Associate in Science - Veterinary Technology
Program Description
The Associate in Science degree in Veterinary Technology (VET-AS) provides the student with a broad foundation in veterinary clinical work and prepares the student to seek employment as a veterinary technician. The program uses a combination of lecture, laboratory, simulation, and clinical instruction.
Program Information
This program is a limited access program, which means program admission and course registration are restricted to a limited number of students each semester due to accreditation requirements addressing student-faculty ratios and clinical resources. A student first will be admitted to Pensacola State College, and after satisfying all admission requirements for this program, the student is considered for admission to the VET-AS program. Application Pathways exist for students who have been admitted to the College and must complete any of the admission requirements. Students who do not have an earned Associate in Arts degree or earned baccalaureate degree may be placed in the Associate in Arts Pre-Veterinary Technology Advising Track. Students who have an earned Associate in Arts degree or earned baccalaureate degree may be classified as non-degree seeking.
The Associate in Science degree in Veterinary Technology accepts 32 students each Fall semester.
The graduate of the program that is seeking to become a certified veterinary technician (CVT) must successfully complete the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Program Approval and Accreditation
The VET-AS program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360.
Phone: 1.800.248.2862
www.avma.org
Program Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- College Application
- Minimum grade of "C" or better and 2.75 GPA on Program Specific General Education Prerequisite Courses.
When the student has met the program admission requirements, the student’s application is evaluated by the Office of Admissions and ranked according to the date on which the student completed the final requirement. Students are selected in that rank order.
Program Progression Requirements
Progression through the Associate in Science degree in Veterinary Technology program requires the following.
- A grade of C or higher in courses in the curriculum.
- Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in all courses applicable to the program of study.
- Satisfactory completion of clinical requirements which include the following:
- Level II FDLE background screen;
- Urine drug screen; and
- Immunizations and Vaccines.
Program Completion Requirements
- Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in all courses applicable to the program of study.
- Meet the academic residence requirement of completing at least 25% of the program with classes at Pensacola State College.
Program Contact:
Dr. Mitzie Sowell
Department Head, Allied Health
(850) 484-2308
msowell@pensacolastate.edu
Email Contact:
veterinarytech@pensacolastate.edu
Degree Requirements
Prerequisite Courses (10 cc)
The following prerequisite courses must be completed prior to enrolling in any core courses of the Veterinary Technology Program and a minimum grade of "C" or better and 2.75 GPA on Program Specific General Education Prerequisite Courses.
Term 1 (13 cc)
| ATE 1050 | Canine and Feline Behavior | 2 cc |
| ATE 1110 | Animal Anatomy and Physiology | 3 cc |
| ATE 1110L | Animal Anatomy and Physiology Lab | 1 cc |
| ATE 1311 | Veterinary Office Procedures and Terminology | 3 cc |
| ATE 1650C | Introduction to Clinical Procedures | 4 cc |
Term 2 (13 cc)
| ATE 1636 | Large Animal Clinical and Veterinary Technician SKills | 3 cc |
| ATE 1636L | Large Animal Clinical and Veterinary Technician Skills Lab | 1 cc |
| ATE 1941L | Clinical Work Experience | 1 cc |
| ATE 2632 | Small Animal Clinical Procedures I | 3 cc |
| ATE 2632L | Small Animal Clinical Procedures I Lab | 1 cc |
| ATE 2648C | Radiography | 4 cc |
Term 3 (9 cc)
| ATE 1942L | Clinical Work Experience II | 1 cc |
| ATE 2671 | Laboratory Animal Medicine | 2 cc |
| ATE 2671L | Laboratory Animal Medicine Lab | 1 cc |
| ATE 2722 | Avian, Exotic, Small Mammals and Fish | 2 cc |
| See Choices | Social Sciences (General Education Core Course) | 3 cc |
Term 4 (15 cc)
| ATE 2630 | Pharmacology | 4 cc |
| ATE 2634 | Small Animal Clinical Procedures III | 3 cc |
| ATE 2634L | Small Animal Clinical Procedures III Lab | 1 cc |
| ATE 2710 | Veterinary Emergency Medicine | 3 cc |
| ATE 2943L | Clinical Work Experience III | 1 cc |
| See Choices | Humanities (General Education Core Course) | 3 cc |
Term 5 (12 cc)
Total Credit Hours: 73
Note: Clinical work experience will require that the student spend four hours per week at an approved clinical site in terms 2, 3, 4, and 5.