Program Description
This program is designed for full-time students wanting to complete an 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
My Academic Plan: Full-Time
Courses are displayed in a full-time sequence showing the fastest path to your degree. Follow the pathway below to complete your AAS degree in 5 semesters. This program functions as cohorts starting in Fall and Spring semesters of each academic year. If you have questions or concerns about your MAP, please see your Program Director or Academic Advisor.
First Semester
| BIO 1111 | Gen Bio I: Molecular & Cellular Biology w/Lab: GT-SC1 | 5 |
| ENG 1021 or ENG 1022 or ENG 1031 | English Composition I (ENG 1021) or English Composition II (ENG 1022) or Technical Writing I (ENG 1031) | 3 |
| VET 1002 | Veterinary Medical Terminology | 1 |
| CIS 1009 | Management Software: Using AVImark | 1 |
| MAT 1120 | Math 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 1020 | Office Procedures & Relations | 2 |
| VET 1016 | Humane Treatment Handling of Animals | 3 |
| VET 2005 | Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| VET 1008 | Intro to Laboratory Procedures | 3 |
| VET 1034 | Diagnostic Imaging | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Third Semester
| VET 1206 | Exotic Animal Handling | 2 |
| VET 1015 | Surgical Nursing | 2 |
| VET 2006 | Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| VET 2024 | Pharmacology Veterinary Tech | 3 |
| VET 1241 | Clinical Laboratory Procedures | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Fourth Semester
Fifth Semester