Veterinary Technology, A.A.S.

The mission of Blue Ridge Community and Technical College’s veterinary technology program is to provide a supportive learning environment and the hands-on experience needed to prepare students to work as veterinary health care professionals. This includes an emphasis on the professionalism, leadership, and clinical competency necessary for the promotion of animal health and welfare, public health, and the human-animal bond.

The program provides instruction in small, large, and laboratory animal medical and surgical nursing, laboratory techniques, office protocol, emergency medicine, specialty medicine, and other topics. This program consists of four semesters over the span of two years.

The curriculum includes practical clinical internship experience in veterinary emergency, large animal, small animal, and specialty practices, with options to extern in zoos, laboratories, humane societies, and other facilities.

Courses in animal science and health are combined with a general education component. Upon completion of the program, the student will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology degree. 

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Graduates will be able to obtain entry level positions within veterinary medicine
• Graduates will understand and support the role of the human-animal bond,   the importance of animal welfare and the veterinary professional’s ethical role in upholding humane and ethical treatment of all animals
• Application of critical thinking skills in assessment of patient care

PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

This program is not accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). 

CAREER OPPORTUNITES

The student will be prepared to work in a variety of clinical settings including but not limited to: general veterinary practice, specialty veterinary medicine; emergency, critical care, oncology, dentistry, internal medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, behavior, nutrition, zoos, research labs, reference labs, animal health pharmaceutical marketing, etc.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants to the veterinary technology program must complete the application and submit prior to the deadline, as determined by the admission committee.

GPA & GRADE REQUIREMENT

Students must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or better in all program courses to maintain enrollment.

Earn a minimum grade of C in all required courses for the A.A.S degree.