VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY

The Veterinary Technology (VET) Associate Degree in Applied Science Program is offered at five community colleges through SICCM.

The Veterinary Technician possesses both administrative and technical skills necessary to assist the veterinarian in all phases of medicine and surgery for small, large, exotic and lab animals. Technicians typically conduct clinical work in a private practice under the supervision of a veterinarian – often performing various medical tests (urinalysis, blood counts, tissue samples) along with treating and diagnosing medical conditions and diseases in animals. Veterinary Technicians assisting small-animal practitioners usually care for companion animals, such as cats and dogs, but can perform a variety of duties with mice, rats, sheep, pigs, cattle, monkeys, birds, fish and frogs. The Veterinary Technician plays an important role in client education, grief counseling and public relations.

The program curriculum covers small and large animal breeds, nutrition and husbandry, veterinary terminology, legal issues and office management, parasitology, surgical nursing, veterinary pharmacology, anesthesiology, emergency care and clinical pathology. Students benefit from theoretical-based classroom learning, as well as extensive hands-on experience through practicums at a variety of veterinary facilities. Additional job opportunities include working in animal shelters, zoos, medical research laboratories and private industry.