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Veterinary Technology

Learn, care, and thrive with veterinary technology.

At Alfred State, you’ll prepare for a career in one of the nation’s top programs, ranked #3 in the U.S. (TheBestColleges.org). The Veterinary Technology AAS equips you with hands-on experience in animal care, surgical assistance, laboratory procedures, and nutritional management. Graduates are eligible for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and enter a high-demand field with opportunities in clinics, hospitals, and specialized practices nationwide.

2 Years Associate of Applied Science

Pioneer Quotes:

“I'm very thankful for everything Alfred State has taught me. Without my veterinary technician education (and an amazing one at that!), I wouldn't have gotten to where I am now... One of the best decisions I've ever made was to go to technology school first. Thank you all.” -Sean Schubmehl, Veterinary Technology Alumni

“The vet tech program was really comprehensive, and prepared me well for working in the field. It was as challenging as it was rewarding, and it provided me with networking and support to start my career.” -Megan George, Veterinary Technology Alumni

"I hired a graduate from the Alfred State veterinary technology program right out of school, and couldn’t have been more pleased. Even when she first started, her knowledge of anatomy, front office protocol, animal handling skills, venipuncture, radiographic positioning and techniques, surgical suite skills (intubation and anesthetic monitoring), and dental cleaning were more than adequate. We're a small practice where a technician needs to multitask, and she was definitely up for the challenge." – D. Bennett, DVM

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Length of Program:

2 years

Department:

Agriculture & Veterinary Technology Department

Academic Location:

Alfred Campus

Student Residency:

Alfred Campus

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Careers with Compassion

Hands-on, technical experience helps you land a great career. See why current veterinary technology students love Alfred State College. 

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Program Details

Courses You May Take

VETS3003: Animal Health Care

Credits: 0-3

This course is designed to give first year students intensive animal handling skills and familiarity with basic procedures such as injections, venipuncture, bandaging, and dosage and fluid therapy calculations. Students will also develop skills to perform proficient physical examination of animals. Common outpatient diagnostic tests used for eye, ear, and skin disease will be mastered. Urinalysis and collection of urine samples will be practiced and students will also learn how to measure packed cell volumes and plasma protein levels in blood samples. Dentistry prophylaxis, recognition of dental abnormalities, and dental charting using both anatomic and Triadan systems will also be covered thoroughly. Students will also visit the local Humane Society to perform technician-related duties.

VETS3004: Anesthesia & Surgical Nurs II

Credits: 0-4

In this laboratory, the student applies technical skills needed to premedicate, anesthetize, monitor, maintain and recover the animal patient, while utilizing the appropriate anesthetic agents and protocols. The student learns to use critical thinking skills in providing surgical nursing support as an assistant to the surgeon, a circulating nurse or animal prep nurse. The dog and the cat are surgical patients providing educational support in this course.

VETS4103: Laboratory Animal and Exotics

Credits: 0-3

This course is designed to provide the student with basic knowledge and understanding of research facilities and their function. Students will be instructed in the care and handling of small animals used in the research laboratory. Emphasis will be placed on species differences, housing requirements, nutrition, reproduction, health, sanitation, and laboratory techniques applied in animal research and pharmaceutical facilities. Animal handling, observation and management time will be provided in the laboratory time as well as during assigned vivarium duty.

See All Required Courses
Entrance Requirements

Entrance Requirements

Required: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Biology (Living Environment), and two additional Science courses (at least one science course must have a laboratory component).

Recommended: Chemistry, Physics

If students do not place into MATH 1033, College Algebra, then MATH 1014, Algebra Concepts, is a required prerequisite for completion of the major.

SKILLS YOU'LL LEARN

In veterinary technology, you’ll study the anatomy and physiology of domestic, exotic, and laboratory animals while gaining hands-on skills in restraint, imaging, surgery, anesthesia, and laboratory testing. You’ll also strengthen your communication and ethical decision-making while practicing safe equipment use. This comprehensive training prepares you to deliver quality patient care and succeed on the VTNE.

Facilities and Labs

Alfred State provides labs, equipment, and learning spaces that mirror the tools and technology used in the real world.

With 200+ labs on campus and experiential learning in every major, you’ll work with the same resources the pros use and be ready for the workplace on day one.
LAND A GREAT CAREER

Wondering where your skills can take you? Our career tool lets you explore real job titles, key skills, salary ranges, and job outlook data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics nationally or for New York State.

See how your Alfred State degree connects directly to in-demand careers and start planning your future with confidence.

MEET OUR FACULTY

Andrea L Williamson
Andrea Williamson Associate Professor 10 Months
Kathleen Bliss
Kathleen Bliss Associate Professor 10 Months
Melissa M Andritz
Melissa Bonney Assistant Professor 10 Months
Meghan M Smith
Meghan Smith Assistant Professor 10 Months
See All Agriculture and Vet Tech Faculty

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

You've seen our wide variety of majors at Alfred State, our great faculty who help you build your skills, and that you can do it at an incredible low cost. Now's the time to become an Alfred State Pioneer.

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