Program Description
The Veterinary Technology A.A.S. program at Westchester Community College combines the art and science of animal care, equipping students with essential skills in animal science, clinical pathology, and veterinary nursing. Through hands-on training and comprehensive coursework, students learn to assist veterinarians in a range of settings, from small animal practices to exotic and farm animal care. Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), a crucial step toward licensure in New York State. With accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), this rigorous program prepares students for rewarding careers in animal health and veterinary support.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:
- Demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical concepts, critical thinking, and analytical skills when making veterinary care decisions.
- Demonstrate the ability to operate, interpret, and understand current veterinary equipment and technology to support patient care, diagnostics, and practice management.
- Demonstrate professionalism through legal and ethical behavior, accountability, effective communication, and respectful collaboration with clients, colleagues, and members of the veterinary team.
- Demonstrate proficiency in entry-level essential skills and knowledge needed to support companion animal, equine, and food animal practice, biomedical research, and other veterinary medical activities.
- Demonstrate the competency needed to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), become credentialed, and maintain licensure through lifelong learning.
Accreditation
Accrediting Body:
American Veterinary Medical Association
Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA-CVTEA)
1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360
800-248-2862
Accreditation Status: Accredited
Accreditation Period: Continued accreditation granted April 30, 2025 for five years. Accreditation will remain in effect as long as the program continues to meet AVMA CVTEA Standards of Accreditation.
Next Full Review: 2030
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 2021–2024
Number of eligible first-time candidates that took the VTNE: 40
Three-year pass percentage on VTNE: 60%
Program Note
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 Pre-exposure Rabies Vaccination: Students in the Veterinary Technology program are required to obtain pre-exposure rabies vaccination prior to the beginning of their curriculum. Immunization for rabies consists of a series of three vaccinations administered over a three week period. The estimated cost for the series of rabies vaccinations is approximately $1500 (price varies year to year based on the supplier). https://www.sunywcc.edu/CMS/wp-content/documents/Mandatory-Rabies-Vaccination-Letter.pdf
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 Requirements
69 credits are required for the degree:
- General Education - 20 credits
- Required Degree Courses - 49 credits
General Education Requirements - 20 Credits
Where specific courses are not listed within the categories above, courses must be selected from the list of all General Education Courses .
Required Degree Courses - 49 credits
Program Map
The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.
Program Prerequisites
These courses must be completed to be considered for acceptance into the program:
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3 (Summer)
Semester 4
Semester 5
Minimum Total Credits: 69
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