Turn your love of animals into a satisfying career! BTC’s Veterinary Technician program is ideal if you have an aptitude for math and science, and are interested in being a valuable part of the veterinary care team. You’ll work with animals and people, in a job that is different every day.
With BTC’s high quality education and hands-on training, you’ll gain the valuable skills needed now by veterinary hospitals, surgery centers, specialty care providers, zoos, and wildlife facilities.
Note: BTC has not made a determination that the Veterinary Technology curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. We encourage students who plan to work out-of-state to check relevant local licensure/certification requirements.
1Employment data come from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and reflect three-year averages among BTC students employed in either Washington or Oregon. Students are included in the employment rate if they left with a credential. Rates are not shown for programs with fewer than 10 students meeting the above criteria.
2Whatcom County and WA State wage data come from Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. Wage data represent occupations that BTC faculty have identified as the most relevant career paths for program graduates. Note that these wages reflect employees with varying educational levels/credentials. For cases in which multiple occupations have been identified by faculty, a weighted percentile is calculated using each occupation’s percentile wage and employment size estimate. Wages are not shown for programs for which occupations do not meet the ESD’s minimum thresholds for publishing. If the program has wage data that involves shift work, these ESD wages reflect the same number of hours used in the annual wage calculation. Starting wage = 25th percentile, median wage = 50th percentile, wage potential = 75th percentile.
3Additional employment rates are provided for programs with faculty who maintain their own employment records of students who graduated between 2017-18 and 2019-20 and who were employed within 9 months of graduation. Both overall and in field of study employment rates are included, respectively. For these programs, the format follows: ESD rate / faculty-tracked overall rate / faculty-tracked in-field rate. These additional, faculty-provided rates are particularly important for programs that tend to have graduates employed outside of WA and OR. Note that due to lack of available data, rates may represent fewer than 3 years of graduates.
Estimated costs based on 7 quarters to complete this program The first quarter of study will likely be more expensive as students pay for materials needed to start the program.
Students interested in the Veterinary Technician program should apply to the college and contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with getting started at BTC. A college application and your score on assessment testing and/or previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence.
This program currently admits students into first quarter core classes in the Fall of odd number years.
Program-ready students are invited to register for Veterinary Technician courses. Students who have completed ALL prerequisite requirements before the start of first quarter core courses will be allowed entry based on the order in which they register.
There is no separate admission process or application for this program.
What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?
A completed college admissions application and placement in English and Math. BTC uses a Guided Self-Placement process to help you choose the best starting point for your English and Math courses. Your selections will determine whether you begin with program coursework or complete prerequisites classes first. To get started or for help determining your English and math placement, contact the Outreach department at Outreach@btc.edu
ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) v.6
To get started or for help determining your English and math placement, contact the Outreach department at Outreach@btc.edu. Applicants must score at the "BASIC" level or higher in each of the four areas on one transcript. See the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills handout for more information about this entrance assessment.
Having trouble scheduling your ATI TEAS assessment? More options are available! Email the Assessment Center at: assessment@btc.edu
Evidence of High School graduation or equivalent submitted to BTC Admissions Department with a graduation date (or GED Completion) before the start of the Program (September).
Students must be 18 years or older before beginning second quarter courses (January).
Early Program Course Requirements
Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of 2.0 (C) or higher in each course:
English Composition 1 (ENGL& 101)
Math in Society (MATH& 107) or higher
Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM& 121) or General Chemistry with Lab (CHEM& 161)
General Biology with Lab (BIOL& 160)
Interpersonal Communications (CMST& 210) or Public Speaking (CMST& 220) or General Psychology (PSYC& 100) or Lifespan Psychology (PSYC& 200) or Introduction to Sociology (SOC& 101)
Intro to Veterinary Technology (VETT 100)
ONLY for students who are transferring prior credits to BTC: Official transcripts documenting prerequisite course completion must be submitted and evaluated before registration.
Clinical Requirements
AFTER admissions acceptance into the program and prior to beginning program classes, students must submit proof of all Clinical Placement Requirements. You will receive an email from the department with deadlines for completing clinical requirements, and instructions for creating an account and submitting documentation. Account creation, criminal background history and urine drug screening will cost an estimated $175.
