Veterinary Technology AS

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The Veterinary Technology AS degree delivers a hands-on training program that is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and can be completed in two years or five consecutive terms. Career opportunities include veterinary technician positions in private practices, humane societies, specialty veterinary medicine, zoo/wildlife medicine, agriculture, and biomedical research.

The HCC veterinary technology program has an articulation agreement with St Petersburg College (SPC) in which graduates from the HCC program can continue on for a BS in Veterinary Technology with SPCs on-line program.

To apply to this program, you must first apply to HCC. While you may apply to HCC at any time, you may only apply to the veterinary technology program from January 1 – May 17.

Important! Please note that a minimum of 10 hours as an employee, volunteer or observer in a veterinary-related facility are required for application.  This experience must have been conducted no more than five years prior to application. 

The Veterinary Technology Contingency Plan is available here.

This curriculum is from the current college catalog and is meant to provide prospective students an example of courses taken in this degree/certificate.  It is not intended to be used for graduation requirements. Students should consult an advisor for graduation information.

Veterinary Technology is a rapidly growing field. Employment of veterinary technicians/technologists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2030, according to the most recent information from the U.S. Department of Labor. Graduates from this program will find careers in areas such as private practice, animal shelters and humane societies, agriculture (equine services, farms, and ranches), biomedical research, zoo/wildlife medicine, tourist/recreational facility animal care and research, and pharmaceutical and government. This program which awards the associate in science degree will prepare students to enter the workforce prepared for clinical practice, research animal husbandry, or clinical management.

The HCC Veterinary Technology program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination.

Prerequisite Courses Required for Admission

NOTE: Completion of prerequisites for admission with a grade of "C" or higher is required.

†ATE 1001 Introduction to Veterinary Technology - 1 cr.
†ATE 1112 Animal Anatomy & Physiology I – 3 cr. (Should be taken the same semester as ATE 1113)
†ATE 1113 Animal Anatomy & Physiology II – 3 cr. (Should be taken the same semester as ATE 1112)
†ATE 1501 Veterinary Professional Development and Ethics - 1 cr.
†ATE 1741 Veterinary Medical Terminology - 1 cr.
†ENC 1101 English Composition I - 3 cr.
†EVR 1001C Introduction to Environmental Science - 3 cr.
†MAC 1105 College Algebra or †MGF 1106, or higher General Education Mathematics or †STA 2023 - 3 cr.

NOTE: A minimum of 10 hours of either volunteer, observation, or work experience in a veterinary facility is also required.. 

NOTE: Completion of all general education and Veterinary Technology program required courses with a grade of "C" or higher is required for graduation.

Program Required Courses

YEAR I – First Semester (9 cr.)
ATE 1110L Animal Anatomy Laboratory - 1 cr.
ATE 1311L Veterinary Office Procedures Laboratory - 1 cr.
ATE 1650L Veterinary Clinical Practice Laboratory I - 1 cr.
ATE 2050 Small Animal Breeds and Behavior - 1 cr.
ATE 2638 Animal Clinical Pathology I - 3 cr.
ATE 2638L Animal Clinical Pathology I Laboratory - 2 cr.

YEAR I – Second Semester (12 cr.)
†ATE 1943 Veterinary Work Experience I - 1 cr.
ATE 2636C Large Animal Nursing and Clinical Skills - 2 cr.
ATE 1652L Veterinary Clinical Practice Laboratory II - 2 cr.
ATE 2661 Large Animal Diseases - 2 cr.
ATE 2639 Animal Clinical Pathology II - 3 cr.
ATE 2639L Animal Clinical Pathology II Laboratory - 2 cr.

YEAR I – Third Semester (10 cr.)
ATE 1031 Applied Mathematics for Veterinary Technicians – 1 cr.
ATE 1944 Veterinary Work Experience II - 1 cr.
ATE 2671C Medicine of Laboratory Animals - 2 cr.
ATE 2611 Animal Medicine I - 3 cr.
Humanities General Education CORE - 3 cr.

YEAR II – First Semester (12 cr.)
ATE 2630 Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians - 2 cr.
ATE 2614 Animal Medicine II - 3 cr.
ATE 2722 Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine - 1 cr
ATE 2631 Small Animal Nursing I - 3 cr.
ATE 2631L Small Animal Nursing Laboratory - 2 cr.
ATE 2945 Veterinary Work Experience III - 1 cr.

YEAR II – Second Semester (12 cr.)
†AMH 2020 Modern American History or †POS 2041, American Government - 3 cr.
ATE 2020C Contemporary Clinical Issues - 3 cr.
ATE 2634 Small Animal Nursing II - 3 cr.
ATE 2710 Animal Emergency Medicine - 2 cr.
ATE 2946 Veterinary Work Experience IV - 1 cr.

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