Mar 29, 2024  
Fall 2013 Course Catalog 
    
Fall 2013 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Veterinary Technology A.A.S.


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Division: Natural and Health Sciences
Academic Dept.: Veterinary Technology
HEGIS: 5403
Department Chair: Jesi Spieldenner
Telephone: 914-606-8599

Veterinary technology is the art and science of using an understanding of basic animal science, biological testing and animal behavior to assist the veterinarian in the care and health of animals. Among the skills students will be exposed to in this Program are: conduct a complete physical examination; animal husbandry, handling and restraint; perform routine nursing techniques in both general practice and emergency situations; assist animal surgical procedures and post-operative care; perform routine laboratory, radiographic and dental procedures; professionally communicate with other veterinary professionals, the public and clientele, both verbally and in writing.

The Veterinary Technology Program is designed to prepare prospective graduates to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), and seek employment in an animal/veterinary-related field. In the state of New York, individuals who complete a Veterinary Technology Program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), achieve a passing grade on the VTNE and are of good moral standing are eligible to apply for licensure. Licensed veterinary technicians can obtain employment in a variety of animal-related settings including veterinary hospitals, clinics and small offices; animal shelters and humane societies; research laboratories and zoological gardens.
The Veterinary Technology Program is a selective curriculum, with a separate application process (in addition to the standard college application), and only admits accepted students each fall. The program runs from September to August, and requires two years of full-time study. (Students on average devote about 30 hours/week to classes and departmental obligations.) Classes are offered during the day only and the curriculum consists of four semesters and one summer semester. Curriculum schedules are set and each admitted cohort progresses through the Program together in a specifically designed order. The curriculum offers a well-balanced academic and clinical education that the dedicated student will find beneficial. The integration of classroom instruction and clinical experiences provide an atmosphere intended to promote critical thinking and problem solving skills needed to prepare students for the completion of the degree and success in the field. The Program has begun the application for AVMA-accreditation.

Download a Vet Tech Program Application:  PDF Format  or MS Word Format   
 

Additional Program Note(s)


Pre-requisites: The following four courses need to be completed to be considered for acceptance into the Veterinary Technology Program. (Transfer credits earned prior to attendance at Westchester Community College may also be considered if they meet acceptable equivalency.)

Required Screening: Following acceptance and prior to admittance, students must complete, at their own expense, a successful criminal background check. Drug screening is also required, again at the student’s expense, prior to admittance into any clinical experience. Screening is mandatory and may be required to be completed, at the request of the Department Chair, at any point during the Program.

Clinical Experiences: Some laboratory classes, and clinical externships and experiences, are held off campus at affiliated animal-related facilities. Travel to and from these facilities is an expectation of this Program and is the student’s responsibility.

Educational Progress: Students are expected to obtain a “C” in all non-Vet. Tech. coursework, and a “C+” in all Vet. Tech. coursework. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required at the end of each semester.

A grade below a “C+” in any Veterinary Technology course is considered failing. Any student who fails or withdraws from a course can apply for re-admittance to the Program for one additional attempt. Any student who fails a second Veterinary Technology course will be subject to Academic Dismissal from the Program.

Professional Conduct: Professional and ethical conduct are an important component of this Program, and are expected to be upheld to continue in and graduate from this Program.
 

Advisement Guide


The Advisement Guide provides important information to students about how to complete this degree, including a semester-by-semester breakdown of the required courses. Click here for the Advisement Guide’s 5-Semester Plan .
 

Minimum Total Credits: 75


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