The Veterinary Technology program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for careers in the field of veterinary technology. General education, basic science and program-specific learning opportunities develop the knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The curriculum is delivered in accordance with the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities accreditation guidelines. Program graduates receive the Associate of Applied Science degree, are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination, and are qualified to apply for credentials as a Registered Veterinary Technician in the state of Georgia.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology will have attained entry-level skills needed to support companion animal, equine, and food animal practice, biomedical research, and other veterinary medical activities. In addition, program graduates will be prepared for positions as Veterinary Technicians. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America website (http://www.navta.net) has further information about career opportunities.
Accreditation
The Veterinary Technology program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), as a program for educating veterinary technicians, 1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173, Phone 800.248.2862. Web: http://www.avma.org/education.
Licensure/Certification
A graduate of the program, accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), must apply with the State of Georgia Secretary of State and have a passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) to become registered in the State of Georgia. Out-of-state students should check with their respective state licensure board to determine requirements.
Admissions Criteria
The Natural Sciences/Mathematic courses must be successfully completed before beginning the VETT courses.
- Submit a completed application and application fee;
- Be at least 17 years of age and reach 18 before taking program courses utilizing radiology or anesthesia;
- Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
- Completed 40 hours of volunteer service at a veterinary hospital (with documentation);
- Meet the following assessment requirements:
| Test |
Reading |
Writing |
Numerical |
Algebra |
| Accuplacer |
64 |
70 |
NA |
57 |
| Accuplacer (Next Gen) |
236 |
249 |
NA |
245 |
| Compass |
79 |
62 |
NA |
37 |
| SAT |
17 |
17 |
NA |
21 |
| SAT |
290 |
290 |
NA |
380 |
| ACT |
16 |
14 |
NA |
17 |
| ASSET |
42 |
41 |
39 |
42 |
| PSAT |
17 |
17 |
NA |
21 |
| GED |
NA |
145 |
NA |
145 |
Veterinary Technology Curriculum
The curriculum for the Veterinary Technology degree program is designed for the semester system. A student may enter the program at any time to take general core courses but the program occupational courses are taken in sequence and begin each Summer Semester. The Natural Sciences/Mathematic courses must be successfully completed before beginning the VETT courses. To graduate, degree-seeking students must earn a minimum of 80 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 1991 contact hours and generally takes 8 semesters to complete.
Program Courses
General Education Core (20 Credits)
Area I – Language Arts/Communication (3 Credits)
ENGL 1101: “C” or higher grade is required for this course.
Area II – Social/Behavioral Sciences (3 Credits)
Select one
Area III – Natural Sciences/Mathematics (11 Credits)
NOTE: “C” or higher grade is required for all the above courses.
Area IV Humanities/Fine Arts (3 Credits)
Select one
Occupational Courses (60 Credits)
VETT 1000, VETT 1010, VETT 1020, VETT 1030, VETT 1060, VETT 1070, VETT 1110, VETT 2120, VETT 2130, VETT 2160, VETT 2210, VETT 2220, VETT 2230 and VETT 2300: “C” or higher grade is required for all these courses.
Program Costs
Tuition ($100 per credit hour): $8,000
Fees ($370 per semester): $2,960
Books/Supplies: $1,500
Uniform Costs: Approximately $250
Liability Insurance: $10 per fiscal year
Veterinary Technician National Exam & Georgia Application Fee: $350
Physical Exam: $150*
Hepatitis B Series: $265*
Tetanus Vaccination: $40*
Radiological Dosimeter Badges: $70
Drug Screening: $30
Criminal Background Check: $80
Course Supply Fees:
- VETT 1020 Veterinary Clinical Pathology I: $50
- VETT 1030 Veterinary Clinical Procedures I: $50
- VETT 1060 Animal Anatomy & Physiology: $50
- VETT 1070 Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging: $50
- VETT 2120 Veterinary Clinical Pathology II: $50
- VETT 2130 Veterinary Clinical Procedures II: $50
- VETT 2210 Laboratory & Exotic Animals for Veterinary Technicians: $50
- VETT 2230 Veterinary Anesthesiology & Surgical Procedures: $75
*Physical Exam (documenting adequate health including the ability to lift 50 pounds, to do prolonged standing, and to tolerate heat.), Tetanus, and Hepatitis B Series are required before entering Veterinary Technology program classes. (Costs are estimates and are subject to change.)
Clinical Education
Number of Clinical Sites: 12
General Location of the Clinical Sites: Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Screven, Tattnall and Wayne Counties
Special Requirements of Clinical Sites
- Students must submit a medical exam stating the student is in good health.
- Criminal background check
- Urine Drug Screen, 7 panel or higher
Clinical Education Courses
The Veterinary Technology Internship provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of veterinary technology procedures in an actual job setting under direct supervision of a veterinarian. Students are acquainted with occupational responsibilities through realistic work situations on the job. Job sites can include veterinary teaching hospitals at major universities, veterinary hospitals, research laboratories, and other facilities supervised by a veterinarian. The internship allows the student to become involved in a professional work situation applying technical skills. The Internship requires that the student spend a minimum of 540 hours in a supervised clinical setting which may include on-campus late hours. Students may not receive pay from the clinical site for internship hours. Students are evaluated by the supervising veterinarian and/or the Registered Veterinary Technician and the program coordinator.
Clinical Assignments
Clinical times may range 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7:00 a.m.-12:00 pm on Saturdays. Clinical sites are selected by the program coordinator. Students are responsible for having reliable transportation to the site.