Veterinary Technology, A.A.S.

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

Accrediting Agency

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

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.)

Admission Requirements

Admission into the Veterinary Technology, A.A.S. program is based upon the following criteria:

1. Apply to Pierpont Community and Technical College for the term you want to begin the program and meet the general admission requirements or be a current student
   1. First-time students should select “Health Sciences: Veterinary Technology” as their educational goal on their application.
2. Complete the Veterinary Technology application ($20 fee). Applications and supporting documentation are due to the Admission’s Office by March 1. Applicants who are not admitted must reapply if they wish to be considered for the next academic year.
3. Submit all required documents (Official ACT or SAT scores; High School Equivalency Exam or high school transcripts; any college transcripts; and documentation of 20 hours of clinical experience in a veterinary hospital to the Admission’s Office) prior to the Veterinary Technology application deadline.
4. Have a high school and/or college GPA of 2.0 or better or passing score on High School Equivalency Exam.
5. Have a score of 19 or higher on the Math portion of the ACT (or SAT score of 510 or completion of MTH 1207   with a “C” or higher)
6. Have a score of 18 or higher on the English portion of the ACT (or SAT score of 480 or completion of ENGL 1104   with a “C “or higher
7. Successfully completed courses in Chemistry and Algebra in high school or college.

Qualified students are accepted until capacity is met.

*Students can begin the program in the fall semester.

Program Requirements

• Students must pass a criminal background clearance check, meet health and immunization requirements, and drug testing.
• Students must be able to meet the essential functions of the program and classes, with or without accommodations.
• Students will need to provide their own transportation to assigned clinical sites.

Students must complete each course in the Veterinary Technology program model schedule with a grade of “C” or higher and maintain an overall 2.0 GPA to remain in the program.  Any classes accepted as substitutes for curricular classes require a grade of “C” or higher. Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in dismissal from the program. Students who have been dismissed may reapply to the program and their credentials will be reevaluated.

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.