Nursing and Allied Health students must obtain a criminal background check through Complio/American DataBank. The background check must include the following categories: State, County, and National criminal background history; sex offender registry check; Social Security Number trace; and the Office of the Inspector General ("OIG"). Some clinical partners also require students to complete a background check through the Background Check Central Unit (BCCU) for Washington State Department of Social and Health Services authorized service providers.
The College will maintain records on all students that clinical partners may use to document compliance with RCW 43.43.830-842. Criminal background check findings will be shared with clinical partners who will determine if it is satisfactory for the facility. If the results of a background check are less than satisfactory, clinical sites may deny access to that student. If clinical partners have determined criminal background check findings to be less than satisfactory, the student will not be able to complete the program of study.
Bellingham Technical College is not responsible for a student’s ineligibility for employment and/or state licensure. Washington State Department of Health does background checks prior to certifying a license. The disqualifying crimes and negative actions can be found on the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services website.
Students must provide a negative 10-panel urine drug test through Complio. Dilute urine analysis samples require rescreening within five business days at an additional cost and a second dilute sample is considered positive. You will receive an email from the department if your final drug test results are positive, and you will be ineligible to participate in the program for one year.
Notice About Marijuana Usage
Students who test positive for THC (marijuana, including prescription marijuana) will not be allowed entrance to Nursing and Allied Health programs with clinical components. Drug screening is a requirement of our clinical partner agencies. Although private recreational and medical use of marijuana is legal in Washington state, our clinical partner agencies are governed by federal laws, and marijuana is a prohibited substance at the federal level. If your final drug test results are positive, you will be ineligible to participate in the program that year and will be allowed to reapply to the program 12 months from the date of the positive test.
Students must have proof of all the required immunizations uploaded and accepted by Complio before they can attend clinical. Required immunizations include:
Students must submit proof of negative TB status to the program annually. TB screening tests are valid for one year. Most students complete the 2-step TB Skin Test (TST).
Students are required to be American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Provider (Healthcare Provider) CPR certified. The course must be completed after July 1 so that certification will not expire while in the program. Costs associated with the CPR course are not included in program costs. Courses sponsored by the American Red Cross or any other agency are not acceptable. AHA 201 Healthcare Provider CPR is offered at BTC: Go to www.btc.edu/TakeClasses to find dates and times. The course must include an in-person hands-on skills check. Online courses that do not include in-person hands-on skills are not acceptable.
You must submit proof of current health insurance coverage. Student Injury-only insurance is acceptable and information on how to enroll is available on the BTC website. Your health insurance must be current throughout the duration of the program.
You are now able to sign up for classes in ctcLink using the class list below. It requires certain steps to work smoothly. Please read and follow the instructions:
Once at the beginning of each session:
Follow the link below which will open the ctcLink login screen in a new browser tab
In the new tab login to ctcLink
Return back to this tab
These steps log you into ctcLink and keep you logged in until you log out manually or close your browser. If you or a public computer it is good security practice to logout and close all browser windows when you are done.
Click on the name of the class below to show future offerings
Click the 'Find in ctcLink' button below the class you wish to find. (Button will only show if registration is open.)
A new tab with the ctcLink Class Search tool will open
Without changing any of the filter options, click the 'Search' button
Only the specific class you selected will show. If logged in following the steps above, you will be able to register for the class.
Quarter 1
VETT 101
Veterinary Nursing I
4 CR
Upon completion of this module, the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician student will be able to safely and effectively obtain subjective and objective patient data that will allow accurate evaluation of the patient with minimum stress and maximum safety. Also, the Veterinary Assistant & Veterinary Technician student will be able to interpret animal body language and use restraint techniques appropriate to the patient and it care needs. Prerequisite: MATH& 107 or higher, ENGL& 101, PSYCH& 100 or CMST& 210, CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161, BIOL& 160, and VETT 100 all with a C or higher, AND ATI TEAS scores: Reading 47.6 or higher, Mathematics 46.7 or higher, Science 33.3 or higher, and English & Language Usage 40.0 or higher.
