The Associate in Science in Veterinary Technology degree combines traditional classroom instruction with intensive hands-on laboratory and practical experience utilizing live animals in a clinical setting. Students enrolled in the program will receive didactic and practical training in pharmacology, radiology, anesthesiology, surgical assisting, dentistry, nutrition, and veterinary office procedures and will learn how to perform over 200 skill sets deemed essential by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). During the final year of the program, students will intern at some of the over 20 preceptor clinics and shelters associated with Windward CC where their skills will be evaluated and critiqued by industry professionals. Not only does this experience allow students to hone and apply their skills in a real-world setting, but it will also serve as a bridge to future employment. The program is accredited by the AVMA.
WCC also offers a Hybrid program. The three-year hybrid program is ideal for students who wish to complete their veterinary technology training while they continue working in a veterinary facility. Students complete their lecture courses online and attend in-person labs. O‘ahu students come to campus weekly or for all-day labs a few times per semester while neighbor island students will fly to O‘ahu to attend all-day fast-track labs.
The Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assisting (VETA) and Associate in Science in Veterinary Technology (VETT) are stackable credentials. The VETA certificate comprises a component of the veterinary technology degree. Students enrolled in the VETA certificate can apply to the VETT degree. Admission to the VETT degree, traditional or hybrid program, is competitive. Prospective students with credits to transfer should contact a counselor for a transcript evaluation.
There is a $100 professional fee each semester for the first year and a $300 professional fee each semester for the second year (subject to increase based on program cost and institutional approval).
Admission Requirements
Students must go through a competitive application process to be accepted into the second year. Acceptance is based on:
- Completion of VETA certificate
- GPA above 2.0 & “C” or better in all VETA courses
- Clinical aptitude & attendance
- Letters of recommendation (2)
- Documentation of work in the veterinary field
Outcomes
After completing the program, students will be able to:
- Effectively communicate with clients and veterinary staff
- Perform routine business transactions and maintain patient and facility records
- Ensure the safety of patients, clients, and staff and maintain compliance with regulatory agencies
- Identify common breeds of companion animals, list their nutritional requirements and husbandry needs, and describe the anatomy and functions of major body systems
- Assist with physical exams and obtain patient histories
- Perform routine nursing procedures including first-aid, wound-management, and administration of medications and vaccines
- Develop a working knowledge of common companion animal diseases and their medical treatments
- Collect biological samples and perform diagnostic laboratory tests
- Assist with surgical procedures and dental cleaning
Curriculum
An AS in Veterinary Technology is awarded to students who complete the required 73 credits. Students in the program must attain and maintain a grade of “C” or better in all classes and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. If a student withdraws or makes below a grade of “C” in a class, the student may not progress in the program until the course has been repeated successfully. Core classes may only be repeated once; students failing to make a grade “C” or better in a course that has been repeated may be dismissed from the program. Course repetition will be based on instructor approval and program resources.
It is anticipated that students will complete the degree in two years. Students are eligible for the Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assisting after the first year. Below are the degree requirements with current course descriptions:
Year One: General Education and Preparatory Classes (9 credits)
Veterinary Assisting Core Classes (22 credits)
Year Two: Associate in Science in Veterinary Technology
Humanities: Three (3) credits of courses designated DA, DH, DL, or ART 175, ART 176, HIST 151, HIST 152, REL 150