2023-2024 Catalog

Veterinary Technology Associate of Applied Science

My Academic Plan

Courses are displayed to show the fastest path to your degree and should be completed in the order listed. This program functions as cohorts starting fall and spring semester of each academic year. If you have questions or concerns about your MAP, please see your Program Director or Pathways Advisor.

Program Description

This program is designed for students wanting to complete a five-semester AAS Degree in Veterinary Technology and enter the workforce. Students explore the technical and problem solving skills required for veterinary health care. This degree trains students in veterinary health and handling of a variety of animals including household pets, food animals, exotics, birds, and common laboratory animal species. The program covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, radiology, parasitology, medical and surgical nursing, anesthesia, and pharmacology. Upon completion of the Veterinary Technician degree, students will be prepared to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Once they pass the VTNE, they can apply to become credentialed technicians. In the state of Colorado technicians are registered through the State Board of Veterinary Medicine (SBVM). Students moving out of state are encouraged to review the laws and regulations of that state.

Learn more about this program.

What You Will Learn

Upon completion of the program you will be able to:
 1.  Provide professional and compassionate health care to a variety of species while upholding applicable laws and the profession’s ethical codes
 2.  Understand, demonstrate and perform patient assessment techniques, proper care and handling of animals, as well as their normal and abnormal life processes
 3.  Safely and effectively manage patients in all phases of anesthetic procedures, as well as safely and effectively select, utilize and maintain anesthetic delivery devices and monitoring equipment
 4.  Properly package, handle and store laboratory specimens and carry out diagnostic analysis of laboratory specimens including blood, urine, feces, tissue and bodily fluids
 5.  Understand and evaluate laboratory results in conjunction with a veterinarian
 6.  Demonstrate knowledge of clinical pharmacology to safely and effectively administer and dispense prescribed drugs to patients
 7.  Communicate in a professional manner to the veterinary team and provide appropriate client education
 8.  Safely and effectively perform medical, imaging and dentistry procedures on both large and small animal in compliance with federal, state, and local laws
 9.  Understand and provide proper instruments, supplies and environment to maintain asepsis during surgical procedures
10.  Establish and maintain a work environment that ensures the safety of clients, animals and staff

First Semester

BIO 1111General College Biology I w/Lab: GT-SC1

5

ENGLISH Composition I/II (ENG 1021/22) or Technical Writing (ENG 1031)

3

VET 1002Veterinary Medical Terminology

1

CIS 1009Management Software: Using AVImark

1

MAT 1120Math for Clinical Calculations

3

Total Credit Hours:13

Semester Note: Register for MAT 1120 and CIS 1009 the semester prior to entering the VET program.

Second Semester

VET 1020Office Procedures & Relations

2

VET 1016Humane Treatment Handling of Animals

3

VET 2005Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology I

4

VET 1008Intro to Laboratory Procedures

3

VET 1034Diagnostic Imaging

2

Total Credit Hours:14

Third Semester

VET 1206Exotic Animal Handling

2

VET 1015Surgical Nursing

2

VET 2006Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology II

4

VET 2024Pharmacology Veterinary Tech

3

VET 1241Clinical Laboratory Procedures

4

Total Credit Hours:15

Fourth Semester

VET 2025Anesthesiology

3

VET 2027Animal Nutrition

2

VET 2038Small Animal Nursing

2

VET 2039Large Animal Nursing

2

BIO 2104Microbiology w/Lab: GT-SC1

4

VET 1080Internship: Private Practice

3

Total Credit Hours:16

Fifth Semester

VET 2042Veterinary Critical Care

2

VET 2050Clinical Competency Evaluation

1

VET 2082Internship

7

VET 2083Internship

1

VET 2078Workshop

1

VET 2079Seminar

1

VET 2070 or VET 2081Clinical I (VET 2070) or Internship (VET 2081)

1

Total Credit Hours:14

Total Credit Hours: 72

Important Program Notes: 

You may complete the microbiology requirement in any semester including summer semesters. Biology coursework must be completed within the last seven years.

VET 1009 can be taken in addition to program requirements to help students explore different opportunities within veterinary medicine.

You must complete a minimum of 72 credits to complete this degree. If receiving financial aid, you should only take courses and credits as required for this degree. Check with your advisor to monitor your completion progress.