VETT 102
Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology I
5 CR
Upon completion of this course, the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician student will be knowledgeable in the function of basic cell structure, skeletal anatomy & physiology, integument & muscular systems, the respiratory & cardiovascular systems, the hemolymphatic, gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive, urinary, & nervous systems in the canine and feline. Prerequisite: MATH& 107 or higher, ENGL& 101, PSYCH& 100 or CMST& 210, CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161, BIOL& 160, and VETT 100 all with a C or higher, AND ATI TEAS scores: Reading 47.6 or higher, Mathematics 46.7 or higher, Science 33.3 or higher, and English & Language Usage 40.0 or higher. Co-requisites: VET 120, VETT 101, VETT 103, VETT 201
VETT 103
Veterinary Medical Terminology
3 CR
Upon completion of this module, the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician student will: understand terms of anatomical topography, nursing records and pharmaceutical, emergency and surgical, medicine, and patient description terms; students should also be comfortable and accurate with metric system conversion. Prerequisite: MATH& 107 or higher, ENGL& 101, PSYC& 100 or CMST& 101 or CMST& 210 or CMST& 220 or CMST& 230 or SOC& 101 or PSYC& 200, CHEM& 161, BIOL& 160, and VETT 100 all with a C or higher, AND ATI TEAS scores: Reading 47.6 or higher, Mathematics 46.7 or higher, Science 33.3 or higher, and English & language Usage 40.0 or higher. Co-Requisites: VET 120, VETT 101, VETT 101, VETT 201.
VET 120
Medical Dosages and Calculations
3 CR
The course will cover the necessary concepts involved in mathematics used in veterinary medicine. This will include: dosage calculations, English and metric conversions, percents, ratios, and other technical applications. This course includes both lecture and lab learning formats. Prerequisite: Veterinary Technician Program Admission.
VETT 201
Mentorship Lab I
2 CR
This lab requires students, under the supervision of a mentor or the faculty, to demonstrate competency in an escalating list of skills in the lab and the clinical sites. Each quarter builds upon that quarter's didactic material as well as previous skill sets. Primary skill focus: animal restraint, physical exam, diagnostic sampling, and small animal patient care. Prerequisites: MATH& 107 or higher, ENGL& 101, PSYC& 100 or PSYC& 200 or CMST& 100 or CMST& 210 or CMST& 220 or CMST& 230 or SOC& 101, CHEM& 121 or CHEM& 161, BIOL& 160, and VETT 100 all with a C or higher, AND ATI TEAS scores: Reading 47.6 or higher, Mathematics 46.7 or higher, Science 33.3 or higher, and English & Language Usage 40.0 or higher. Corequisites: VET 120, VETT 101, VETT 102, and VETT 103
Quarter 2
VETT 104
Veterinary Nutrition I
3 CR
Given the characteristics of the patient, the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician student will understand appropriate and inappropriate dietary components for various life stages to promote optimal health. Also, the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician student will be able to explain nutritional recommendations to clients and reinforce owner compliance. Prerequisites: VET 120, VETT 101, VETT 102, VETT 103, and VETT 201 all with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 105
Learning for a Lifetime
2 CR
The goals of this module are to enable the student to learn the materials of Veterinary Technician medicine in a logical, goal-oriented manner. The Veterinary Technician student should be empowered with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The Veterinary Technician student should be able to utilize a variety of reference media and assess that material for quality of content. Finally, the Veterinary Technician student should be able to tailor study skills to address their personal strengths and weaknesses with the goal of maximizing retention of material learned during the Veterinary Technician Program and in continuing education pursuits throughout his or her career. Prerequisites: VET 120, VETT 101, VETT 102, VETT 103, and VETT 201 all with a C- or higher.
