Veterinary Technology - Associate of Applied Science Degree

This program offers two educational options: a two-semester Veterinary Assistant certificate (a separate listing follows) and a two-year Veterinary Technician Associate of Applied Science degree.

The Veterinary Technician AAS degree program provides training in veterinary health and the handling of a variety of domestic and exotic animals, as well as laboratory animals encountered in a veterinary practice or biomedical research setting. While veterinary technicians serve as paraprofessional members of the veterinary medical team, veterinary technicians do not diagnose animal illnesses, prescribe treatment, or perform surgery.

Assessment testing is required for all students. Students who are reading at college-level and place into CCR 093 or above and MAT 050 or above may begin these program options. Students scoring below this level should consult with a Faculty Member before registering for courses in this program of study.

The program's curriculum includes such topics as anatomy and physiology, radiology, parasitology, medical and surgical nursing, anesthesia, pharmacology, and other related scientific areas of veterinary health or related skills areas. This curriculum is not intended to provide admission to a college of veterinary medicine.

A critical component of the program is student participation in clinical internships. Between the second and third semesters, a 135-hour private practice internship is required. In the final semester, students participate in clinical rotations at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. This training includes such areas as critical care, large animal medicine and surgery, small animal care, and other related areas.

Admission Requirements:

To enter the program, students must meet the following admission requirements:

1. Completion of a high school diploma or GED.

2. Achievement of indicated assessment scores and completion of preparatory coursework.

3. Students must receive a grade of “C” or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on prerequisite courses listed below:

Completion of ENG 131 Technical Writing I or ENG 121 English Composition I

Completion of BIO 111 General College Biology (no more than seven years old)

Completion of VET 102 Medical Terminology

Completion of MAT 103 Math for Clinical Calculations or MAT 107 Career Math or MAT 121 College Algebra

4. Completion of a Veterinary Technology Intent to Enroll application form available at the Larimer Campus or online at www.frontrange.edu.

Admission to the program is limited to the first 24 students who have submitted the appropriate admission materials. It is strongly recommended that students complete the required general education courses prior to beginning the program. Students must be admitted to the VET program to enroll in any VET prefix courses.

The Veterinary Technology Program also offers two professional development opportunities for currently enrolled students, graduates of the program, or credentialed veterinary technicians and/or assistants. Both of these classes can be taken in addition to the other program requirements to help students explore different opportunities within veterinary medicine.

- VET 109 Applied Companion Animal Behavior is an excellent professional development opportunity for those interested in small animal behavior and is available for enrollment for current students already accepted into the technician or assistant program, credentialed technicians and certified assistants.

- VET 242 Veterinary Critical Care is an advanced level course designed to expose student to the specialty of Emergency and Critical Care. This class is available for enrollment for current students already enrolled in the technician program, graduates of the program, or credentialed technicians.

Requirements

All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better prior to graduation.

Required Courses

VET 102	Veterinary Medical Terminology	1
VET 106	Exotic Animal Handling	2
VET 108	Introduction to Laboratory Procedures	3
VET 115	Surgical Nursing	2
VET 116	Humane Treatment and Handling of Animals	3
VET 120	Office Procedures and Relations	2
VET 134	Diagnostic Imaging	2
VET 180	Internship: Private Practice	3
VET 205	Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology I	4
VET 206	Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology II	4
VET 224	Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians	3
VET 225	Anesthesiology	3
VET 227	Animal Nutrition	2
VET 240	Veterinary Medicine and Surgery	4
VET 241	Clinical Laboratory Procedures	4
VET 243	Veterinary Diagnostic Microbiology	3
VET 250	Clinical Competency Evaluation	1
VET 280	Internship	11
Total Credit Hours:		57

General Education Requirements

Natural and Physical Sciences

BIO 111	General College Biology I with Lab	5
Total Credit Hours:		5

English

Select one course (3 credits) from the following:

ENG 121	English Composition I	3
ENG 122	English Composition II	3
ENG 131	Technical Writing I	3
Total Credit Hours:		3

Note: Students desiring professional advancement in this field through transfer should consider taking ENG 121 or ENG 122 to satisfy the general education requirements in English at transfer institutions.

Communication

Select one course (3 credits) from below:

COM 115	Public Speaking	3
COM 125	Interpersonal Communication	3
MTE 110	Applied Communication & Teamwork in Industry	3
Total Credit Hours:		3

Mathematics

MAT 103	Math for Clinical Calculations	3
MAT 107	Career Mathematics	3
MAT 121	College Algebra	4
Total Credit Hours:		3

Note: Students desiring professional advancement in this field through transfer should consider taking MAT 121 or a (GT-MA1) course to satisfy the general education requirements in Mathematics at transfer institutions. Specific transfer pathways may require MAT 201. Please work with your intended transfer institution regarding acceptance of transfer coursework.

Arts & Humanities OR Social & Behavioral Sciences

Select one course (3 credits) from the Approved General Education Electives List for the AAS degree.

Total Credit Hours:

Note: Students desiring professional advancement in this field through transfer should consider taking a gtPathway course in Arts & Humanities (GT-AH) or Social & Behavioral Sciences (GT-SS) to satisfy the general education requirements at transfer institutions.

Required General Education Courses