Veterinary Technology - A.A.S.
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TEAS Test and Observation hours are NOT required.
Information Session RSVP - Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technicians are the nurses of the veterinary profession. They care for animals, ranging in all sizes from kittens to horses, in many different ways. They play a vital role in treating illnesses and injuries, monitor anesthesia, assist in surgery, perform laboratory tests, take radiographs, dental exams and cleanings, dispensing prescriptions and educating pet owners about preventative care. It is many health professions rolled into one, and all the patients are animals!
An Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Veterinary Technology requires five semesters in obtain. This full-time curriculum encompasses both general education requirements and specific veterinary technology skills. Course experience will occur in ChattState's state-of-the-art facilities, while clinical experiences will occur at local veterinary clinics, farms, and hospitals.
What's the difference between Veterinary Technology and Pre-Veterinary Medicine?
- Veterinary Technology - Vet Technicians are comparable to Registered Nurses for animals. Students in Veterinary Technology go through a two-year postsecondary program to acquire licensing.
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine - A concentration in Pre-Veterinary Medicine is what most Veterinarians obtain when first completing their Bachelor’s degree. Pre-Vets then undergo an additional four years of Veterinary School (if accepted) to receive the title Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. In all, a Veterinarian requires a minimum of 8 years of schooling. The most recent American Veterinary Medical Association student survey reports an average total college debt of $183,302 to become a Veterinarian.
Accreditation
This program has full accreditation through the American Veterinary Medical Association via the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) and is designed to prepare the student to take the Veterinary Technician National Board Exam (VTNE). This will in turn qualify the graduate to become a Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician.
AVMA Headquarters
1931 North Meacham Rd, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360
800-248-2862
Mission
The Veterinary Technology Program at Chattanooga State Community College strives to produce graduates whose knowledge base, technical skills and commitment to excellence in animal care prepares them for a successful career as a veterinary technician.
Success Rates
Upon graduation the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) is used to evaluate entry-level veterinary technicians’ competency to practice and to be credentialed. The 3 hour exam is administered at Prometric Testing Centers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The candidate’s score on the VTNE is based on responses to 150 questions.
Career Opportunities
Veterinary technicians are trained professional support staff who provide medical care with veterinarians. Technicians provide patient monitoring, client education, surgical and dental assistance, laboratory diagnostics, administration of medicines and treatments, and anesthesia among other vital animal care and veterinary procedures.
Career opportunities for licensed veterinary technicians include, but are not limited to, traditional private practices (small animal, large animal, and mixed), research facilities, zoos, aquariums, educational institutions, private industry and local, state, and federal government positions.
Program Cost
| First Semester (13 hours) (fall) | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance fee | 2,214.00 | 8,607.00 |
| Nursing & Allied Health Fee | 25.00 | 25.00 |
| Textbooks (VETT 1010) estimate | 154.00 | 154.00 |
| Subtotal | 2,393.00 | 8,786.00 |
| Second Semester (15 hours) (spring) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance fee | 2,284.00 | 8,887.00 |
| Nursing & Allied Health Fee | 200.00 | 200.00 |
| Truescreen: myRecord Tracker Fee: | 17.50 | 17.50 |
| Upload documentation for: | ||
| Physical examination and required immunizations (estimate) | 300.00 | 300.00 |
| Liability insurance | 11.05 | 11.05 |
| Truescreen Drug Screen (12 panel) | 39.00 | 39.00 |
| Truescreen Criminal Background Check | 24.50 | 24.50 |
| Uniforms, lab coats, etc. | 255.00 | 255.00 |
| Textbooks (VETT 1020, VETT 2015) estimates | 640.00 | 640.00 |
| Subtotal | 3,771.05 | 10,374.05 |
| Third Semester (11 hours) (summer) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance fee | 2,005.00 | 7,769.00 |
| Nursing & Allied Health Fee | 200.00 | 200.00 |
| Textbooks (VETT 1015, VETT 2010) estimate | 390.00 | 390.00 |
| Subtotal | 2595.00 | 8,359.00 |
| Fourth Semester (15 hours) (fall) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee | 2,284.00 | 8,887.00 | |
| Nursing & Allied Health Fee | 300.00 | 300.00 | |
| Truescreen: myRecord Tracker Fee: | 7.50 | 7.50 | |
| Upload documentation for: | |||
| Liability Insurance | 11.05 | 11.05 | |
| Radiation monitoring (estimate) | 20.00 | 20.00 | |
| Textbooks (VETT 2000, VETT 2020, VETT 2440) estimate | 238.00 | 238.00 | |
| Subtotal | 2,860.55 | 9,463.55 |
| Fifth Semester (12 hours) (spring) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee | 2,179.00 | 8,467.00 |
| Nursing & Allied Health Fee | 300.00 | 300.00 |
| Textbooks (VETT 2030, VETT 2450, VETT 2016) estimate | 150.00 | 150.00 |
| Subtotal | 2,629.00 | 8,917.00 |
| Total | 14,248.60 | 45,899.60 |
Costs Disclaimer
These are estimated program costs. Actual costs may vary due to changes in tuition and/or fee increases as determined by the Tennessee Board of Regents. This cost will also be reduced for students since some of the required course work is completed prior to acceptance into the program. These general and support courses taken before the program is to lessen course load in a given semester.
Note: College fees are included in the maintenance cost. To view current calculation table, go to Bursar’s Office on Chattanooga State website. This website will also give you information on refund policies, fee payments and the refund calendar.