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
VETT 106
Microbiology, Virology, & Mycology
3 CR
Upon completion of this module, the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician student will be able to classify, collect, & culture bacteria. The Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician student will also be knowledgeable in mycology & virology. Prerequisites: VET 120, VETT 101, VETT 102, VETT 103, and VETT 201 all with a C- or higher
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 107
Small Animal Parasitology
4 CR
Upon completion of this module, the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician student will be able to: 1) Identify and describe the life cycle of ecto- and endo- parasites; 2) Understand the importance of parasites in veterinary and zoonotic disease; 3) Understand the importance of, and demonstrate proper diagnostic fecal techniques; 4) Identify parasite ova, adults and non-parasite artifacts; 5) Review therapy and prevention of parasitic diseases. Prerequisites: VET 120, VETT 101, VETT 102, VETT 103, and VETT 201 all with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 108
Radiology I
4 CR
Given the characteristics of the patient and the radiographic study that has been requested, the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician student will be able to prepare the radiographic equipment, measure the animal using topographic landmarks and choose the appropriate radiographic technique to provide maximum diagnostic benefit in an appropriate and safe manner. The student will also be able to assess the image quality and offer options to correct deficiencies. Prerequisite: VET 120, VETT 101, VETT 102, VETT 103, and VETT 201 all with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 202
Mentorship Lab II
2 CR
This lab requires students, under the supervision of a mentor or the faculty, to demonstrate competency in an escalating list of skills in the lab and the clinical sites. Each quarter builds upon that quarter's didactic material as well as previous skill sets. Primary skills focus: advanced sampling techniques and beginning radiology. Prerequisite: VETT 201 with a C- or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Quarter 3
VETT 109
Clinical Laboratory Sciences
4 CR
Upon completion of this module, the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician student will be able to properly handle and submit appropriate samples for diagnostic analysis to ensure maximum accuracy of results. Also, given the characteristics of the laboratory equipment, the student will perform diagnostic test and determine proper maintenance and quality control procedures necessary to ensure accurate results. Skills will be developed in performing basic hematology, urinalysis and cytology. Prerequisites: VETT 104, VETT 105, VETT 106, VETT 107, VETT 108, and VETT 202 all with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
Upon completion of this module, the Veterinary Technician student will be knowledgeable in: 1) Unique equine features: head and gastrointestinal tract and reproductive tract; 2) Unique ruminant features: gastrointestinal tract and reproductive tract and foot; 3) Avian anatomy. Prerequisites: VETT 104, VETT 105, VETT 106, VETT 107, and VETT 108 all with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
Upon completion of this module, the Veterinary Technician student will be knowledgeable in: 1) The general approach to medical problems and become familiar with systemic diseases; 2) Respiratory & cardiac diseases; 3) Gastrointestinal diseases; 4) Urinary tract diseases; 5) Liver & pancreas diseases; 6) Endocrine diseases; 7) Neurologic diseases; 8) Erythrocytes, platelets, & coagulation. Prerequisite: VETT 104, VETT 105, VETT 106, VETT 107, VETT 108, and VETT 202 all with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
Given the characteristics of the patient and the surgical procedure to be performed, the Veterinary Technician student will be able to: 1) Assess the patient's pre-surgical status and tests and report to the veterinarian; 2) Verify the owner's consent to the procedure and its cost; 3) Identify and apply appropriate surgical site preparation of hair clipping and decontamination; 4) Position the patient appropriately for maximum surgical convenience and safety; 5) Maintain aseptic technique for surgical facility and equipment. Prerequisite: VETT 104, VETT 105, VETT 106, VETT 107, VETT 108 and VETT 202 all with a C- or higher in each course.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
This lab requires students, under the supervision of a mentor or the faculty, to demonstrate competency in an escalating list of skills in the lab and the clinical sites. Each quarter builds upon that quarter's didactic material as well as previous skill sets. Primary skills focus: surgical assisting and nursing, dressing and bandaging techniques. Prerequisite: VETT 202 with a C- or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Quarter 4
VETT 117
Veterinary Nursing III (Large Animal)
4 CR
Upon completion of this module, the Veterinary Technician student will be able to safely and effectively obtain subjective and objective patient data that will allow accurate evaluation of the patient with minimum stress and maximum safety. In addition, the student will be able to carry out appropriate therapeutic techniques and diagnostics in order to achieve maximum health benefits for the large animal (equine/bovine/porcine) patient. Prerequisite: VETT 110 with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 118
Small Animal Medicine II
3 CR
