What is Veterinary Technology?
Veterinary Technology is a major that prepares students to assist veterinarians in providing health care to animals. It takes far more than just veterinarians to run a practice, and Veterinary Technology graduates help by talking to clients, assisting in surgeries, performing lab tests, cleaning equipment and facilities, and providing basic health care services to animals.
This degree is sometimes called Animal Health Technology. It can be a two-year or four-year program.
Is Veterinary Technology a Good Major / Degree for Me?
Do you love, I mean really love animals? Do you enjoy hands-on learning? Are you patient and compassionate? Do you enjoy science class? If so, you might want to further explore Veterinary Technology!
High School Classes Needed for a Veterinary Technology Degree in College:
- 4 English Credits
- 4 Math Credits
- 4 Lab Science Credits
- 3 Social Studies Credits
- 2 Foreign Language Credits
- If your high school offers any of the following courses, take advantage!
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology
- If your high school or community offers any of the following co-curricular opportunities, take advantage!
- 4H
- Team Sports
Common Veterinary Technology Courses in College:
- Anesthesiology
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Animal Care and Management
- Animal Diseases, Pathology, and Immunology
- Animal Nutrition, Reproduction, Genetics, and Aging
- Animal Parasitology
- Biology
- Clinical Pathology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Medical Mathematics
- Psychology
- Surgical Procedures
- Veterinary Office Management
- Veterinary Pharmacology
Most programs require an internship.
Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:
- Animal Sciences: the study of breeding, raising, and managing livestock
- Biology: the study of living organisms
- Equestrian Studies: the study of breeding, raising, caring for, training, and conditioning horses
- Parks and Recreations: a course of study that explores how and why people interact with the outdoors, and how to manage these people and natural resources
- Pre-veterinary Studies: not a major in and of itself, a course of study that prepares students for veterinary school
- Wildlife and Wilderness Management: a course of study that combines all of the sciences to manage plants and animals
- Zoology: the scientific study of animals
Veterinary Technology Careers:
Graduates from Veterinary Technology programs often go on to work directly with veterinarians. Some also go to work in labs that have animals. Some also work as trainers or behaviorists. Some also work in zoos and wildlife parks. Others go into the pet food and product industries. There are many opportunities for veterinary technicians.
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