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 health care to a variety of species
2. Demonstrate assessment techniques, proper care and handling of animals
3. Manage patients in all phases of anesthetic procedures
4. Handle and carry out diagnostic analysis of laboratory specimens
5. Evaluate laboratory results in conjunction with a veterinarian
6. Administer and dispense prescribed drugs to patients
7. Provide appropriate client education and communicate professionally
8. Perform medical, imaging and dentistry procedures as appropriate
9. Provide proper instruments, supplies and environment to maintain surgical procedures
10. 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
Semester Note: For the required three elective credits, students who are new to college or returning after an extended break are encouraged to take AAA 1009 (3 credits). Students who have previously succeeded in college-level coursework may choose to take AAA 1009 or select from any of the listed elective options. A Sociology (SOC) or Communication (COM) course is recommended. Applied Companion Animal Behavior (VET 1009) may also be used to fulfill the elective requirement.
All Biology (BIO) and Math (MAT) courses must have been completed within the past 10 years.
Students must apply and be accepted to enroll in Semester 2 courses for the program. Application criteria include a high school diploma/GED. Prior completion of Semester 1 courses with a GPA of 3.0 and 15 hours of (paid or unpaid) experience with an animal care professional. Admission will be based on meeting the above criteria, overall GPA, and program capacity. Admitted students must fulfill program rabies vaccine requirement prior to enrollment.
Second Semester
| VET 1002 | Veterinary Medical Terminology | 1 |
| VET 1020 | Office Procedures & Relations | 2 |
| VET 1008 | Intro to Laboratory Procedures | 3 |
| VET 1016 | Humane Treatment Handling of Animals | 3 |
| VET 2005 | Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIO 2104 | Microbiology w/Lab: GT-SC1 | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Semester Note: BIO 2104 may be
completed in this semester or in any semester; however, if previously taken,
BIO 2104 must have been
completed within the last 10 years.
Third Semester
| VET 1206 | Exotic Animal Handling | 2 |
| VET 1241 | Clinical Laboratory Procedures | 4 |
| VET 1034 | Diagnostic Imaging | 2 |
| VET 2006 | Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| VET 2024 | Pharmacology Veterinary Tech | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Fourth Semester
Fifth Semester
Semester Note: Students transferring in credit for any course in any semester of the Vet Tech program will still need to demonstrate competency and be signed off on all required Vet Tech program skills to complete the program.