Veterinary Technology, A.A.S.

Anna Romano, RVT/Program Coordinator
116 Hunt-Haught Hall / (304) 367-4763
Locust Avenue Campus
Anna.Romano@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

The A.A.S. Veterinary Technology Degree is designed to prepare students for careers in the dynamic field of veterinary medicine as Veterinary Technicians, who work with veterinarians in all aspects of animal health, disease, and welfare. This program prepares students to become vital and contributing members of a veterinary health care team who are fully capable of performing a wide variety of professional roles within the veterinary medical setting. (This is not, however, a pre-veterinary program of study.)

Accrediting Agency

American Veterinary Medical Association
1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4361
(800) 248-2862
www.avma.org

Program Admission

This program has a competitive admissions process and requires a separate program application. All applications must be received by the Office of Admissions by March 1 for the following academic year. Applications will only be considered after the deadline if space is available. Applicants who are not admitted to the program must reapply if they wish to be considered for acceptance the following academic year.

To be considered for admission, applicants must have:

• A minimum grade point average of 2.0
• A score of 19 or better in the Math portion of the ACT (or SAT equivalent) or successful completion of appropriate academic skills math class
• A score of 18 or better in the English portion of the ACT (or SAT equivalent) or have successfully completed ENGL 1104  
• Successfully completed high school algebra and chemistry (or college alternative)
• At least 20 hours of clinical experience in a veterinary hospital

Program Requirements

To remain in the Veterinary Technology Program, students must earn a “C” or better in every required course in the Veterinary Technology curriculum and maintain an overall GPA of 2.0.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the A.A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology, graduates will be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate competency in the entry-level skills needed to support companion animal medicine, equine and food animal medicine, biomedical research, and other veterinary technology disciplines
• To communicate verbally and non-verbally with patients, clients, veterinarians, and veterinary staff in an effective and appropriate manner
• Demonstrate the ability to think critically by analyzing, understanding, and problem solving
• Exhibit conduct that reflects practice standards that are professional, ethical, and legal

Opportunities

Graduates of the program who become certified can pursue several career opportunities in Veterinary Technology in a variety of settings, including small animal practice, herd health management, biomedical research, pharmaceutical sales, government agencies, emergency medicine, education, and zoos.