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 graduation from the veterinary technology program:

1. A minimum grade of C+ in all AAS and VTEC courses.
2. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 in the courses listed above.

Students may repeat a major course only one time before dismissal from the major.  Courses must be completed in proper sequence, according to prerequisites as listed in the course catalog.

All coursework in the veterinary technology curriculum should be completed within five years of matriculating into the program. If this cannot be accomplished, the student may be required to retake major courses where AVMA essential skills have changed significantly.

Students must successfully complete all required skills listed in the Veterinary Technology Essential and Recommended Skills List developed by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the accrediting body for this program.  

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