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Veterinary Technology

Students who wish to pursue an education in the area of veterinary science have two options from which to choose: a Career Studies Certificate in Veterinary Assisting or an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology. After completion of the career studies certificate, a student may choose to apply for admission into the Veterinary Technology Associate Degree program. If accepted into the program, one of the courses in the career studies certificate, VET 236, will count towards the Associate of Applied Science degree. Two programs of instruction are available for the Associate Degree program: the full-time day program at the Weyers Cave campus and, for students in the Virginia Beach, Hampton, Richmond, and Roanoke regions of Virginia, a part-time program through the Compressed Video Network transmitted to the Virginia Beach campus of Tidewater Community College, the Midlothian Campus of John Tyler Community College, Thomas Nelson Community College, and to Virginia Western Community College.

Veterinary Technology

Award: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Animal Science
Major: Veterinary Technology
Length: Five-semesters including one summer (two-year) curriculum *

Possible occupations for graduates: veterinary technician for veterinary hospital, diagnostic/research laboratory, the pharmaceutical industry, zoos/wildlife centers, sales and livestock managers, or veterinary educators.

* For a full-time student; part-time enrollment is not recommended due to sequencing of the required classes.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology is designed for people who seek employment in the area of veterinary technology. The objectives of the program are to prepare graduates for employment in private veterinary hospitals and other related fields.
A coordinated externship, required during the summer between the first and second year, includes 400 hours of work in a veterinary hospital. The College staff will assist students in obtaining the externship placement.
Students must pass each VET-prefix course in the Veterinary Technology curriculum in order to continue in the program. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Veterinary Technology program, applicants should:

1. be a high school graduate or equivalent;
2. have successfully completed algebra and biology with a laboratory;
3. complete an application for admission and submit official transcripts from high school and all colleges and universities attended;
4. observe in a veterinary hospital for 16 hours;
5. if requested, complete an interview with a member of the Veterinary Technology staff;
6. have good organizational and study skills;
7. have documentation of current CPR certification;
8. submit a letter of recommendation from a veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.

Since admission to the Veterinary Technology program is competitive, applicants are encouraged to complete the admissions requirements by January 31 of the year in which they wish to enroll. Experience in the animal health field or working with animals is advantageous.

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the state licensing examination administered by the State Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Curriculum

First Semester

Second Semester

Summer Session

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

^a Please refer to the list of Humanities/Fine Arts and Social Science electives that are approved to fulfill this requirement.

^b May be taken in either third or fourth semester.

Veterinary Technology Distance Education Program

Award: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Animal Science
Major: Veterinary Technology
Length: Eight semesters including two summers

This program is designed for those students who for personal or financial reasons cannot travel to Weyers Cave for the residential program. Courses are interactive, two-way audio and video, transmitted over the VCCS Compressed Video Network. Courses are transmitted to the Virginia Beach campus of Tidewater Community College, the Midlothian Campus of John Tyler Community College, Thomas Nelson Community College, and Virginia Western Community College. The following courses are transmitted: VET 100, VET 105, VET 111, VET 115, VET 121, VET 120,VET 216, VET 236, VET 210, VET 215, VET 221, VET 217, VET 222, VET 230, and VET 205. These courses must be completed elsewhere: ENG 137 or ENG 111, SDV 100, CHM 110, Humanities/Fine Arts, HLT/PED, and Social Science elective. The program begins at each site every three years.

Applicants must:

1. have completed or be in the process of completing the general education courses required for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology;
2. work for at least 20 hours per week with a veterinarian willing to provide supervision and opportunities to practice the tasks taught in the various courses;
3. be committed to enrolling in all the courses for this program as they are offered.
4. have documentation of current CPR certification.
5. complete an application for admission and submit official transcripts from high school and all colleges and universities attended;
6. observe in a veterinary hospital for 16 hours;
7. complete an interview with a member of the Veterinary Technology staff;
8. submit a letter of recommendation from a veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.

The distance learning program has limited space and students will be selected on a competitive basis. An interview is required.

Students must pass each VET-prefix course in the Veterinary Technology curriculum in order to continue in the program. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.

Veterinary Assisting

Award: Career Studies Certificate

Purpose: to assist people presently employed in veterinary hospitals and who want professional development. Individuals with other pet-related interests, such as pet shop personnel, dog breeders, and pet owners, may also benefit from this set of courses. All courses except VET 236 may be taken in any order for completion of the certificate. VET 101 or VET 102 must be completed before VET 236.

Health Sciences

Award: Certificate

Purpose: to prepare students who wish to enter allied health, veterinary technology, funeral services, and respiratory therapy programs with competitive admissions procedures at Blue Ridge Community College or at other colleges. Students should consult the catalogs of the transfer institution they wish to attend for admission requirements for competitive health programs such as dental assisting, dental hygiene, physical therapy assisting, respiratory therapy, or other allied health programs.

Successful completion of the Health Sciences Certificate will strengthen the academic record of students applying for admission to Blue Ridge Community College’s Registered Nursing and Veterinary Technology programs, John Tyler Community College’s Funeral Services program, and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College’s Respiratory Therapy program. Please note, however, that not all courses listed will be required in every allied health program. Some allied health programs may require more prerequisite courses prior to admission. Students should carefully follow the admission procedures published for the particular health program of interest.

^a refer to table below

Academic Advising Table for Specific Allied Health Programs