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Aug 24, 2024
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Fall 2021 - Summer 2022 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Veterinary Technology A.A.S.
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Return to: Programs by School
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 2021 to Summer 2022. 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.
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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 of animals. The program prepares 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.
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. The program was elevated to full accreditation, effective April, 2020. Accreditation will remain in effect as long as the program continues to meet AVMA CVTEA Standards of Accreditation.
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 2017–2020
Number of eligible first-time candidates |
27 |
Number of eligible first-time candidates that took the VTNE |
31 |
Three-year pass percentage on VTNE |
87.1% |
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.)
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-Veterinary Technology coursework, and a “C+” in all Veterinary Technology 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).
Program Map
The academic map below presents the recommended plan of study and will guide you through your program in a timely manner. Click the course abbreviations for full course descriptions. A course may be critical because it is a pre-requisite, requires a minimum grade, or because it is only offered once a year. Missing a critical course may push back your graduation date. Meet with an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure you are on track to complete your program.
Critical Courses should be taken in the order shown to stay on track and graduate on time.
Program Pre-requisites
These courses must be completed to be considered for acceptance into the program
Course
(click for more information) |
Critical Course |
Pre-reqs or Co-reqs |
Credits |
Notes |
ENG 101 |
✔ |
✔ |
3 |
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MATH 117 |
✔ |
✔ |
3 |
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BIOL 103 |
✔ |
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4 |
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CHEM 113 |
✔ |
✔ |
4 |
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Semester Total Credits |
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14 |
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Semester 1
Course
(click for more information) |
Critical Course |
Pre-reqs or Co-reqs |
Credits |
Notes |
ENG 102 |
✔ |
✔ |
3 |
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PSYCH 101 |
✔ |
✔ |
3 |
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VET 101 |
✔ |
✔ |
3 |
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VET 102 |
✔ |
✔ |
4 |
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Semester Total Credits |
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13 |
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Semester 2
Course
(click for more information) |
Critical Course |
Pre-reqs or Co-reqs |
Credits |
Notes |
VET 106 |
✔ |
✔ |
2 |
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VET 107 |
✔ |
✔ |
3 |
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VET 108 |
✔ |
✔ |
4 |
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VET 109 |
✔ |
✔ |
3 |
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Semester Total Credits |
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12 |
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Semester 3 (Summer)
Course
(click for more information) |
Critical Course |
Pre-reqs or Co-reqs |
Credits |
Notes |
VET 200 |
✔ |
✔ |
3 |
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VET 210 |
✔ |
✔ |
3 |
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Semester Total Credits |
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6 |
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Semester 4
Course
(click for more information) |
Critical Course |
Pre-reqs or Co-reqs |
Credits |
Notes |
VET 201 |
✔ |
✔ |
2 |
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VET 202 |
✔ |
✔ |
2 |
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VET 203 |
✔ |
✔ |
2 |
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VET 204 |
✔ |
✔ |
2 |
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VET 211 |
✔ |
✔ |
4 |
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Semester Total Credits |
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12 |
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Semester 5
Course
(click for more information) |
Critical Course |
Pre-reqs or Co-reqs |
Credits |
Notes |
VET 205 |
✔ |
✔ |
2 |
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VET 206 |
✔ |
✔ |
4 |
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VET 207 |
✔ |
✔ |
3 |
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VET 208 |
✔ |
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3 |
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Semester Total Credits |
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12 |
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Minimum Total Credits: 69
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