Graduates of the Associate's degree in Veterinary Technology (VET) program are very much in demand and this demand is expected to continue to grow. Technicians form an important link between animals and the veterinarian. Under the supervision of a veterinarian, they work in the laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, and surgical areas, and also perform patient reception and client education duties.
Employment opportunities include veterinary practices, universities, pharmaceutical/ biological research companies, diagnostic labs, feed companies, zoos, and government veterinary facilities.
A full-time veterinarian instructs students in the core program with support from other faculty and a full-time veterinary technician.
Specific courses are taught on a practical level with the intent of making the student a competent assistant.
Hands-on experience in the laboratories is stressed. Favorable staff/student ratios allow students excellent opportunities to gain experience in a variety of procedures.
The college farm gives students excellent exposure to dairy cattle and horses, and the newly-remodeled facility on the main campus provides a modern setting for experience with dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, and birds. Basic restraint and handling is also taught on sheep, chickens, and rabbits.
All students are required to adhere to the policies and procedures set forth in the Vermont Tech Veterinary Technology Student Handbook. These policies include safety issues related to pregnancy, immunizations, and substance abuse. The college strongly recommends that Vet Tech students receive human prophylactic rabies vaccine, which is available through the college (at the students' expense) in the fall semester.
The minimum number of credits required for a degree is 70.
Curriculum: