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Veterinary Science Technology - A.A.S.

The Profession

The Veterinary Science Technology program provides students with a broad theoretical background and excellent technical skills essential for careers as veterinary technicians and/or laboratory animal technicians.

Veterinary Technician

Licensed veterinary technicians (LVT) are employed by veterinarians in small, large, and mixed animal practices. The LVT's role is comparable to that of the registered nurse and other medical technicians in human medicine. Their professional duties may include, but are not limited to, surgical and medical nursing, laboratory testing, and radiographic procedures under the supervision of licensed veterinarians and LVT's. Graduate may also practice in veterinary and technical colleges, zoos, public health services, government, military service, private industry and other animal science-related fields. The program also provides opportunities to participate in continuing education for Veterinary Technicians.

Laboratory Animal Technician

Additional career opportunities are available to LVT's when employed by the pharmaceutical industry; medical, dental, and veterinary colleges; and diagnostic and testing laboratories. Under the direction of veterinarians or research scientists, these LVT's may have responsibility for animal health and husbandry, investigative procedures, pharmaceutical testing, administrative, and related duties. With additional professional experience, graduates who complete advanced laboratory animal courses are eligible to take the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Certification examination. The program provides opportunities for continuing education for laboratory animal technicians.

Students will receive an A.A.S. degree upon successful completion of the curriculum and will be eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination. The program is designed to be completed in two years, but the curriculum may be modified based on the academic preparedness or desires of the applicant.