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Why Major in Veterinary Technology

The Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology prepares students to perform veterinary procedures under the supervision of a veterinarian. Veterinary technicians are primarily employed in veterinary clinics and hospitals.

New students applying to Black Hawk College should select the AAS/General Occupational and Technical Studies (GOTS) until such time as they have been officially accepted by the department into this program.

Locations
East Campus
Formats
On-campus
Number of Credits
80
Next Start Date
Any Time

Veterinary Technology Admission Requirements

  1. High school graduation or equivalent.
  2. A physical examination prior to any clinical coursework.
  3. The applicant will shadow a CVT, LVT, or RVT for a minimum of 40 hours in an animal care facility under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. A completion form must be signed by the CVT, LVT, or RVT and veterinarian prior to application.
  4. VT Application Process: students are strongly encouraged to get their application in early, as this selection process begins in January and is very competitive. Applications will be accepted starting September 1. Applicants are interviewed and reviewed for selection in the order in which the program received their application. The program admits up to 32 students each fall. Applications are available online.
  5. Students wishing to apply after March 1 should contact the program director.
  6. Interview with VT selection committee: the interview is part of a written and oral selection process.
  7. A rabies vaccination is required prior to admission and required by many clinical sites.
  8. All students must achieve grades of “C” or above in all courses required for the Veterinary Technology program.
  9. Students must achieve a grade of “C” or above in all VT courses to continue in the program. Final grades below a “C” will result in dismissal from the program.

Readmission is at the discretion of the program director and as space permits.

Students must also successfully document all job shadowing, health and background checks required by academic departments and/or clinical sites prior to admission to program and/or courses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Technology

Is the Veterinary Technology program accredited?

Yes, the Veterinary Technology Program at Black Hawk College has received full accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s CVTEA.

What is student achievement data?

3-Year Veterinary Technician National Examination Pass Percentage

July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024
Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE 30
Three-year VTNE pass percentage 73%

The three-year pass percentage on VTNE is calculated as follows: X/Y * 100 = Three-year pass percentage whereby X is the number of first time candidates that passed the VTNE and Y is the number of first time candidates that have taken the VTNE.

Veterinary Technician National Examination Pass Rates by Year

Year Total Students Passed % Pass
2021 5 4 80%
2022 9 3 33%
2023 14 13 93%
2024 2 2 100%
Overall average 30 22 73%

How do I submit a question, concern or complaint regarding the treatment of an animal used for teaching purposes in the Veterinary Technology Program?

If any individual is aware of potential violations of the existing animal care and use regulations or observes misuse or mistreatment of animals, they are encouraged to discuss their concerns in person and report as necessary in accordance with Black Hawk College complaint resolution processes:

  • The complainant should complete a Black Hawk College, Veterinary Technology Animal Use Complaint Form (PDF) (also found in student handbook).
  • The complainant should first seek additional information by discussing the concerns noted in the form with the course instructor in order to clarify that there is not a perception error.
  • If the course instructor has not provided resolution, the complainant should next bring their concern to the Veterinary Technology Program Director.
  • In the event that the concern has not yet been alleviated, the complainant should bring the concern to the East Campus Agriculture Department Chair.
  • In the event that the concern has not yet been alleviated, the complainant should bring the concern to the Executive Dean of Black Hawk College.

If the complainant feels the concern has still not been adequately addressed, or if the complainant feels for any reason that they cannot follow one or more of the preceding steps, then the complaint should be brought to the attention of the IACUC Committee.

The Veterinary Technology Program will not tolerate retaliation toward or harassment of any individual(s) who report actual or possible violations and will protect through anonymity the positions and reputations of those persons who in good faith make allegations of animal welfare violations.

The IACUC will review any allegations. The committee may designate an investigative subcommittee to investigate allegations and report any findings back to the IACUC. Investigations will be conducted carefully and discreetly.

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