Veterinary Technology A.A.S.

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Division: Natural and Health Sciences
Academic Dept.: Veterinary Technology
HEGIS: 5206
Department Chair: Jesi Godin
Telephone: 914-606-8599
Email: VetTech@sunywcc.edu

Application: Download a Vet Tech Program Application

A Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program in Spring 2016. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Program Description

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.

Additional Program Notes

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.)

Written English - completion of
ENG 101 - Writing and Research
Mathematics - completion of
MATH 130 - College Algebra: Functions & Models
Science proficiency - completion of both:
- BIOL 103 - Human Biology (and Lab)
- CHEM 113 - Principles of Inorganic Chemistry (and Lab)

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this Program, it is expected that graduates of Westchester Community College’s Veterinary Technology Program will have the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to:

Consistently apply theoretical concepts obtained in the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings to decisions made in practical settings.
Understand the impetus and design behind modern nursing technologies.
Sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Assume professional responsibility for the services provided to patients and clientele.
Regard all techniques and procedures with an open and critical mind.
Instill an attitude of personal ownership and professional excellence.
Be aware and take initiative as an essential member of the veterinary team.
Demonstrate professional behavior.
Communicate with compassion and concise, clarity.
Regard the animal patient as the first priority in the veterinary practice setting.
Be an advocate for animal welfare and humane/ethical practices.
Frequently strive for continued education and educational pursuits.

General Education Requirements - 20 Credits

Students are required to fulfill a certain number of credits within the specific categories shown below. Where specific courses are not listed within these categories, courses must be selected from the list of SUNY General Education Courses .

Natural Sciences (8 credits)

Social Sciences (3 credits)

PSYCH 101 - General Psychology

Degree Requirements - 47 Credits

Minimum Total Credits - 67

Educational Plan: The Educational Plan is an advisement tool that provides important information to students about how to complete this degree. Click here to Download the Educational Plan .