Veterinary Technology

Associate in Applied Science Degree Program

Hegis Code: 5402	Admissions: 1-800-724-0833 ext. 5018 or 5022
NYSED Code: 28134	admissions@sunyulster.edu

 

Register for one of our Info Sessions: 

Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at 4 PM        REGISTER

Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 4 PM        REGISTER

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Program Description

The Veterinary Technology program is designed to meet the training needs of the veterinary community. The program provides students with field and classroom instruction and advisement and meets current standards for veterinary technicians. The 64‐credit program consists of general education; foundation courses in animal nutrition, animal anatomy and physiology; and courses that develop practical computer, communication, and human relations skills. It also provides practice‐based courses in radiology, anesthesia, large and small animal handling, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, parasitology, and behavioral medicine. In addition, the program provides laboratory experience in a clinical setting.

*Students in this program must attend a 6-day Farm Camp at SUNY Delhi to master the AVMA Farm Animal essential clinical skills for a Veterinary Technician.

Combining theory with practical skills, the Veterinary Technology program will prepare students for careers as veterinary technicians by completing courses that have been developed according to nationally recognized skill standards. Students will develop technical skills that will allow them to work in large or small animal veterinary practices as well as in research facilities.

Students in this program must attend a 6‐day Farm Camp at SUNY Delhi as their Large Animal laboratory experience. Students must also attend a 2 day Research Animal Technology (RAT) Camp at SUNY Delhi as their laboratory animal experience.

This program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).

For the period of July 1, 2014-June 30, 2017

• Number of eligible first time candidates: 88
• Number of first time candidates that have taken the VTNE: 62
• Three year Pass Rate on VTNE:  73%.

NOTE: Those interested in pursuing the Animal Science Office Assistant Certificate should inquire about the 27‐credit certificate program.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of the AAS in Veterinary Technology Degree program, a student will be able to

• Take the Veterinary Technician National Exam;
• Perform animal nursing and critical care for all common domestic animals including: restraint, administering medications, diagnostic sampling for laboratory evaluation, maintaining fluid therapy, applying and removing bandages and splints, and applying emergency protocols;
• Assist with animal surgery including knowledge of routine procedures and operating room equipment; prepare the patient, veterinary personnel, and equipment for sterile surgical procedures; function effectively as a surgical assistant to the veterinary surgeon during surgical procedures;
• Induce, stabilize, monitor and maintain anesthesia under the supervision of the veterinarian; recognize and report anesthetic emergencies; apply resuscitation techniques and CPR;
• Provide competent assistance with office procedures; telephone contacts, making appointments, admitting and discharging patients, maintaining medical and financial records, and establishing/maintaining a clean and orderly veterinary facility;
• Communicate with the public, clients, and colleagues through both verbal and written communication skills, including effective listening;
• Demonstrate skills and knowledge associated with cleaning, sanitizing, and sterilizing equipment and facilities, including knowledge of products, equipment, procedures, and techniques routinely used in reducing, eliminating or preventing contamination of the animal‐care institutions;
• Complete all required AVMA essential clinical skills for Veterinary Technicians.  

Employment Potential 

In response to a survey of veterinarians in Ulster County and surrounding counties, a large majority of respondents indicated a strong desire and need for highly trained veterinary technicians. Many responded that they currently experience or might possibly experience a shortage of licensed veterinary technicians and stated that this program will help them fill their future employment needs.

Requirements for Program Entry

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Satisfactory placement in Entering Student Assessment

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To print a copy of the Program Planning Sheet, click here.
Veterinary Technology students must achieve a minimum grade of C in all required Veterinary Technology Science (VTS), Biology (BIO), Mathematics (MAT), Science (SCI) and Chemistry (CHE) courses in order to progress in the Veterinary Technology program or to be eligible for graduation.  Students may only attempt a Veterinary Technology Science (VTS), Biology (BIO), Science (SCI) or Chemistry (CHE) course twice.  If unsuccessful the second time, they may not continue in the Veterinary Technology program.  Withdrawal from a course with a grade below C is considered an “attempt.” Students must supply their own transportation to off campus labs and learning sites.       Revised 02/22/2017
Curriculum Click on the Course Number for the course description.
First Semester
Course Number	Description	Credits
BIO 100 or BIO 105	Fundamental Concepts in Biology General Biology I	3
CHE 100 or SCI 107	Foundations of College Chemistry Chemistry for the Health Sciences	3
VTS 111	Veterinary Medical Terminology	1
VTS 159	Restraint and Handling	1
VTS 149	Introduction to Veterinary Science Technology	3
ENG 101	College English I	3
VTS 148	Veterinary Clinical Calculations	3
Semester Credits		17
Second Semester
VTS 151	Parasitology and Microbiology	4
VTS 152	Animal Anatomy and Physiology	4
VTS 155	Veterinary Clinical Pathology	3
VTS 257	Large Animal Diseases and Nursing	2
VTS 259	Delhi Farm Camp Lab	2
VTS 260	Delhi Rat Camp	1
Semester Credits		18
Third Semester
VTS 253	Veterinary Anesthesia and Pharmacology	4
VTS 256	Small Animal Diseases and Nursing	4
BUS 171	Computer Applications in Business	3
COM 103 or COM 105	Oral Communications or Public Speaking	3
Semester Credits		14
Fourth Semester
VTS 254	Veterinary Radiography	2
VTS 150	Animal Nutrition	3
BIO 201	Microbiology	4
VTS 250	Behavioral Medicine for Animals	2
VTS 261	VTNE Preparation Course	2
ENG 227* or  ENG 102 or equivalent	Technical Writing or College English II or equivalent	3
LIB 111	Information Literacy	1
Semester Credits		15
Total Credits		64
NOTE: Through advisement, students will also fulfill General Education Requirements.