Veterinary Technology Program Application

General Information

  • Volunteer State Community College Veterinary Technology Program is accredited by the AVMA CVTEA as a program for educating veterinary technicians
  • Graduates of this program may take the National Veterinary Technician Exam and apply for licensure as a Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician (LVMT) in Tennessee
  • Enrollment in the program is limited to 24 students every Spring semester
  • Once in the program, you must maintain a C or better in all VET classes to proceed through the program
  • Each VET class must be taken in sequence. Contact us for the correct sequence of classes in the program.
  • Students may be enrolled in 10 to 17 hours a semester, depending on the number of general education classes completed prior to acceptance into the program
  • All courses are in-person on the Gallatin campus
  • Students should refer to their individualized DegreeWorks plan, created with their advisor

Admission Requirements

1. Admission to Volunteer State Community College

  • Transfer students must submit official transcripts to Vol State’s Admissions Office

2. Acceptable Placement scores or completion of all learning support (if applicable)

  • High School students must have the following minimum ACT scores to apply: English – 18, Reading – 19, and Math – 19

3. Minimum overall college GPA of 2.5

  • Must have completed or be currently enrolled in either Biology or Chemistry.

4. Completed Veterinary Technology Application (separate from college application) to include:

  • Passport type photo (head shot - 2 x 2 inches)
  • Completed Observation Form
    • 20 hours of observing, volunteering, or work experience under the supervision of a veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician is required
  • Short essay as to why you want to become a veterinary technician
  • One reference letter: not from close family or observation location
  • Signature that student has read and can fulfill the Essential Expectations of a Veterinary Technology Student

Applications for Spring admission are due the first Friday in November. Submit applications to Dr. Hope Wright, Veterinary Technology Program Director. (scan and email to hope.wright@volstate.edu or bring in person to the Vet Tech Building, room 104A, on the Gallatin campus).

Interviews & Selections

Interviews will be the week of Finals in December.

Applicants are selected based on:

  • GPA : overall plus science (weighted based on completed hours) (Science courses: CHEM 1030 (or higher, BIOL 1010 (or higher))
  • Application and documentation components plus any relevant experience
  • Interview

Additional requirements, if accepted:

  • Must pass a background check (student's expense)
  • Must submit proof of health insurance and tetanus vaccination (student's expense)
  • Must start the process of getting a Rabies vaccination (student's expense)

Official Veterinary Technology Advisors

Dr. Hope Wright DVM
Program Director
hope.wright@volstate.edu
615-230-3279

DJ Smith LVMT
Clinical Coordinator
donna.smith@volstate.edu
615-230-3567