Mar 28, 2024  
2017-18 Gaston College Catalog 
    
2017-18 Gaston College Catalog [THIS CATALOG IS OUT-OF-DATE. USE THE CURRENT CATALOG TO FIND CURRENT PROGRAMS.]

Veterinary Medical Technology, A.A.S. (A45780)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

The Veterinary Technology Curriculum prepares the graduate to assist veterinarians in preparing animals, equipment, and medications for examination and surgery; collecting specimens; performing laboratory, radiographic, anesthetic, dental procedures; assisting in surgery; and providing proper husbandry of animals and their environment. Course work includes instruction in veterinary anatomy, nutrition, parasitology, pathology, physiology, radiology, terminology, zoology, office practices, laboratory techniques, dentistry, and small and large animal clinical practices. Graduates of accredited programs may be eligible to take state and national examinations administered by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board. Graduates may be employed in veterinary clinics; diagnostic, research, or pharmaceutical laboratories; zoos; academic institutions; or other areas associated with animal care.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

  1. Prepare animals and equipment for examination and surgery.
  2. Safely prepare and administer medications in a veterinary setting.
  3. Correctly collect specimens for laboratory analysis.
  4. Safely perform laboratory, radiographic, anesthetic and dental procedures in a veterinary setting.
  5. Competently assist the veterinarian in surgical procedures.
  6. Provide proper husbandry of animals and their environment.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding of common veterinary diseases and diagnostic procedures.
  8. Demonstrate knowledge of veterinary regulatory issues and veterinary office procedures.

Curriculum Information

The Veterinary Medical Technology Program is a two-year, full time, six (6) semester course of study (73 semester credit hours) leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program is designed to provide both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a professional career as a veterinary technician.

Admissions Requirements


Students applying for admission to the Gaston College Veterinary Medical Technician Program MUST meet all Gaston College admission requirements for GENERAL ADMISSION to the college.

Applicants to the Veterinary Medical Technology Program must meet the following criteria for consideration for admission into the program: All applications, test scores, and work/volunteer/observation verification forms are due February 1.

Veterinary Medical Technology Admissions

  1. Complete application form for Veterinary Medical Technology Program. (These forms may be found on our website or by calling 704.922.6377.)  Applications will be accepted from the first Monday in August through February 1 for the fall semester.
  2. Students must take the following and meet the minimum scores to be considered for the Vet Tech program.

  • A required minimum composite score of 50 on the Math section and a 57 on the Reading section must be met on the ATI TEAS or TEAS V taken within five (5) years from the date of the application. NOTE: The TEAS V will not be accepted after February 1, 2019. Applicants with an Associate or higher college degree will have the ATI TEAS examination waived with proof of graduation from an accredited college.
  • Students are allowed to take the TEAS test twice during an application period and are required to wait 30 days between testing dates.
  1. Have completed coursework up through, or place out of DMA 050 (Developmental Math) and DRE 098 (Developmental Reading) prior to entering the Veterinary Technology Program.
  2. Have an overall GPA of at least 2.0 in college level coursework taken.
  3. Submit a Work/Volunteer/Observation Experience Verification Form for the required 40 hours minimum of work/volunteer/observation in a veterinary setting under the supervision of a veterinarian or registered veterinary technician. The work/volunteer/observation form and the Veterinary Technology application must be submitted simultaneously to the Vet Tech Program. This form is available on the Vet Tech website.
  4. College level courses will be considered for transfer credit upon receipt of an applicant’s transcript. Chemistry courses must be current within ten (10) years to be considered for transfer credit. Computer courses must be current within five (5) years to be considered for transfer credit.
  5. Once the application, all test scores, transcripts, and work/volunteer/observation verification forms have been received by the Vet Tech Program, admission points are calculated based on the above criteria. The final selection of applicants into the program will be made by the Department Chair in consultation with the Veterinary Medical Technology Program faculty.
  6. Applicants will be notified by e-mail of their admission status by the Veterinary Technology Department Chairperson. Those students who are not admitted to the Veterinary Medical Technology Program may reapply at a later date. Students reapplying for admission must meet the admission requirements current at the time of their most recent application.

Additional Requirements for Students Admitted to the Program

Students must earn at least a “C” or better in all VET and Related Courses to be eligible for graduation from the Veterinary Medical Technology Program.

The following are special health requirements that are to be met by all students accepted into the Veterinary Medical Technology Program:

  1. Proof of a tetanus injection within the last ten (10) years.
  2. If student opts to receive rabies vaccination, this should be completed by the end of Fall Semester of the first year. If already vaccinated, proof of adequate blood titer, within the previous two (2) years, should be provided. If a student elects not to receive rabies immunization, a waiver must be signed.
  3. Students are responsible for obtaining their own health insurance policy and/or paying for any medical expenses incurred as a result of illness or injury sustained during class, lab, or clinical experiences (i.e. strained back, needle stick). Neither Gaston College nor the affiliating institutions/agencies are responsible for medical expenses incurred as part of the educational process.

All necessary application forms are available online or obtained by calling 704.922.6469 or 704.922.6393.

Enrollment in the Veterinary Medical Technology Program is limited to 40 students each fall semester.

FIRST YEAR


SECOND YEAR


Total Program Hours: 73


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study