This course introduces the veterinary technician student to common diseases of dogs and cats in the described body systems. (Neurological, including Behavior Disorders; and Musculoskeletal) Emphasis will be placed on the pathophysiology of each disease, with additional concepts of diagnosis and therapy for the disease as appropriate. Prerequisites: VETT 109, VETT 110, 111, 112, and 203 all with a C- or higher. Co-requisites: VETT 117, VETT 119, VETT 120, VETT 204
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 119
Advanced Clinical Lab Sciences
4 CR
This is an advanced course in clinical laboratory sciences for the Veterinary Technician, prerequisite is successful completion of Clinical Laboratory Sciences I (VETT 109). Evaluation methods are described by body system and include: hematology, cytology, clinical chemistries and urinalysis. Emphasis is placed on proper collection and handling of all samples. The proper use of common laboratory equipment is also practiced in the laboratory setting, this includes: microscopes, in-house analyzers for hematology and chemistries, refractometers and staining systems. Introduction into sampling, hematology and chemistries for exotic and laboratory species also occurs in this course. Introduction to EKG and blood pressure and the theory of serology. Prerequisites: VETT 109, VETT 110, VETT 111, VETT 112, and VETT 203 all with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 120
Anesthesia
5 CR
This is an introductory course to veterinary anesthesia. The pharmacology of anesthetic agents; the equipment associated with anesthesia and the monitoring and care of the anesthetic patient will be emphasized. Recognizing the signs of pains, scoring of pain and interventional medications and techniques for alleviating pain will be taught. Post-operative care, including physical therapy and client education will be discussed and practiced. Prerequisites: VETT 109, VETT 110, VETT 111, VETT 112, and VETT 203 all with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 204
Mentorship Lab IV
2 CR
This lab requires students, under the supervision of a mentor or the faculty, to demonstrate competency in an escalating list of skills in the lab and the clinical sites. Each quarter builds upon that quarter's didactic material as well as previous skill sets. Primary skills focus: anesthesia, advanced diagnostics. Prerequisite: VETT 203 with a C- or higher.
Current & Future Offerings:
Quarter 5
VETT 113
Immunology & Pharmacology I
3 CR
Upon completion of this module, the Veterinary Technician student will be able to calculate the correct amount of medication in the prescribed form and administer it by the prescribed route as directed by a veterinarian. The Veterinary Technician student shall also be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal responses to medications and communicate necessary information to clients in order to maximize safety and compliance for effective treatment. Finally, the Veterinary Technician student should be proficient at inventory control procedures, especially as applied to controlled substances. Prerequisite: VETT 117, VETT 118, VETT 119, VETT 120, and VETT 204 with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 114
Dentistry
4 CR
Upon completion of this module, the Veterinary Technician student will be knowledgeable of: 1) Dental anatomy & pathophysiology; 2) Dental radiographs; 3) Dental instruments & usage; 4) Large animal dentistry (equine & swine); 5) Small mammal dentistry & avian beaks. Prerequisite: VETT 117, VETT 118, VETT 119, VETT 120 & VETT 204 all with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 115
Radiology II
4 CR
Given the characteristics of the patient and the radiographic study that has been requested, the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician student will be able to prepare the radiographic equipment, measure the animal using topographic landmarks and choose the appropriate radiographic technique to provide maximum diagnostic benefit in an appropriate and safe manner for specialty studies of the spine, pelvis and GI tract of the dog/cat. The Veterinary Technician student will be able to assess the image quality and offer options to correct deficiencies. Also given the characteristics of the patient and the non-radiographic imaging study requested, the Veterinary Technician student will properly prepare the imaging site and equipment and position the patient appropriately for the study of large animal (equine/bovine) leg/foot. Prerequisites: VETT 117, VETT 118, VETT 119, VETT 120, and VETT 204 all with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 116
Large Animal Medicine
3 CR
This is an introductory course to the topic of large animal medical diseases of the horse, cow, goat, sheep and camelids. Emphasis will be placed on pathophysiology and prevention of the discussed diseases under the topics of Equine Preventative Medicine; Equine Respiratory Diseases; Equine Musculoskeletal Diseases; Equine Gastrointestinal Diseases; Equine Reproductive and Neonatal Diseases; Common Small Ruminant Diseases; Bovine Gastrointestinal Diseases; Bovine Reproductive Diseases and Bovine Mastitis. Prerequisite: VETT 110 with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 125
Humanity of Veterinary Medicine
3 CR
Upon completion of this module, the Veterinary Technician student will be able to effectively contribute to the professional and efficient operation of the veterinary facility in order to provide maximum benefits to clients, patients, and the facility. Also, the Veterinary Technician student will be able to effectively and accurately acquire and convey information to the client and to the veterinary colleagues. Animal welfare and ethical issues are explored in this course. Veterinary Economics and Job Search Skills will be explored. At the completion of this course, the student will have a written Resume and complete a Mock Interview. Prerequisites: VETT 117, VETT 118, VETT 119, VETT 120, and VETT 204 all with a C- or higher.
