-access program prepares students to perform entry-level skills as a Veterinary Technician. Skills are mastered through classroom instruction and supervised laboratory instruction. Students will be assigned to a clinical work site throughout the program. The core courses of the program begin in August of each year. Prior to starting core courses students must have completed the following general education courses: ENC 1101 (English Composition I), MAC 1105 (College Algebra) and ZOO 1010 (General Zoology with ZOO 1010L General Zoology Lab) or BSC1010 (Principles of Biology with BSC1010L, Principles of Biology Lab), PHI 2600 (Ethics), and DEP 2004 (Human Growth/Development) or PSY 2012 (General Psychology). Students must also complete 30 hours of veterinary clinical observation and volunteer experience prior to acceptance into the program. The observation form can be found in the application packet. Please read the application procedures carefully and use the student checklist provided. Applicants are advised to contact the department at veterinarytech@pensacolastate.edu to assess their application status. Deadline for August cohort applications are due by the preceding May each year. Program information is subject to change.

Is This For You?

People who enter this career are often described as “doers;” they like physical hands-on activities and projects. They are good “thinkers,” and like to analyze problems and look at different ways to solve them.

Beyond Graduation . . .

Veterinary Technicians and Technologists usually begin work as trainees in routine positions under the direct supervision of a veterinarian or a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). Entry-level workers whose training or educational background encompasses extensive hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory equipment, including diagnostic and medical equipment, usually require a shorter period of on-the-job training.

Related Career Opportunities

Primary Employers

Graduates from the Veterinary Technology program work in veterinary clinics, shelters or rescue organizations, medical and pharmaceutical research facilities, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, zoological parks and governmental agencies.

Occupations

Veterinary Technicians
Care for clinical instruments and equipment, prepare animals for treatment or surgical procedures and fill prescriptions prescribed by the veterinarian. Veterinary Technicians complete routine laboratory tests, and record the results. They give medicines to animals, and perform post-operative medical treatment as needed.

Veterinary Technologists
Observe the behavior and condition of animals, and monitor their clinical symptoms. They maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books. They also perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, and feces, such as urinalyses and blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems. They collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination as well as assist professional staff with research projects in veterinary medicine, public health, or research laboratories.

Other Occupations

Employment Trends

For more information regarding first-year earnings for degree completers and student debt accumulation download or view the Economic Security Report of Employment and Earning Outcomes Click Here, published by the Department of Economic Opportunity.

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