The Veterinary Technician Associate Degree is a 65 Credit program. In addition to our full-time option that begins in the fall, we offer a full-time option that begins in the spring. To best prepare students to begin this program in either the fall or spring semester, three foundational courses must be completed prior to beginning the program.
* College 101 (10-890-165) is not part of the program credit requirements but is a College Requirement for graduation that must be passed with a “C” or better.
Credit for Prior Learning Available
Examines proven strategies designed to help learners achieve greater personal, academic, and professional success. Learners will apply personal responsibility thinking and behaviors; self- management, awareness, and motivation strategies; as well as interdependence skills to develop a proactive life plan.
Develop an understanding of terms and abbreviations used in the practice of veterinary medicine. Through reading, writing, and speech, learners will master combining forms as they relate to bodily structures, and word parts for the understanding and definition of medical procedures, treatments, and conditions.
Examine the body systems of warm and cold-blooded vertebrates, learning activities include animal dissections. Specific body systems covered throughout this course are nervous, endocrine, immune, hematopoietic, sensory, urinary, and reproductive. Anatomy and physiology of exotic species will also be explored. This course is part of a two-course series that establishes the essential framework required for becoming a veterinary technician.
Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091172 - Veterinary Medical Terminology, ANIMALHU 10091214 - Vertebrate Anatomy & Phy 1] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Veterinary Technician]
Study animal behavior, restraint, basic medical procedures, nutrition, and husbandry as they relate to common domestic species. Learners will also examine the Animal Welfare act regarding the care and housing of animals.
Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091172 - Veterinary Medical Terminology, ANIMALHU 10091214 - Vertebrate Anatomy & Phy 1] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Veterinary Technician]
Explore career opportunities in the veterinary medical field. Course discussion will cover requirements for licensing, the scope of practice for veterinary technicians, professional organizations and career challenges.
Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091172 - Veterinary Medical Terminology, ANIMALHU 10091214 - Vertebrate Anatomy & Phy 1] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Veterinary Technician]
Examine the body systems of warm-blooded vertebrates, through both microscopic and macroscopy anatomy and physiology, learning activities include animal dissection. Specific topics covered throughout this course are cell structures, mitosis & meiosis, body tissues, integumentary system, skeletomuscular system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and digestive system. Avian anatomy and physiology will also be explored. This course is part of a two-course series that establishes the essential framework required for becoming a veterinary technician.Learner is highly recommended to have completed two semesters of high school chemistry and biology or one semester of college chemistry and biology with a "C" or better.
Introduces personal and professional characteristics and qualities expected of a veterinary technician. This course covers appropriate client and staff relations, telephone etiquette, scheduling, managing records, client services and education. Laws and ethics regarding the practice of veterinary medicine, legal requirements for record keeping and veterinary practice management software will also be covered.
Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091172 - Veterinary Medical Terminology, ANIMALHU 10091214 - Vertebrate Anatomy & Phy 1] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Veterinary Technician]
Accurately perform the every day medical calculations used in veterinary medicine. Learners will perform metric conversions, calculate drug dosages and fluid rates and practice filling prescriptions.
Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091172 - Veterinary Medical Terminology, ANIMALHU 10091214 - Vertebrate Anatomy & Phy 1] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Veterinary Technician]
Introduces learners to the study of diversity from a local to a global environment using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Encourages self-exploration and prepares the learner to work in a diverse environment. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relationships in a multicultural context, the primary topics of race, ethnicity, age, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability and religion are explored. Keywords: Diverse, Diversity
Introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology: culture, socialization, social stratification, multiculturalism and the five institutions, including family, government, economics, religion and education. Other topics include demography, deviance, technology, environment, social issues, social change, social organization and workplace issues.Keywords:Soc, Intro to Soc
Investigates historical perspectives of microbiology, microscopy, characteristics of procaryotic and eucaryotic microorganisms, control of microbial growth, microbial genetics, and classification of microorganisms, principles of disease, epidemiology, immunology and pathogenic microbiology. Keywords: Micro, Microbio
Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): SCIENCE 10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology] Or Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091172 - Veterinary Medical Terminology, ANIMALHU 10091214 - Vertebrate Anatomy & Phy 1]
Demonstrate basic laboratory procedures including: storage, cleaning and the principles of microscopy. Learners will study parasites of common domestic species, including prevention, lifecycle, treatment, and impact on animal health. Labs will concentrate on diagnostic parasitology. This course is only offered in spring semester.
Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091174 - Veterinary Office Procedures, ANIMALHU 10091200 - Animal Management, ANIMALHU 10091215 - Vertebrate Anatomy & Phy 2
Introduces learners to various drugs and other substances used in veterinary medicine. Learners will analyze drug classification, effects, side effects, and client education related to a wide variety of medication use in the field of animal medicine. Learners will apply principles of measurement, administration and safe storage of drugs used in veterinary medicine. This course is part of a two-course series. This course is only offered in spring and summer semesters.
Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091174 - Veterinary Office Procedures, ANIMALHU 10091200 - Animal Management, ANIMALHU 10091215 - Vertebrate Anatomy & Phy 2
Focuses on disease etiology, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, prevention, and control as it relates to companion animal and equine diseases.
Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091200 - Animal Management, ANIMALHU 10091215 - Vertebrate Anatomy & Phy 2] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Veterinary Technician]
Introduces the basics of animal nursing including patient history, restraint for medical procedures, and preventative medicine on both large and small animal patients. Topics covered Include venipuncture, wound management, client education, diagnostic imaging, and small animal nutrition. This course is only offered in spring and summer semesters.
Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091174 - Veterinary Office Procedures, ANIMALHU 10091200 - Animal Management, ANIMALHU 10091215 - Vertebrate Anatomy & Phy 2] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Veterinary Technician]
Focuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communication and listening skills through individual presentations, group activities and other projects. Keywords: Oral, Oral Comm, Comm, Speech
Develop skills in a veterinary clinic working environment. This is a 120 hour internship.
Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091193 - Animal Nursing 1, ANIMALHU 10091196 - Veterinary Clinical Pathology1, ANIMALHU 10091211 - Veterinary Pharmacology 1
Explores emergency and critical care, surgical nursing and anesthesia on common domestic species. Learners will gain experience with patient preparation for common surgical procedures, presurgical diagnostics, anesthetic protocols, aseptic technique, and surgical assisting. This course is only offered in fall and summer semesters.
Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091193 - Animal Nursing 1, ANIMALHU 10091211 - Veterinary Pharmacology 1
Expands learner’s ability to manage a dairy herd with concentration on breed identification, reproduction, genetics including linear appraisal and selection indexes, calving management and record keeping systems.
Builds on the concepts learned in Veterinary Pharmacology 1. Learners will continue to analyze drugs commonly used in veterinary medicine. This is the second course of a two-course series.
Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091211 - Veterinary Pharmacology 1] [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091208 - Animal Nursing 2]
Emphasis is placed on hematology and urinalysis. Learners will practice sample collection and perform venipuncture on common domestic species. Labs will consist of learners practicing diagnostic procedures such as CBCs, blood chemistry and urinalysis.
Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091196 - Veterinary Clinical Pathology1, ANIMALHU 10091208 - Animal Nursing 2
Explores husbandry and care of exotic pets, pocket pets, birds and animals used for research. Topics covered include housing requirements, sanitation, nutrition, radiology, restraint and handling. Learners will practice hands on skills including administering medications, diagnostic sampling techniques and physical examinations of rats, mice, birds, rabbits, and other small mammals. This course may also work with reptiles. This course is only offered in fall semester.
Student has satisfied all of the following: [Students who specified one or more of these Programs of Study or Program Foci: Veterinary Technician] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091208 - Animal Nursing 2]
Participate in surgical procedures including dog and cat sterilization surgeries. Other surgical procedures may occasionally be performed as needed. Learners will participate as anesthetists, sterile surgical assistants, and non-sterile assistants throughout the course.
Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091208 - Animal Nursing 2, ANIMALHU 10091212 - Veterinary Technician Internsh] And Student has satisfied all of the following: [Student has completed or is in process of completing all of the following course(s): ANIMALHU 10091206 - Veterinary Clinical Pathology2, ANIMALHU 10091213 - Veterinary Pharmacology 2]
Covers physical exams and evaluation of the general health of equine patients. Learners will learn diagnostic sampling techniques, parenteral and enteral medication administration, venipuncture, wound management techniques, and common restraint techniques for medical procedures. Other topics of study include nutrition, radiology, toxicities and disease management.
Expands learners knowledge in anesthesia and surgical assisting with an emphasis on Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) for companion animals.
Explores the relationship between the general principles of psychology and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding enables students to improve their relationships with others at work, in the family and in society. Keywords: Psych, Relationships, Human Relations, Hr psych
This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors and social influences. It directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social and vocational settings. Keywords: Psych, Intro to Psych
Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents. Keywords: Written Comm, Comm, Writing
Learners develop and apply skills in all aspects of the writing process. Through a variety of learning activities and written documents, learners employ rhetorical strategies, plan, organize and revise content, apply critical reading strategies, locate and evaluate information, integrate and document sources, and apply standardized English language conventions.Keywords:English Comp, Comp 1, E Com, English 1, English
Introduces learners in the veterinary technician program to common livestock diseases, the body’s response to disease, diagnosis, control and prevention. Types of diseases examined include infectious, non-infectious, zoonotic and reportable. Methods of livestock husbandry, handling, restraint, physical examination, diagnostic sampling and treatment will also be examined in this course. This course is only offered in spring semester.
Develop skills in a veterinary clinic working environment. This is a 120 hour internship.
An exam that is scored by faculty or staff in NTC’s Testing Center.
A performance of your expertise that is evaluated by faculty.
A combination of both a test and a skill demonstration.
A collection and explanation of your past learning through work or life experience.
If you have questions about this program, please contact our Career Coaches at 715.803.1645.
If you have further questions regarding our Credit for Prior Learning options, please contact Student Records at studentrecords@ntc.edu or 715.803.1796.