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
VETT 205
Mentorship Lab V
2 CR
This lab requires students, under the supervision of a mentor or the faculty, to demonstrate competency in an escalating list of skills in the lab and the clinical sites. Each quarter builds upon that quarter's didactic material as well as previous skill sets. Primary skills focus: equine patient care, bovine patient care, and advanced radiology procedures. Prerequisite: VETT 204 with a C- or higher
Current & Future Offerings:
Quarter 6
VETT 121
Exotic Animal Medicine
3 CR
This is an introductory course of the anatomy/handling and diseases common of 'pocket pet' and laboratory animal species including: birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, rodents, and guinea pigs. Additionally, husbandry of salmon, and orphaned wildlife will be discussed. Prerequisites: VETT 113, VETT 114, VETT 115, VETT 116, VETT 125, and VETT 205 all with C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 122
Veterinary Nutrition II
2 CR
This course is an advanced veterinary nutrition online course. Veterinary Nutrition I (VETT 104) is a prerequisite to this course. Veterinary Nutrition II explores therapeutic nutrition for the diseases of the gastrointestinal, cardiac, urinary, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems in small animals. Special emphasis is placed on recovery care and nutritional enteral interventions such as esophageal and gastric tube feedings; and parenteral nutrition. Therapeutic Nutrition for specific conditions of the horse will also be explored. Prerequisites: VETT 113, VETT 114, VETT 115, VETT 116, VETT 125, and VETT 205 all with a C- or higher.
The class is taught completely online. There are no scheduled class times that are required; all online work is completed asynchronously. There is no face-to-face instruction.
VETT 123
Veterinary Nursing IV (Critical Care)
5 CR
This is an advanced course exploring the pathophysiology an interventions of common emergencies of small animal medicine. The laboratory exercise will emphasize the equipment and advanced veterinary nursing techniques required in emergency and critical care scenarios of respiratory, neurologic, cardiac, endocrine, and infectious diseases. Support for emergency surgery, blood transfusions and toxin exposure will also be emphasized. Prerequisites: VETT 113, VETT 114, VETT 115, VETT 116, VETT 125, and VETT 205 all with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 124
Specialty Medicine
3 CR
This is an advanced course in veterinary medicine. Small Animal Medicine I (VETT 111) and II (VETT 118) are prerequisites to this course. In this course, the student will explore the requirements to become a Veterinary Technician Specialist and some of the subdisciplines of veterinary medicine that have not been explored in previous medicine courses. Upon completion of this course, the student will be knowledgeable of the following veterinary medicine specialties: 1) Ophthalmology; 2) Research Medicine; 3) Oncology; 4) Endoscopy; 5) Pediatrics; 6) Geriatric and Hospice Care. Prerequisites: VETT, 113, VETT 114, VETT 115, VETT 116, VETT 125, and VETT 205 all with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 126
Pharmacology II
3 CR
This is the second veterinary technician pharmacy course in the program, successful completion of Pharmacology I is prerequisite to this course. Emphasis is placed on medical math for specific patient scenarios, common terms and abbreviations of pharmacology and the properties of the specific drug classes for therapy of the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Correct documentation of controlled drugs for DEA compliance is emphasized. Prerequisites: VETT 113, VETT 114, VETT 115, VETT 116, VETT 125, and VETT 205 all with a C- or higher.
This class meets face-to-face for scheduled classes at specific times. There is no online instruction, although an online learning platform may be used supplementally.
