Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology

Veterinary Technology
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Program Information

Learn more about the Veterinary Technology program.

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Course Sequence

Field of Interest

Field of Interest: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology program prepares students for careers in veterinary technology which require knowledge and skills involving basic medical sciences, animal care and management, veterinary medical care, and client communications and service. Veterinary technicians function as the paraprofessional assistants to veterinarians, biomedical researchers, other scientists, and animal control and humane organizations. Instruction includes practical clinical internship experience in veterinary emergency, large animal, small animal, and specialty practices, as well as in zoos, laboratories, humane societies, and other facilities.

Details

Details iconImportant information you’ll need when applying for admission:

Field of Interest
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Veterinary Technology (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3015
Total Credits Required
83-92.5
Catalog Year
2023-2024
Effective Term
Fall 2022
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You’ll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Participate in business and facility management by creating, maintaining, and filing appointment schedules, patient/client records, financial records, logs and inventory records, and by demonstrating effective client communication skills.
  2. Utilize computers and computer software programs to facilitate creation, storage, and retrieval of data files.
  3. Prepare and perform clinical laboratory specimen analysis, including hematology, urinalysis, blood chemistry, hemostasis, serology, cytology, parasitology, and necropsy.
  4. Compare and contrast the anatomy and physiology of common domestic animals, and apply that knowledge to performing common clinical procedures and treatments.
  5. 执行适当的技术基本畜牧业,休息raint and handling, physical examination and assessment, medication administration, clinical specimen collection, and medical treatment in a variety of animal species.
  6. Assess the life-stage nutritional requirements for well animals, identify common feeds and feeding practices, and communicate the special nutritional requirements and feeding of diseases animals.
  7. Demonstrate proper use and maintenance of veterinary diagnostic, surgical, and therapeutic equipment.
  8. Identify therapeutic drugs, vaccines, and supplements used in veterinary medicine, and effectively communicate their mechanisms, common uses, side effects, and regulatory considerations.
  9. Perform pharmacologic calculations, interpret and follow pharmacy orders, prepare and dispense drug prescriptions, and communicate drug information the diverse client.
  10. Operate and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment, and safely produce a variety of diagnostic images of animals.
  11. Evaluate common veterinary anesthetic, surgical, and emergency procedures; perform surgical patient preparation, anesthetic monitoring, and surgical assistance.
  12. Differentiate common diseases of domestic animals, their agents, and principles of disease prevention and treatment.
  13. Utilize medical terminology in verbal and written communication and explain the principles of ethics and legal issues in veterinary technology.
  14. Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed.Disclaimer

Admission Criteria

High school graduation or G.E.D. equivalency.
Formal application and admission to the Veterinary Technology program.

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet withan academic advisorto develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in yourStudent Centerto manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
  • Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.

When to Start Taking Classes

It is suggested that you begin taking the courses found in this course sequence starting in a Fall Semester.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Note:Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

Fall Semester (Term 1)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken duringFall Semester (Term 1)
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
VET101 Introduction to Veterinary Technology Critical courseGateway course 3
VET101LL Animal Care Skills I Laboratory Critical courseGateway course 2
ENG101or
ENG107
First-Year CompositionorFirst-Year Composition for ESL Critical courseGateway course FYC 3
MAT120 or
MAT121or
MAT122 or
MAT126or
MAT150
Intermediate AlgebraorIntermediate AlgebraorIntermediate AlgebraorIntermediate Algebra with RevieworCollege Algebra/Functions Critical courseORMAT150equivalent or higher course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area.
Note:MAT14+is not accepted.
MA 3–6
FYE101or
FYE103
Introduction to College, Career and Personal SuccessorExploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Spring Semester (Term 2)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken duringSpring Semester (Term 2)
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ENG102or
ENG108or
ENG111
First-Year CompositionorFirst-Year Composition for ESLorTechnical and Professional Writing FYCorL 3
CHM130and
CHM130LL
Fundamental ChemistryandFundamental Chemistry Laboratory SQ 4
BIO181 General Biology (Majors) I SQ 4
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking L 0–3

Fall Semester (Term 3)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken duringFall Semester (Term 3)
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
CIS105or
BPC110
Survey of Computer Information SystemsorComputer Usage and Applications CS 3
VET140 Animal Care Skills II Students must complete this course twice for a total 2 credits. 2
VET150 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology I Critical courseOnly offered in Fall 3
VET150LL Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I Critical courseOnly offered in Fall 1
EQS105 Principles of Equine Science Only offered in Fall at MCC, can be taken at SCC in Fall or Spring 3

Spring Semester (Term 4)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken duringSpring Semester (Term 4)
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
VET112 Animal Nursing I 2
VET132 Veterinary Office Management and Client Communication Only offered in Spring 3
VET140 Animal Care Skills II 2
VET151 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology II 3
VET230 Veterinary Radiology and Imaging for the Veterinary Technician 3
BIO205 Microbiology SG 4

Summer Semester (Term 5)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken duringSummer Semester (Term 5)
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
VET250AA Veterinary Technician Internship 0.5
HU 人文、艺术& Design HU 3
COM100or
COM110or
COM225or
COM230
Introduction to Human CommunicationorInterpersonal CommunicationorPublic SpeakingorSmall Group Communication SBorL 3

Fall Semester (Term 6)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken duringFall Semester (Term 6)
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
VET200 Veterinary Clinical Pathology Methods 2
VET201 Animal Care Skills III Students must complete this course twice for a total 2 credits. 2
VET210 Animal Nursing II 3
VET220 Veterinary Pharmacology for the Veterinary Technician 3
VET223 Animal Diseases 3
VET250AB or
EQS162VT
Veterinary Technician InternshiporEquine Management for the Veterinary Technician 0.5–2

Spring Semester (Term 7)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken duringSpring Semester (Term 7)
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
VET201 Animal Care Skills III Students must complete this course twice for a total 2 credits. 2
VET235 Veterinary Technician Proficiency 2
VET240 Veterinary Anesthesia, Surgery, and Emergency Nursing 3
VET250AC Veterinary Technician Internship 0.5
VET250AD Veterinary Technician Internship 0.5
ECN100 or
ECN211or
ECN212
Economics in American SocietyorMacroeconomic PrinciplesorMicroeconomic Principles SB 3

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Follow one of the options below to get started on your personal career pathway.

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Program Information

Learn more about and find contact information for the Veterinary Technology program.

General Help

Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.

Course Area Key

Gateway Course= Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course= A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet withan academic advisorto discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

View MCCCD’sofficial curriculum documentationfor additional details regarding the requirements of this award(https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm13?id=172206).