Veterinary Technology
Degree Options:
Associate Degree, CertificateCampus Location:
AthensDivision
Life Science & Public SafetyVeterinary technicians are educated in the care and handling of animals, the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in many laboratory and clinical procedures. Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. While a veterinary technician can assist in performing a wide variety of tasks, they cannot diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery, or engage in any activity prohibited by a state’s veterinary practice act.
While the majority of veterinary technicians are employed in private practice, the demand for technicians is rapidly expanding to include new employment opportunities in human and animal health-related areas and specialties such as military service, food safety inspection, teaching, zoo animal and wildlife care, diagnostic laboratory support, veterinary supply sales, animal control and humane society animal care, and drug and feed company technical service and sales.
Students within the program will learn to: obtain and record patient case histories; collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures; provide specialized nursing care; prepare animals, instruments, and equipment for surgery; assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures; expose and develop radiographs (X-rays); advise and educate animal owners; supervise and train practice personnel; perform dental prophylaxes; and more. The program prepares students to become entry-level veterinary technicians in clinical positions that may include any area in the full spectrum of veterinary medicine (small, large, exotic or laboratory animal nursing).
Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). And once they pass the VTNE, they will become eligible to register for licensure within the state of Georgia to practice as a Veterinary Technician. Veterinary Technicians are in high demand in the state of Georgia. There is an excellent job outlook for graduates from the program.
To learn more about a career as a Veterinary Technician, visit these organizations:
Specific Facility, Tools Or Educational Tools Available
The classroom and laboratory are located on the main campus in Athens and offer a variety of hands-on learning experiences. The classroom and laboratory have audiovisual capability, various clinical medical equipment and clinical training supplies, and training simulators and manikins. Clinical Internships during the program occur at the University of Georgia’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UGA-VTH). Additional offsite learning opportunities and clinical educational experiences include specialty clinical medical services at the University of Georgia’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UGA-VTH), Athens Area Humane Society (AAHS) spay/neuter center, private clinical veterinary practices & veterinary hospitals, and private farms.
Formal Articulation Agreements
There are no formal articulation agreements currently for the program. However, some students do continue their education at other colleges and universities.
Some veterinary technicians decide to specialize in a certain area. There are 15 academic specialty certifications recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)-Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (VTS). Specialty certification as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) or Veterinary Nurse Specialist (VNS) exists to help veterinary technicians attain a higher level of recognition for advanced knowledge and skills in specific disciplines.
Featured Courses
VETT 1020- Veterinary Clinical Pathology I
VETT 2210- Laboratory & Exotic Animals
VETT 1070- Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
Additional Details
Class Times Offered:
DaytimeDeadline for Selective Admission:
May 15th- Fall Semester Start