Veterinary Technician Program
What is a Veterinary Technician?
Veterinary Technicians are dedicated health care professionals who nurture the health and well-being of animals through specialized knowledge of animal behavior and care, surgical assisting, laboratory testing and nursing procedures.
Working in the field of veterinary medicine is rewarding for people who love animals. Veterinary Technicians provide advanced nursing and care for hospitalized animals and work closely with Veterinarians in the areas of surgery, lab procedures and radiography. The Veterinary Technician must work independently and be able to respond quickly in emergencies. Vet Techs may work in clinics, hospitals, laboratories, ranches, zoos or other professional veterinary settings.
Associate Degree Program
Our Veterinary Technician program will prepare you for success in this rewarding field. The program includes courses that offer in-depth study in nursing skills, laboratory procedures, equine medicine and nursing, and livestock animals, as well as lab animal and exotic animal medicine. And, the first sequence of courses will be taught in a hybrid learning system – a unique mix of online and classroom work that will serve as a solid foundation for the rest of your education.
Courses:
| Theory | Lab | Extern | Credits | ||
Career Prep & Veterinary Assisting Professional Sequences I, II, III & Extern | 295 | 185 | 240 | 30.0** | |
Veterinary Assistant Totals | 295 | 185 | 240 | 30.0** | |
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Extern | Credits |
| CCM 111 | Communications* | 45 | 3.0 | ||
| MTH 128 | Math Applications* |
30 | 2.0 | ||
| SCI 120 | Foundations in Biology and
Chemistry* |
60 | 4.0 | ||
| VTT 176 | Introduction to Veterinary
Technology* |
25 | 1.5 | ||
| Professional Sequence I Total | 160 | 0 | 0 | 10.5 | |
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Extern | Credits |
| VTT 222 | Food and Fiber Animal | 45 | 10 | 3.0 | |
| VTT 224 | Diagnostic Imaging for Veterinary Technicians | 15 | 15 | 1.5 | |
| VTT 226 | Small Animal Nursing for Veterinary Technicians | 15 | 60 | 3.0 | |
| Professional Sequence II Total | 75 | 85 | 0 | 7.5 | |
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Extern | Credits |
| VTT 232 | Laboratory Animal Science | 20 | 15 | 1.5 | |
| VTT 234 | Laboratory Procedures for
Veterinary Technicians |
30 | 35 | 3.0 | |
| VTT 236 | Anatomy and Physiology for
Veterinary Technicians | 30 | 30 | 3.0 | |
| Professional Sequence III Total | 80 | 80 | 0 | 7.5 | |
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Extern | Credits |
| VTT 242 | Dentistry Techniques | 15 | 15 | 1.5 | |
| VTT 244 | Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians | 45 | 3.0 | ||
| VTT 246 | Surgical Nursing for Veterinary Technicians | 30 | 40 | 3.0 | |
| VTT 248 | Clinic Surgery and Lab | 15 | 0.5 | ||
| Professional Sequence IV Total | 90 | 70 | 0 | 8.0 | |
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Extern | Credits |
| VTT 252 | Exotic Animal Medicine and Nursing | 15 | 15 | 1.5 | |
| VTT 254 | Equine Medicine and Nursing | 45 | 15 | 3.5 | |
| VTT 256 | Emergency Procedures |
30 | 10 | 2.0 | |
| VTT 258 | Clinic Surgery and Lab | 30 | 1.0 | ||
| Professional Sequence V Total | 90 | 70 | 0 | 8.0 | |
| Course # | Course | Theory | Lab | Extern | Credits |
| VTT 262 | Veterinary Technician Seminar* | 15 | 1.0 | ||
| VTT 291 | Externship | 225 | 5.0 | ||
| Externship | 15 | 0 | 225 | 6.0 | |
| PROGRAM TOTAL | 805 | 490 | 465 | 77.5** | |
*These courses are offered online, hybrid or on-ground.
**The South Denver program includes one unique class (PSY 101 Interpersonal Communications, 1 credit). The total number of credits for the Veterinary Assistant program in South Denver is 31 credits. The total number of credits for the Veterinary Technician program in South Denver is 78.5 credits.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Veterinary Technicians is expected to grow 52 percent nationally, much faster than the average for all occupations, through 2020.*
The availability of advanced veterinary services, such as preventive dental care and surgical procedures, may provide opportunities for veterinary professionals specializing in those areas. Biomedical facilities, diagnostic laboratories, wildlife facilities, humane societies and animal control facilities may provide more jobs for veterinary technicians.
Program Length
Approximately 18 months
For more detailed information on Pima's Veterinary Technician School program specifics and financial aid eligibility, please visit your local campus below.
Chula Vista, California Colorado Springs, Colorado East Valley, Arizona NEW! Las Vegas, Nevada Renton, Washington Seattle, Washington South Denver, Colorado NEW! Tucson, Arizona NEW!
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Veterinary Technologists and Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm
