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Vet Tech Program

Veterinary Technology

Program Information

2007 Veterinary Technician Salary Range - $31,070 - $35,230 National Average Based upon 2007 NAVTA Survey Results

A Veterinary Technician, as defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association, is a "graduate of an AVMA accredited program in Veterinary Technology." These professionals assist veterinarians and other scientists in capacities similar to registered nurses and other medical assistants in the field of human medicine. Licensed Veterinary Technicians are qualified to perform any and all duties within the veterinary setting as outlined in the Alabama Veterinary Practice Act, with the exception of prescribing medication, diagnosing illness, and performing surgery, which are reserved only for Licensed Veterinarians.

Veterinary Technicians are trained to work on small and large animals performing such duties as:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Radiology
  • Conducting Laboratory Procedures
  • Assisting in Surgical and Diagnostic Procedures
  • EKG's
  • Performing Routine Dental Procedures
  • Administering Emergency and First Aid Care
  • Animal Care and Nutrition
  • Restraint of Animals for Examination
  • Dispensing Medication
  • Client Communication and Education
  • Reception and Record Keeping

The Veterinary Technology profession needs people who love animals, can be compassionate toward sick and injured animals and be dedicated to Veterinary Medicine. Many technicians work in private veterinary practices, the majority of them in small animal clinics (companion animals). However, the field of Veterinary Technology is very broad with many openings available, especially in private practices, biomedical research, teaching institutions (veterinary schools), zoo/wildlife medicine, livestock health management, veterinary supply, and pharmaceutical companies.

About Our Program

The Veterinary Technology Program at Jefferson State is a distance education program. The theory classes are taught online and the clinical tasks are conducted in approved veterinary hospitals and/or facilities in which the student will works or volunteers. Upon successful completion of the prescribed course of study, students are awarded the Associate Degree in Applied Science (A.A.S.) and upon passing both national and state board exams, licensure can be granted. The college has been granted accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). We are looking for interested, hardworking and enthusiastic men and women who can dedicate themselves to veterinary medicine.

Essential Functions for the Veterinary Technology Program

As an interested student in the Veterinary Technology Program, you should:

Physical Demands

  •  Have no life threatening allergies to animals
  •  Have good physical stamina and endurance which would not be adversely affected by having to lift, carry and balance at times in excess of 50 pounds (100 pounds with assistance)
  •  Have the physical ability and agility to restrain different species of animals, which include but are not limited to: dogs, cats, horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and various small laboratory animals such as mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs
  •  Have good hand‑eye coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate equipment, instrumentation and medications
  •  Possess eyesight in a minimum of one eye correctable to 20/20 vision

Problem Solving Abilities

  •  Be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings in animal physical conditions by using visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile observations
  •  Be attentive to detail and be aware of standards and rules that govern veterinary practices
  •  Be able to collect facts and to organize data accurately, communicate clearly, both orally and in writing in the English language
  •  Be able to make good judgment decisions and exhibit problem-solving skills under stressful situations

Work Characteristics

  •  Possess emotional stability to be able to perform duties in animal life and death situations
  •  Be able to handle stress and work well as part of a team
  •  Have a personality that is conducive to working well with veterinary clientele
  •  Be able to work shifts of 24 hours in length
  •  Be oriented to reality and not mentally impaired by mind-altering substances
  •  Not be addicted to drugs or alcohol
  • Desirable Worker Characteristics
  •  Have the desire to look neat and dress appropriately to reflect a positive image on the veterinary profession.