VETT 206
Mentorship Lab VI
2 CR
This lab requires students, under the supervision of a mentor or the faculty, to demonstrate competency in an escalating list of skills in the lab and the clinical sites. Each quarter builds upon that quarter's didactic material as well as previous skill sets. Primary skills focus: exotic animals, nutrition and specialized medicine and advanced nursing care. Prerequisite: VETT 205 with a C- or higher
Current & Future Offerings:
Quarter 7
VETT 130
Veterinary Clinical Work Experience
12 CR
This is a laboratory/online hybrid course performed at veterinary clinical sites in the community. The student is assigned a clinical mentor at the site to direct clinical experiences and the development of psychomotor technical skills. The student will also be evaluated on professionalism, communication, animal skills, interactions with clients and veterinary team. There will be online assignments related to the clinical work experience. Prerequisites: VETT 121, VETT 122, VETT 123, VETT 124, VETT 126, and VETT 206 all with a C- or higher.
After successfully completing the Veterinary Technician AAS-T, students will be able to:
Care for animals in a manner that is safe for both animals and humans;
Promote public health;
Accept the responsibilities of his/her profession, to provide compassionate, competent, ethical care in a professional, conscientious manner;
Pursue lifelong learning to advance his/her knowledge of veterinary care;
Take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE);
Take the state exam and fulfill requirements for licensure as a veterinary technician;
Understand normal anatomy, physiology and behavior of health for the species studied;
Understand and participate in the process of diagnosis, therapy and prevention of animal disease;
Understand the profession of veterinary technician including: occupational safety, public health, client and colleague communication, ethics of animal welfare, and the human-animal bond;
Provide critical thinking skills to reason through clinical situations and take appropriate action;
Provide social interactive skills to facilitate excellent communication with clients and colleagues;
Provide psychomotor skills to facilitate quality, efficient diagnostic and therapeutic interventions;
Provide learning skills and tools to promote learning throughout career and lifetime.
Employment Outlook
Job opportunities in this profession are expected to be excellent.
Criminal convictions may restrict or prevent student participation with internships and employment in this industry.
Veterinary technicians typically conduct clinical work in a private practice under the supervision of a veterinarian, performing various medical tests in a laboratory setting along with treating medical conditions and diseases in animals.
They may work in research facilities, where they may administer medications orally or topically, prepare samples for laboratory examinations, and record information on an animal’s genealogy, diet, weight, medications, food intake, and clinical signs of pain and distress. They may also work with other scientists in medical-related fields such as gene therapy and cloning. Other opportunities exist in biomedical research, wildlife medicine, the military, livestock management, education, or pharmaceutical sales.
Dr. Dzyban is a veterinarian that is board certified in small animal internal medicine. She has fifteen years clinical experience in general and specialty small animal practice and four years experience as an instructor and specialist consultant. As a veterinary internist, she is adept in ultrasound, endoscopy, parenteral nutrition and chemotherapy techniques. Publications include "Peritoneal Dialysis" in Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy, "Peritoneal Dialysis" in the Journal of Emergency & Critical Care, "Cardiac Tamponade in Cavia Porcellus" in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, and "Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis" in the Journal of Veterinary Radiologists.
She is a recipient of the Sue Tidball Award for Creative Humanity and an instructor for the American Red Cross. One of her life goals is to inspire excellence in animal care in veterinarians, veterinary technicians and animal owners.
Dr. Dzyban is a veterinarian that is board certified in small animal internal medicine. She has fifteen years clinical experience in general and specialty small animal practice and four years experience as an instructor and specialist consultant. As a veterinary internist, she is adept in ultrasound, endoscopy, parenteral nutrition and chemotherapy techniques. Publications include "Peritoneal Dialysis" in Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy, "Peritoneal Dialysis" in the Journal of Emergency & Critical Care, "Cardiac Tamponade in Cavia Porcellus" in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, and "Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis" in the Journal of Veterinary Radiologists.
She is a recipient of the Sue Tidball Award for Creative Humanity and an instructor for the American Red Cross. One of her life goals is to inspire excellence in animal care in veterinarians, veterinary technicians and animal owners.