The programs provides a strong educational foundation in science and the liberal arts, and comprehensive coursework in veterinary technology. Students receive the core knowledge for entry into professional practice as well as tools for lifelong learning. Through the synthesis of clinical and didactic experiences, students develop clinical competence, conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills for effective problem-solving. We seek to prepare graduates who will have essential literacies including written and oral communication skills and thus be clinically competent professionals able to provide quality care to the community and other groups of interest. Clinical externship placements include some of the best veterinary facilities in the area –and some, the best in the country. Both large animal and small animal clinical skills will be taught.

A veterinary technician is described by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as a person knowledgeable in the care and handling of animals, in the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in routine and clinical procedures. He or she is an active assistant to veterinarians, biological research workers, and other scientists. This introductory survey course is designed to prepare students for entrance into the field of veterinary science and technology, by introducing them to the terminology of veterinary medicine. This course includes instructional areas of information pertaining to various classifications and breeds of animals, restraint methods, future employment potential, and basic scientific concepts regarding animal health in general. The course is intended to be an overview of the entire veterinary science and technology curriculum by providing a basic background and prerequisite knowledge that will be of benefit in other departmental course offerings.