Veterinary Technology (AAS)

Program Description

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.


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.

Vet Tech application due March 1, 2024 (PDF)

Discover careers and salaries for this program


Accreditation

The Veterinary Technology Program at Black Hawk College has received initial accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s CVTEA.

Student achievement data

3-Year Veterinary Technician National Examination Pass Percentage

July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023
Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE 23
Three-year VTNE pass percentage 48%

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
2020 6 4 67%
2021 8 4 50%
2022 9 3 33%
2023 13 13 100%
Overall average 36 24 67%

Suggested Courses

Recommended Courses Prior to Application

Program Prerequisites

Courses required for admission to the Veterinary Technology program (completed or in-progress).

First Semester

Second Semester

Summer Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Minimum total hours required for degree: 80