Veterinary Technology, A.A.S.

The Veterinary Technology program emphasizes the techniques for assisting in diagnostic, surgical, and clinical procedures with business skills necessary to meet the needs of the profession based on the American Veterinary Medical Association's list of essential and recommended tasks. Students who successfully complete the associate's degree are eligible to sit for the National Veterinary Technology Examination and/or similar regional board exams in their state or province. The associate degree program is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and coursework may transfer to a four-year college or university.

The certificate is designed for individuals seeking alternative positions in the pet health industry. Individuals completing the certificate program are not qualified for the National Veterinary Technology Examination and/or similar regional board exams in their state or province.

This program utilizes an asynchronous, internet-based curriculum integrated with hands-on exercises and labs in a veterinary practice with regular web-based assessment and is designed specifically to accommodate a student's work and personal schedule. Courses are completed online with labs and clinical assignments being conducted at a veterinary practice in the student's area.

Program Admission Requirements:

The prospective student must:

  1. Be a high school graduate or have a GED;
  2. Be employed by a veterinarian for completion of clinical tasks starting in tier two classes.

General Education: 16 credit hours

  1. Students are strongly encouraged to complete as many general education classes as possible prior to application to the program.
  2. All preparatory general education classes must be completed with a minimum of a C grade from a regionally accredited school. Equivalent courses taken at other institutions must be approved for substitutions before credit can be given.
  3. Successful candidates typically have a GPA of 3.0 or higher for all preparatory general education classes at the time of application.

To be selected, students must:

  1. Apply and be accepted to San Juan College;
  2. Complete all admission requirements of SJC;
  3. Begin or remain working for a veterinarian and arrange for a qualified preceptor at the hospital where they are working prior to tier two enrollment;
  4. Maintain a C or higher grade in all required Veterinary Technology coursework, with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher required for graduation;
  5. Contact the Veterinary Technology office for advisement: 888-313-3838.

General Education Requirements

Required Courses

Total Credits: 76-77

Suggested Course Sequence Full-time Students:

Students who for any reason are unable to follow the suggested course sequence should contact an academic advisor for help with adjustments.

Fall 1

Spring 1

Summer 1

Fall 2

Spring 2

Summer 2

Veterinary Assistant Certificate

The certificate is designed for individuals seeking alternative positions in the pet health industry. Individuals completing the certificate program are not qualified for the National Veterinary Technology Examination and/or similar regional board exams in their state or province.

General Education

Core Courses

Total Core Credits: 16

Total Credits: 32-33

Suggested Course Sequence Full-time Students:

Students who for any reason are unable to follow the suggested course sequence should contact an academic advisor for help with adjustments.

Fall 1

Spring 1

Summer 1