Veterinary Technology, AS

Location(s): California Campus

Veterinary technology is one of the fastest-growing occupations in Pennsylvania and across the United States. With an associate degree in veterinary technology from PennWest California, you’ll be ready to enter this exciting field as a veterinary technician, or “vet tech.” In this AVMA accredited program, students work with live animals on campus as they master practical skills in animal care. Coursework in the vet tech program consists of classroom theory, hands-on training and 240 hours of clinical experience.

Advisement Sheet

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be successful on the Veterinary Technician National Exam.
Students will be able to perform routine diagnostic and clinical procedures on common species.
Students will be able to identify, utilize, and maintain conventional veterinary instruments and equipment
Students will work cooperatively to achieve optimum and compassionate patient care.

Curriculum Requirements

General Education

Oral Communication - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Written Communication - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Quantitative Reason - MATH 1030 - Mathematics for Health Sciences Credit Hours: 3 or higher
Technological Literacy - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Arts and Humanities - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Social Sciences - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Natural Sciences and Tech - BIOL 2226 - Basic Microbiology Credit Hours: 3
Student Elective - Any Chemistry Approved for General Education Credit Hours: 3

Competencies

Applied Methodologies - VETT 2100 - Veterinary Clinical Technology and Laboratory Procedures Credit Hours: 4
Intercultural Fluency - Any Course or Ethical Reasoning Credit Hours: 3
Ethical Reasoning - Any Course or Intercultural Fluency Credit Hours: 3
Information Literacy - VETT 1600 - Care and Management of Exotic and Laboratory Animals Credit Hours: 3
Writing Intensive - VETT 2920 - Clinical Experience Credit Hours: 3

Major

Required Major Courses

VETT 1010 - Introduction to Veterinary Technology Credit Hours: 3
VETT 1600 - Care and Management of Exotic and Laboratory Animals Credit Hours: 3
VETT 2020 - Small Animal Management and Clinical Procedures Credit Hours: 0 TO 4
VETT 2100 - Veterinary Clinical Technology and Laboratory Procedures Credit Hours: 4
VETT 2200 - Large Animal Management and Clinical Procedures Credit Hours: 0 TO 4
VETT 2300 - Digital Diagnostic Imaging Credit Hours: 4
VETT 2400 - Veterinary Pharmacy and Pharmacology Credit Hours: 3
VETT 2500 - Â Surgical Nursing, Anesthesia, and Pain Management Credit Hours: 0 TO 4
VETT 2920 - Clinical Experience Credit Hours: 3
BIOL 2710 - Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals I Credit Hours: 4
BIOL 2720 - Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals II Credit Hours: 4

Total Credits: 64

Depending on the program of study, students may need to complete additional credits to ensure the total credit hour requirement is met.