Veterinary Technology

Allied Health

Veterinary Technician

Associate and Applied Science • 78 Credit Hours

The mission of the Mountwest Community and Technical College of Veterinary Technology is to provide our students a progressive and technical education to ensure the successful entrance into the veterinary workplace.

Veterinary Technology Application Packet 2024

Learn hands-on animal medicine.

Veterinary technicians are an integral part of veterinary medicine and they work under the supervision of veterinarians. Technicians are considered to have the same role as nurses would to general doctors and surgeons.

Vet techs are employed to assist in many veterinary tasks. Most veterinarians consider their technicians to have the same role as nurses would to general doctors and surgeons. They must be knowledgeable in many areas of veterinary care including anesthesia, surgery, bandaging, radiology, pharmacology, dentistry, nutrition, laboratory procedures, and animal care and handling. They are also required to communicate with clients and must possess office and management skills.

Mountwest provides small class sizes with hands-on animal experiences with a multitude of species, including: small animals, large animals, and exotics.

Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) Pass Rates July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023

Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE	#27
Three-year VTNE pass percentage	81.48%

QUICK FACTS

Veterinary Technologists & Technicians

2022 Median Pay
$38, 240 per year
$18.38 per hour

Number of Jobs
122,900 in 2022

Job Outlook
2022-2032 – 21%

Much Faster than average employment.

For the most current salary information, please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook” found online at bls.gov/ooh/.

Admission Requirements

The college adheres to an open admission policy which means applications with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for admission. Applicants with neither a high school diploma nor GED may be admitted on a conditional basis.

Potential Employers

Veterinary Clinics and Animal Hospitals
Biomedical Research Facilities
Animal Shelters/Humane Organizations
Zoos/Wildlife Facilities
Clinical Laboratories
Pharmaceutical Sales

Program Outcomes

Utilize and apply the knowledge necessary to function within the scope of practice of a Registered Veterinary Technician.
Proficiently execute the Essential Skills dictated by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.
Actively contribute as an integral member of a veterinary health care team while adhering to professional and ethical standards including a strong work ethic, personal responsibility and compassion for clients and animals.
Effectively communicate with veterinary health care team members and clients.
Establish and maintain a work environment that ensures the safety of clients, animals and staff.
Perform patient assessment, safe handling and restraint, administration of medications and other veterinary treatments under the direction of a Veterinarian.

Accreditation

Program Specific Accreditation:
American Veterinary Medical Association
1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4361
(800) 248-2862

www.avma.org

The Veterinary Technology program has Full Accreditation from AVMA.

Career Outlook: projected to grow 15 percent from 2020 to 2030

Employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to grow 21 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

openings for veterinary technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Overall job opportunities for veterinary technologists and technicians are expected to be good due to the projected growth in the number of jobs, as well as the commitment required to enter the occupation (obtaining a degree and passing a credentialing exam).

Want to learn more about this program?

Interested in learning more about the MCTC program? Send us a message and talk to our program coordinator.

Amanda Coffman

Associate Professor Veterinary Technology