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Nov 21, 2024
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Fall 2019 - Summer 2020 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Veterinary Technology A.A.S.
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 Return to: Programs of Study
School: Health Careers, Technology and Applied Learning
Academic Dept.: Veterinary Technology
HEGIS: 5206
Important Note about Program Requirements
The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2019 to Summer 2020. 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.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree Defined
The purpose of the A.A.S. is to be fully trained for immediate employment upon graduation. Students who opt to continue on to pursue higher levels of education are encouraged to check with the receiving institution regarding transferability of credits. Click to learn more about the differences among award types.
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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: conducting a complete physical examination; animal husbandry, handling and restraint; performing routine nursing techniques in both general practice and emergency situations; assisting animal surgical procedures and post-operative care; performing routine laboratory, radiographic and dental procedures; professionally communicating 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 animal/veterinary-related fields. 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 WCC application), and only admits accepted students each Fall. The program runs from September to August, and requires two years of full-time study. 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. (Students on average devote about 30 hours/week to classes and departmental obligations.) The curriculum offers a well-balanced academic and clinical education, which promotes critical thinking and problem solving skills needed to prepare students for the completion of the degree and success in the field.
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. 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. The next accreditation site visit is scheduled for 2019.
Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
A passing grade on the Veterinary Technician National Exam, is required for licensure in New York State. Students within 6 months of graduation and graduates of an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology Program (or a program registered by the New York State Education Department) can register to take this exam. The following chart displays the pass/success rate, of first time test takers for the past three academic years (from July through June of each year):
Pass Rates for 2016–2019
| Number of eligible first-time candidates |
23 |
| Number of eligible first-time candidates that took the VTNE |
28 |
| Three-year pass percentage on VTNE |
82.1% |
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
- Mathematics - completion of
- Science proficiency - completion of both:
Required Screening: Following acceptance and prior to admittance, students must complete a successful criminal background check. Drug screening is also required prior to admittance into any clinical experience. Screening is mandatory, and all expenses are the responsibility of the student. Any screening may be required to be repeated 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. Faculty/staff are not permitted to transport students.
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 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 successful completion of this program, a student will:
- Demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical concepts to veterinary care decisions consistently.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the design of modern nursing technologies and its application to veterinary care.
- Demonstrate professionalism in dealing with patients and clients.
- Demonstrate the ability to function as a member of a veterinary care team.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate well, orally and in writing, in veterinary care situations.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply critical and analytic thinking in veterinary care situations.
- Demonstrate the competency needed to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
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 .
Basic Communication (3 credits)
Natural Sciences (8 credits)
Social Sciences (3 credits)
Degree Requirements - 49 Credits
Minimum Total Credits - 69
Career Path Opportunities
 Are you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.
Getting Started
Are you a prospective Westchester Community College graduate? We look forward to seeing you soon! Please find important program information below:
Program Application: Download a Vet Tech Program Application
Application Deadline: March 15
Apply today, then see the College’s Admissions and Enrollment Checklist.
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