Veterinary Technology (AAS-VET)

What is a Veterinary Technician?

Have you always dreamed of a career helping animals? You can make that dream a reality through a career in Veterinary Technology.  A veterinary technician works under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to provide the doctor with technical support in the daily care of animal patients.  Some of the responsibilities of a veterinary technician include: obtain and record patient case histories; collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures; provide specialized nursing care; prepare animals, instruments, and equipment for surgery; assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures; expose and develop radiographs (x-rays); advise and educate animal owners; supervise and train practice personnel; and perform dental prophylaxes. Veterinary technicians ensure that patients of all species, whether in a clinical practice or a zoo, receive the best possible care and attention.

After graduating from an accredited program with a 2-year Associate's degree or a 4-year Bachelor's degree, the student must pass a national credentialing examination and keep up-to-date with continuing education to be considered licensed/registered/certified (the term used varies by state) veterinary technicians.

While the majority of veterinary technicians are employed in private practice, the demand for technicians is rapidly expanding to include new employment opportunities. Veterinary Technicians may be employed in human and animal health-related areas and specialties such as military service, food safety inspection, teaching, zoo animal and wildlife care, diagnostic laboratory support, biomedical research, veterinary supply sales, animal control and humane society animal care, and drug and feed company technical service and sales.

Students interested in a career in veterinary technology should have an aptitude for general science, math and biology and demonstrate basic language and communication skills. Students should be aware that this career is both emotionally and physically demanding and most job situations require an employee to work evenings, weekends and some holidays.

Are you with a Veterinary Clinic?  Visit our vet clinic resources page for more.

Program Location:  Bay Minette Campus and Online

Nursing and Allied Health Division

Length: Five Semesters

This program is designed to provide students the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to enter the Veterinary Technology services occupation as employees of veterinary offices and clinics. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for the licensure exam as administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards and the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

This program is offered online; however, students must come to campus at designated dates and attend weekly clinicals at an approved veterinary facility in Alabama. Students who do not have previous veterinary experience must complete clinical hours in an approved clinical site in Mobile or Baldwin County. Program admission is Spring Semester. A separate veterinary technology application is due by November 1 of the preceding year.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Unconditional admission to Coastal Alabama and active student in good standing.
2. Submit all transcripts to admissions.                                      
3. Submit Veterinary Technology Application by stated deadline.
4. Complete or be in the process of completing the following four required general education courses prior to application deadline with a grade of C or higher:  ENG 101, MTH 100, SPH 107, and BIO 103.
5. Provide proof of medical insurance.                             
6. Must be 18 years of age by the beginning of the fall semester in the program.
7. Submit Veterinary Technician Job Observation and Interview Questionnaire.
8. Submit the recorded statement of interest and intent included in the Veterinary Technology Application.
9. Meet the essential eligibility criteria or technical standards required for veterinary technology.

Completion of the above requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. Prospective students are rank ordered based on a point system to determine acceptance into the program. Please contact the Veterinary Technology division if you have any questions or need any assistance completing the application.

Students are selected based on the following point system:

1. 30 points for an A, 20 points for a B, and 10 points for a C in ENG 101, MTH 100, and BIO 103.
2. 10 points for a GPA of 3.1-4.0, 5 points for a GPA of 2.1-3.0, 0 points for GPA of 2.0 or less.    
3. Five points for an advanced Math, 5 points for BIO 201, and 5 points for BIO 202 with a C or higher.  
4. Five points for veterinary experience.

Students in process of taking core pre-requisites during the Fall Semester at time of application may be accepted into the program on a provisional basis and may begin the program Spring Semester provided the pre-requisites are passed with a "C" or higher.

Students must have access to a computer with high speed internet connection and video capabilities/web cam and provide own transportation to clinical sites.  Coastal Alabama Community College Library Services provides rental of computers for current students, if needed.  All VET courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher for satisfactory progression and graduation. 

This is a career program designed for students to go directly into the labor market upon completion. Although some of the courses in this program will transfer to four-year institutions, this program is not designed to be a transfer program of study; therefore, it is not subject to the terms and conditions of Alabama Transfers state transfer and articulation reporting system.

The Veterinary Technology Program at Coastal Alabama Community College is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 6073-4360
800-248-2862
https://www.avma.org/education/center-for-veterinary-accreditation/accreditation-veterinary-technicians