Credentialed veterinary technicians are essential members of the veterinary healthcare team who work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to provide high-quality medical care to animals. Their roles include performing patient assessments, collecting and processing laboratory samples, administering medications and treatments, monitoring anesthesia, dental cleanings, assisting in surgery, taking diagnostic images, ultrasonography, providing nursing care, and supporting emergency and critical care patients. Veterinary technicians also play a key role in client education, infection control, workplace safety, and maintaining accurate medical records, while adhering to legal, ethical, and professional standards of veterinary practice. The Veterinary Technician Program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as competent, ethical, and professional veterinary technicians in a variety of animal care settings.

Students receive comprehensive instruction in veterinary medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, animal nursing, pharmacology, anesthesia and analgesia, clinical pathology, radiology, surgical assisting, large and small animal care, exotic animal nursing, emergency and critical care, laboratory procedures, and professional and ethical responsibilities. Coursework is reinforced through supervised laboratory experiences that develop technical proficiency, critical thinking, communication skills, and professionalism expected in veterinary practice. Students will work with dogs, cats, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, birds, rabbits, and rodents throughout the curriculum.

The program incorporates progressive skill development and competency-based assessments to ensure students demonstrate mastery of essential veterinary technician tasks across species and practice areas. Emphasis is placed on workplace safety, zoonotic disease prevention, infection control, client communication, and adherence to legal and ethical standards within the veterinary profession.

Students complete a structured clinical or internship experience under the supervision of credentialed veterinary professionals, providing real-world application of skills and preparing graduates for the demands of the veterinary healthcare team.

Graduates of the program are prepared to seek employment in private veterinary practices, emergency and specialty hospitals, research facilities, animal shelters, zoos, wildlife facilities, and other animal-related industries.

An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree will be awarded to students who successfully complete the Veterinary Technician Program upon program accreditation. Licensure is awarded to students who graduate from a CVTEA accredited program, pass their Iowa state board examination and Veterinary Technician National Exam.

Mission Statement

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The Veterinary Technician program is committed to delivering high-quality education, aimed at producing competent and qualified entry-level veterinary professionals. Our program is dedicated to fostering a culture of life-long learning and promoting higher standards within the profession.

Admission Requirements

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• 8 hours of verified job shadow experience with a credentialed veterinary technician or veterinarian
• 8 hours of other animal experience
• 250 word personal statement
• 1:1 meeting with program staff or pre-admission zoom attendance

Course Schedule

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More Information

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Veterinary Technician National Exam Success Rates

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The Iowa Central Community College Veterinary Technician Program is currently undergoing the accreditation process with the AVMA CVTEA. Graduates of accredited veterinary technician programs are eligible for the Veterinary Technician National Exam.

Career Outlook

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