Veterinary Technology (On-Campus Option)
Individuals interested in pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology have two options: the two-year, full-time, on-campus option at BRCC’s Weyers Cave location or the three-year, part-time, distance education option.
Both options are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and have competitive admissions. Upon completion of either option, students are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and apply for a license to practice as a veterinary technician. Possible careers for graduates include: technician in a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, wildlife center, zoo, or with the military. Other opportunities include diagnostic/research laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry, veterinary supply sales, livestock managers or veterinary education.
Award: Associate of Applied Science Degree
Length: Five semesters total, includes one summer (two-year program)
Additional Program Information: https://www.brcc.edu/academics/programs/vettech/
Potential Additional Funding Information: https://www.brcc.edu/g3/
A coordinated externship, required during the summer between the first and second year, includes 350 hours of work in a veterinary hospital.
Students must pass each VET-prefix course in the Veterinary Technology curriculum in order to continue in the program. A minimum GPA of 2.0 in VET-prefix courses, in addition to a 2.0 curricular GPA, is required for graduation.
The program is selective and all application materials are due the final business day of January for summer enrollment of the same year. Applicants are screened and awarded points in the following categories: academic credentials, veterinary/animal experience, awareness of the profession, quality of recommendation and aptitude test scores. Notification of all applicants will occur by the end of April.
Admission Requirements
- high school diploma or equivalent
- completion of high school or college biology, including lab, with a “C” or better
- completed BRCC application
- completed application for admission to the Veterinary Technology Program
- completion of ENG 111 and CHM 110 curriculum requirements prior to application (applicants may be currently enrolled in these courses with admission being contingent upon successful completion)
- official transcripts from high school and colleges attended
- observation of a licensed veterinary technician in a veterinary hospital for a minimum of 40 hours within the last calendar year, including completion of observation form
- upon request of the program, an interview with program staff may be requested after the application deadline.
Application materials and instructions can be found by visiting https://www.brcc.edu/academics/programs/vettech/vet-tech-admissions/
Curriculum
| General Education Courses | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| CHM 110 | Survey of Chemistry | 3 |
| ENG 111 | College Composition I | 3 |
| General Education Elective | 3 | |
| Literature/Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 | |
| SDV | Student Development | 1 |
| Social and Behavioral Science Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| First Summer | ||
| VET 120 | Veterinary Medical Terminology and Calculations | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| First Fall | ||
| VET 100 | Introduction to Animal Science | 4 |
| VET 105 | Introduction to Veterinary Technology | 4 |
| VET 111 | Anatomy & Physiology of Domestic Animals | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| First Spring | ||
| VET 115 | Laboratory Techniques I | 4 |
| VET 121 | Clinical Practices I | 4 |
| VET 216 | Animal Pharmacology | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 11 | |
| Second Summer | ||
| VET 290 | Coordinated Internship | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Second Fall | ||
| VET 205 | Applied Veterinary Surgical Nursing 1 | 3 |
| VET 215 | Laboratory Techniques II | 4 |
| VET 221 | Advanced Clinical Practices III | 4 |
| VET 236 | Companion Animal Behavior | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Second Spring | ||
| VET 210 | Survey of Animal Diseases | 3 |
| VET 217 | Introduction to Laboratory, Zoo and Wildlife Medicine | 2 |
| VET 218 | Laboratory, Zoo, and Wildlife Medical Techniques | 1 |
| VET 222 | Advanced Clinical Practices IV | 4 |
| VET 230 | Veterinary Hospital Management | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 72 | |
Advanced Veterinary Assisting
Award: Career Studies Certificate
Potential Additional Funding Information: https://www.brcc.edu/g3/
Purpose: to prepare students who wish to gain employment as a veterinary assistant and are considering applying to the Veterinary Technology A.A.S. degree program Blue Ridge Community College.
Students are not required to complete all courses listed below prior to applying to Veterinary Technology A.A.S. degree program. However, successful completion of the Advanced Veterinary Assisting Career Studies Certificate will strengthen the applicant’s academic record. Completing the Advanced Veterinary Assisting Career Studies Certificate does not guarantee admission into Blue Ridge Community College’s Veterinary Technology program.
Please also note that there are specific admission requirements for the Veterinary Technology Program. Students should work with an Academic Advisor and consult the Blue Ridge Community College website at www.brcc.edu/academics/programs/vettech/ for a full list of admission requirements. Please note that VET 102 requires on-campus, in-person attendance for a minimum of six class sessions.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 | College Composition I | 3 |
| SDV | Student Development | 1 |
| Social and Behavioral Science Elective | 3 | |
| VET 101 | Introduction to Veterinary Assisting | 3 |
| VET 102 | Care and Maintenance of Small Domestic Animals | 3 |
| VET 103 | Veterinary Office Assisting | 3 |
| VET 118 | Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Assistants | 3 |
| CHM 110 | Survey of Chemistry | 3 |
| General Education Elective | 3 | |
| Literature/Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 28 | |