Major: Veterinary Technology
USDA/Bill Tarpenning
With a degree in veterinary technology, you can put your love for animals to practical use. In only two years, veterinary technology majors learn how to do many of the things that veterinarians do. Compare that with the eight grueling years it takes to earn a veterinary degree.
As a veterinary technician (VT) in training, you'll learn how to x-ray an arthritic dog, anesthetize a cat for spaying, and analyze blood samples. If you want to help veterinarians keep animals healthy and happy, this could be the major for you.
Veterinary technology majors learn how to provide medical care to animals and assist veterinarians in veterinary practices and research laboratories.
“VTs perform a wide range of activities, doing everything veterinarians do expect making diagnoses, performing surgery, and prescribing medicine.”
Susan H. Stadler, Director, Veterinary Technician Program, Lehigh Carbon and Northampton Community College
Are You Ready To...?
- Analyze urine and blood samples
- Risk getting bitten, scratched, or kicked by an upset animal
- Practice dental work on dogs in a “wet lab” course
- Care for campus animals
- Study science and build computer skills
- Pass an exam after graduation to earn the right to work
It Helps to Be...
A team player with good people skills. It also helps to be attentive, precise, conscientious, and responsible.
College Checklist
- Is the program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association?
- How many courses provide hands-on experience working with animals?
- What species of animals, if any, live on campus?
- Does the department have an internship program that will give you real-world experience at a variety of veterinary sites?
Did You Know?
- For VTs, working with people is as important as working with animals. You may work closely with a team of scientists or discuss an animal’s illness with its owner.
Course Spotlight
Veterinary anatomy and physiology is a core course that separates the thin-skinned from the VTs, who need to be comfortable with such procedures as drawing blood. In the lab, there’s a good chance you'll have to dissect a dead animal. But thanks to the controversy over dissection, you might have the option of using a computer model instead.
