Veterinary Technology, BS

Location(s): California Campus

The bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology at PennWest California equips you with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to enter the field as a “vet tech” with specialized training in fields such as small- or large-animal care, laboratory animal management, or shelter medicine. You’ll gain hands-on experience caring for animals while this accredited four-year, on-campus program prepares you for leadership in the workplace.

Advisement Sheet

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be successful on the Veterinary Technician National Exam.
Students will be able to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Students will be able to communicate effectively with other veterinary professionals and clientele.
Students will be able to critically evaluate diagnostic findings and relate to animal health and wellness.
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
Arts and Humanities - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Arts and Humanities - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Social Sciences - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Social Sciences - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Social Sciences - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Natural Sciences and Tech - Any Course Credit Hours: 3
Natural Sciences and Tech - Any Chemistry Course Credit Hours: 3
Natural Sciences and Tech - BIOL 2226 - Basic Microbiology Credit Hours: 3
Student Elective - Any Course Credit Hours: 3

Competencies

Quantitative Applications - Any Course Credit Hours: 0
Applied Methodologies - VETT 2100 - Veterinary Clinical Technology and Laboratory Procedures Credit Hours: 4
Intercultural Fluency - Any Course Credit Hours: 0
Ethical Reasoning - VETT 1600 - Care and Management of Exotic and Laboratory Animals Credit Hours: 3
Information Literacy -
VETT 1600 - Care and Management of Exotic and Laboratory Animals
Credit Hours: 3
Writing Intensive VETT 2920 and Any Course Credit Hours: 6
Keystone Experience - VETT 4500 - Case Studies in Veterinary Medicine Credit Hours: 3

Free Electives

Free Electives Credit Hours: 18

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
VETT 3010 - Contemporary Issues in Veterinary Medicine Credit Hours: 3
VETT 4500 - Case Studies in Veterinary Medicine Credit Hours: 3
VETT 4950 - Specialty Internship 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
Related electives: 3000-4000 level in VETT or BIOL or CHEM Credit Hours: 10

Total Credits: 120

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