Veterinary Technology

AAS Degree - Code #0521

Dr. Melvin Chambliss, Program Director

Email address: chamblm@alfredstate.edu

The veterinary technology program at Alfred State has full accreditation status as granted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, Education and Research Division, [1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360; (847) 925-8070].

The veterinary technology program is designed to provide students extensive core information in the theory and principles of veterinary science. The core information is then reinforced with the hands-on technical, animal, and laboratory experiences needed to prepare them to become licensed veterinary technicians. Licensed veterinary technicians are indispensable members of the veterinary medical team who are compassionate and highly motivated professionals dedicated to animal health care. The veterinary technician is capable of providing nursing care, life support, laboratory specimen analysis, physical therapy, surgical assistance, anesthesia, dental hygiene, radiographic imaging, and nutritional management for their animal patients. The veterinary technician is also adept at client education and grief management counseling.

The veterinary technology program is primarily housed on the third floor of the Agriculture Science Building. In the Agriculture Building, a vivarium houses mice, rats, snakes, lizards, tortoises, turtles, birds, rabbits, and guinea pigs; you will also find cat kennels, dog kennels, laboratories for teaching animal health care, animal anatomy and physiology, anatomy/necropsy, parasitology, laboratory animal management and exotics, surgical suites, medical imaging suites, pharmacy, animal examination rooms, and a clinical pathology laboratory. Large animal laboratories are conducted at the Alfred State Farm. Students learn to safely work with and care for a variety of farm animals including horses, pigs, sheep, goats, alpacas, and dairy cattle of all ages.

An average week consists of 24-36 hours spent in the classroom and/or laboratories. Veterinary technology blends hands-on techniques with lecture-based course materials. Students are assigned an adviser from within the program to assist with career and academic planning.

Veterinary technology students are encouraged to become members of the student chapter of the NYSAVT (New York State Association of Veterinary Technicians) and NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America).

The veterinary technology program is designed to be completed in two academic years. Students enrolled as Alfred State Opportunities Program students have three academic years to complete the program. Transfer students with appropriate advanced degrees or transfer students from other veterinary technology programs may be eligible for advanced placement. In order to progress in the veterinary technology program, students must earn a "C" or better in each core veterinary technology course, with the exception of VETS 1214 large animal anatomy and physiology which requires a minimum of a "D" to pass the course. Students receiving an "F" in two or more successive core veterinary technology courses will be required to change majors.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of Anatomy & Physiology and Pathophysiology which will allow them to successfully and safely perform animal care and husbandry, physical examinations, restraint techniques, clinical imaging procedures, general anesthetic protocols, and clinical diagnostic testing procedures for all common domestic, laboratory and exotic animals handled in the program.
2. Demonstrate verbal, written, computer skills and critical thinking skills suitable to provide accurate client communication information and accurately complete all forms of medical records handled within the program.
3. Demonstrate the ability to analyze information, and compare and contrast agricultural management systems.
4. Accurately calculate common drug dose regimens and fluid administration rates and safely administer them for all common domestic, laboratory and exotic animals handled in the program.
5. Info Management (computer & research skills appropriate to degree level and type)
6. Written & Oral Communication (appropriate to degree level and type)
7. Critical Thinking (problem solving, reasoning skills appropriate to degree level and type)

DIRECT ENTRY INTO BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAM

Alfred State veterinary technology graduates may enter directly into the technology management BBA degree program.

EXPENSES

Rabies vaccinations are required for all veterinary technology students. The vaccination series cost varies between $600 and $800. Textbooks are the primary annual expense with cost averaging $1,000 to $1,200 each year.

TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES

The Alfred State veterinary technology program has an established transfer agreement with Cornell University's College of Agriculture. Students have also successfully transferred into the Purdue University BS veterinary technology program..

OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Veterinary Hospitals (Small Animal, Large Animal, Mixed Animal, and Exotic Animal)
• Biomedical Research Institutions
• Zoological Parks
• Educational Institutions
• Specialized Dairy Calf or Cow Management

EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

Employment and transfer rate of 100 percent – 80 percent are employed; 20 percent transferred to continue their education.

RELATED PROGRAMS

Agricultural Technology

Nursing

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended: Physics

CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE

The veterinary technology program at Alfred State is a two-year educational course of study leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree and students are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technology National Exam (VTNE). The VTNE is the New York state licensing exam for veterinary technicians. The demand for graduate-licensed or license-eligible veterinary technicians is strong across the country.