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The mission of the Veterinary Technology program is to attract, educate, and graduate highly competent individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact in their employment areas through excellent patient care, interpersonal communication, and economic skills.

The Veterinary Technology program is a two-year course of study leading to an associate of applied science degree in veterinary technology. Successful completion of the program should provide the graduate with the credentials and information for successful completion of the national and state board examinations leading to licensing as a Veterinary Technician.

YVC’s Veterinary Technology program is staffed by clinically-experienced, licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

Our newly renovated facilities (summer 2016) include small animal wards for dogs, cats, birds, and rodents. Large animal work is performed at area farms. The program is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Program Outcomes

• Possess the credentials and basic information for successful completion of the National and State Board examinations leading to licensure as a Veterinary Technician.
• Bring desirable interpersonal skills and patient care abilities to the workplace.

Careers

Veterinary Technicians are an integral part of the animal health care team, performing nursing duties plus having laboratory, anesthesia, imaging, dental hygiene, and surgical assistant responsibilities. Licensed veterinary technicians are employed in a variety of situations including veterinary practice, zoos, research, humane shelters, the military, plus pharmaceutical and animal feed industries.

Admission

YVC’s Veterinary Technology program starts a class of students each fall. Admission is based on completion of program prerequisites including high school and/or college coursework, letters of recommendation, plus veterinary clinic observation or veterinary work experience.
Applications should be received by May 1 to be considered for the following fall quarter.

Prerequisites

• High school diploma or GED.
• One year of high school biology or BIOL& 160  at YVC (or its equivalent) with a grade of C (2.0) or better, taken within five (5) years of program entry.
• One year of high school chemistry or CHEM& 100  at YVC (or its equivalent) with a grade of C (2.0) or better, taken within five (5) years of program entry.
• Math placement scores (within the last 12 months) indicating eligibility for Intermediate Algebra (YVC’s MATH 095 ) or equivalent coursework.
• English placement scores (within the last 12 months) indicating eligibility for ENGL& 101  or equivalent coursework.
• Reading placement scores (within the last 12 months) indicating eligibility for college-level reading or equivalent coursework.

Additional Requirements

• Fifty (50) hours of clinical observation or work experience with a veterinarian within the last three years. This may be paid or volunteer and does not include time working on your own animals.
• Three (3) completed reference forms. One must be from the veterinarian with whom experience was gained.

Application Process

A copy of the application packet may be downloaded from the YVC website at www.yvcc.edu/vettech, by contacting the Veterinary Technology Program by email (swedam@yvcc.edu or kdenome@yvcc.edu), by phone listed in the directory, or by mail (Veterinary Technology Program, YVC, PO Box 22520, Yakima WA 989027-2520).

A criminal history background check will be performed upon admission into the program. Students must be accepted for general admission to the college to be considered for the Veterinary Technology Program. Acceptance notification from the Veterinary Technology Program is sent separate from Admissions Office for the college itself.

Transcripts

• Request an official transcript from each high school attended. Send the transcripts to the Veterinary Technology program.
• Request two (2) official transcripts from each college attended. One copy should be sent to the YVC Admission Office and the other sent to the Veterinary Technology Office. There is a request for transcript of credits form in the Veterinary Technology Application Packet which can be used for this purpose.

The applicant is solely responsible for obtaining transcripts for YVC files. No acceptance evaluation can be made until transcripts have been supplied.

Support Courses

The curriculum for the Veterinary Technology program is listed below. Students are encouraged, but not required, to take any of the support courses before entering the program. Otherwise, the courses will be included in the program of study. Any credits to be considered for the degree must have been completed with a grade of C- (1.7) or better within five (5) years of entrance into the program. Students with older coursework will have their transcripts evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Programs

• Veterinary Technology, AAS

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