Veterinary Technology (A.A.S.)

Veterinary Technology

The primary goal of the veterinary technology program is to provide students with exceptional technical and clinical reasoning skills and knowledge in veterinary technology such that graduates will be prepared to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and to be immediate and valuable members of a veterinary medical team. Additionally, the program aims to develop a firm foundation in both farm animal and companion animal veterinary practices. Courses in the program cover basic sciences, veterinary nursing, and veterinary practice management, with a strong focus on hands-on practical knowledge throughout the curriculum. Students gain basic knowledge and skills for the major domestic animal species (dog, cat, horse, and cow). Integration of knowledge in communication, veterinary ethical and legal issues, veterinary practice management, clinical reasoning skills, and hands-on technical skills allow students to become complete veterinary technicians, capable of providing high-quality, compassionate, and expert care to animals both small and large.

Practical learning experience is provided at the PAWS Veterinary Teaching Clinic, the UNH Equine Facilities and the Thomas P. Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center. The program has a number of animal-related educational partnerships, including those with the New Hampshire SPCA in Stratham, N.H., the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Cocheco Valley in Dover, N.H, and the Pope Memorial SPCA in Concord, N.H.

The program is accredited by the AVMA. Students who graduate from an accredited program are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and pursue credentialing. 

Veterinary Technology Curriculum Requirements

Students must demonstrate all of the following for retention in and completion of the veterinary technology program:

1. Courses must be completed in proper sequence, according to pre-requisites listed in the course catalog.
2. To progress in the program, students must: 
   1. Earn a minimum of 70% on their exam average in each VTEC course.
   2. Earn a minimum of 80% on their skills grades in VTEC 579 and VTEC 580.
   3. Receive a minimum grade of C+ (2.33 grade point) or better in all required AAS and VTEC courses.   
3. Students who fail to meet retention requirements after 3 semesters will not be allowed to progress further in the program until retention requirements have been met.
   1. Students are allowed to repeat any major course once.  If the student does not meet the grade standard on the retake, they must repeat the class again before taking other major courses.  
   2. Students are allowed to repeat no more than two major courses.  
   3. Students who fail to meet program grade standards in a third course will not be allowed to proceed in the program.  
4. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in major courses to take additional courses in major.
5. Students must have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA in major to qualify for graduation from the program.
6. Students must successfully complete all required skills listed in the Veterinary Technology Essential and Recommended Skills List developed by the AVMA (the accrediting body for this program).  
7. All coursework in the veterinary technology curriculum should be completed within five years of initial program enrollment.  If this cannot be accomplished, the student may be required to reapply to the program for a new admission status and all veterinary technology specific courses may have to be repeated.

Students must show proof of pre-exposure rabies immunization or adequate rabies titer prior to enrollment in practicum and internship coursework. Transportation is provided to students for practicum coursework. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation during internship experiences.

Required Program Courses

Discovery requirements

Students must complete 20 credits within the Discovery program; with at least one course in the following categories: Writing Skills, Quantitative Reasoning, Biological Science, Physical Science, and Social Science. 

Veterinary Technology Program of Study

The primary goal of the veterinary technology program is to provide students with exceptional technical and clinical reasoning skills and knowledge in veterinary technology such that graduates will be prepared to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and to be immediate and valuable members of a veterinary medical team. Additionally, the program aims to develop a firm foundation in both farm animal and companion animal veterinary practices. Courses in the program cover basic sciences, veterinary nursing, and veterinary practice management, with a strong focus on hands-on practical knowledge throughout the curriculum. Students gain basic knowledge and skills for the major domestic animal species (dog, cat, horse, and cow). Integration of knowledge in communication, veterinary ethical and legal issues, veterinary practice management, clinical reasoning skills, and hands-on technical skills allow students to become complete veterinary technicians, capable of providing high-quality, compassionate, and expert care to animals both small and large.

Specific skills and decision making abilities are outlined by the AVMA accrediting body here: https://www.avma.org/education/accreditation/programs/cvtea-accreditation-policies-and-procedures-appendix-i