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Volunteer State Community College

Veterinary Programs

Veterinary technicians, assistants and office staff represent an important and diverse group within the animal care industry. Prospective students interested in these career paths play an integral role in many areas of veterinary clinical practice. Under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, successful graduates may perform a variety of tasks including medical, surgical, laboratory and clerical procedures. Due to the highly interactive nature of these careers, a genuine compassion for animals is essential.

Volunteer State Community College offers 3 possible study paths related to animal care careers:

Animal Care Technology Certificate (ACT)

A certificate in Animal Care Technology requires 23 hours of college courses encompassing both general education and animal/veterinary technology. The program may be completed on either a full or part time basis. This path is designed for students who seek employment as non-licensed, veterinary assistants.

Career Options

  • Veterinary assistant in private practice
  • Research assistant for teaching hospitals
  • Animal care provider for pet stores/groomers
  • Humane Society staff
  • Animal husbandry for corporate farms
Credit Hours Credentials Earned
23

ACT + Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Veterinary Technology

The Animal Care Technology certificate program nests fully with the Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Veterinary Technology. The Vet Tech program provides students with both classroom and clinical experiences. Students will spend a portion of their clinical experience in various veterinary settings including research centers, private clinical practices, and wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Both full-time, four semester and part-time six semester options are available. This curriculum is designed to prepare the student for the national board exam and licensure as a veterinary technician (LVT).

Career Options

  • Agricultural Businesses
  • Large Animal, Small Animal, or Specialty/Referral Veterinary Practice
  • Laboratory Animals and Research Facilities
  • Exotics or Zoo Species
  • Local and Nation Government Regulatory Positions
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation
Credit Hours Credentials Earned
70

ACT + AAS Degree in General Business Administration: Management Concentration

Students who complete the Animal Care Technical Certificate have the opportunity to continue in the Associate of Applied Science in General Business Administration, Management Concentration, with no loss of credit. This degree program contains 11 hours of approved electives and all VET hours within the Animal Care Technical Certificate will be accepted as approved electives toward degree completion within the Management Concentration. Animal Care graduates not entering the VET program have an alternate degree path in which all completed VET and general education courses apply as hours earned toward degree completion. This career path not only prepares students with training and experience in animal care but also provides significant managerial skills from preparation in accounting, word processing, business law, spreadsheets, supervision, and computer technology applications. These students will be well-equipped to assist in the business management of a veterinary practice upon graduation.

Career Options

  • Veterinary Practice Manager
  • Research Hospital administration
  • Business manager for groomer/pet store
  • Veterinary Practice Business Consultant
  • Business manager for corporate farms
  • Pharmaceutical Industry Representative
Credit Hours Credentials Earned
69–72