Division: Natural and Health Sciences
Academic Dept.: Veterinary Technology
HEGIS: 5403
Department Chair: Jesi Godin
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.

Accreditation: The Committee on Veterinary Technical Education and Activities (CVTEA) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) granted Initial Accreditation to Westchester Community College’s Veterinary Technology Program, effective March 14, 2014. Currently there are 221 AVMA accredited programs in the United States. Accreditation will remain in effect as long as the Program continues to meet AVMA CVTEA Standards of Accreditation. Initial accreditation is the only accreditation classification that can be granted to new Veterinary Technology programs such as ours, and is granted to those programs that have made significant progress towards meeting the Standards of Accreditation. Our program will remain on initial accreditation until achieving full accreditation, or for a period not to exceed five years. Our program is on an annual reporting schedule. The next annual report will be due spring 2015 (February 27, 2015); however, the CVTEA has requested an interim report due fall 2014 (September 12, 2014) to address a number of recommendations made during the site team’s visit. The next full accreditation site visit is scheduled for 2019.

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