Veterinary Technology, A.A.S.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate professional communication and conduct. Communicate effectively in written, oral, non-verbal, and electronic formats, using appropriate medical terminology, and uphold ethical and legal standards of veterinary practice.
2. Perform administrative and facility operations. Utilize traditional and electronic systems to manage veterinary office and hospital procedures efficiently and accurately.
3. Deliver comprehensive nursing care. Perform patient assessments, nursing, dentistry, nutrition, and therapeutic techniques for a wide range of species, including companion, laboratory animal, avian, equine, and farm animal species.
4. Administer and manage pharmacologic therapies. Safely administer, dispense, and explain prescribed medications to clients, ensuring proper usage and compliance.
5. Perform clinical pathology procedures. Collect, handle, and analyze laboratory specimens using appropriate clinical pathology techniques to support accurate diagnosis and treatment.
6. Produce diagnostic images. Safely obtain and evaluate diagnostic radiographic and non-radiographic images, ensuring image quality and patient/staff safety.
7. Support anesthesia and pain management. Safely manage all phases of anesthesia, operate anesthetic equipment, monitor patients, and implement pain management protocols as directed.
8. Assist in surgical procedures. Provide surgical support through patient preparation, maintenance of asepsis, proper handling of instrumentation, intraoperative assistance, and post-operative care.
9. Respond to emergencies and critical care situations. Recognize and respond to patients in compromised states by applying appropriate resuscitation techniques and emergency protocols.
10. Handle and care for non-traditional and laboratory species. Demonstrate proper handling, husbandry, and medical care for laboratory animals, avian, and non-traditional species.

The Veterinary Technology Program emphasizes the techniques for assisting in diagnostic, surgical, and clinical procedures with business skills necessary to meet the needs of the profession based on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s list of essential and recommended tasks. Students who successfully complete the associate’s degree are eligible to sit for the National Veterinary Technology Examination and/or similar regional board exams in their state or province. The associate degree program is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and coursework may transfer to a four-year college or university.