Health Services

Veterinary Technology

Program Objective

The Veterinary Technology program prepares students to join an animal-care team as entry-level technicians.  Technicians collect samples, perform lab tests, take radiographs, prepare the surgical suite, assist in surgery, monitor anesthesia, provide general nursing care to patients, and assume other clinical duties.  Second-year students complete clinical rotations in the Animal Care Center, a pet wellness center on the campus of Johnson College.  The program prepares students to become Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVT) upon passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).

Career Opportunities

Graduates work in many areas of veterinary medicine such as small and large animal clinics, private practice, research facilities, academia, zoos, laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Recommended Courses 

Recommended courses in high school include Physics, and math courses at a level of Algebra II or higher.

Special Admissions Requirements

A minimal high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 along with a minimal Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of 1300 total or a minimal American College Test (ACT) of 18 is required for admission.

Applicants must take Biology and Chemistry and attain a grade of “C” or higher.  A completed Veterinary Technology questionnaire must be submitted and ten hours of observation at a veterinary clinic is required.  Application deadline is February 15, 2012.

Special Enrollment Requirements

Prior to the start of the first semester, students must provide proof of a tetanus inoculation.  Rabies inoculation is also required to participate in any laboratory and clinical activities involving animals.

Special Fees

In addition to tuition and fees, students are responsible for the purchase of clinic, lab, and class supplies as well as the costs of immunizations.  Veterinary students will have a fee of $1,000.00 to cover the cost of a summer off-campus internship or cooperative education experience.

Retention

Throughout the program of study, students are required to maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.00 and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 in their major courses in order to remain in the program.  Students who do not meet the GPA requirements for Veterinary Technology may be dismissed from the program.  These students will have the option to transfer into another program of study providing their cumulative GPA is 2.00 or above. VET 204 and VET 208, Senior Clinical Rotations I and II are capstone courses.  The clinical experiences are to provide an environment allowing students to incorporate and enhance all AVMA required tasks.  Students must receive a score of 70% or better on Clinical Rotation written final exams, oral/practical exams, and instructor evaluations of students.  Students who do not obtain a minimum score of 70% in any of the three evaluations will receive a letter grade of “F” for the rotation and must repeat the course.  Students are also required to adhere to strict guidelines on patient neglect or cruelty.

Internship/Cooperative Education Experience

A five-week internship or cooperative education experience at an approved site must be completed after the last semester of the second year.  Students must satisfy the internship requirements of both Johnson College and the internship provider as a condition of graduation.

Some internship sites may require a criminal background check and/or a drug test.  Internship sites may bar students from an internship if a criminal record exists or a drug test has a positive result.  Costs for travel to and from an internship site are the responsibility of the student.

Pregnancy Policy

Students should contact the Veterinary Technology Department Chair for a copy of the program’s pregnancy policy.

Programmatic Accreditation

The Veterinary Technology program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Program Goals

• Graduates will possess the skills necessary to obtain an entry-level Veterinary Technician position.
• Graduates will possess the appropriate skills needed for decision-making, critical thinking, and effective written and oral communication within the Veterinary Technology field.
• Graduates will abide by the Veterinary Technician Oath.

Rosemary M. Cook, CVT, Ph.D.
Department Chairperson
570-702-8960
rcook@johnson.edu

Colin Bullmore, DVM
Instructor/Veterinarian for the Animal Care Center
570-702-8965
cbullmore@johnson.edu

Kendra Lapsansky, CVT, BS
Instructor/Veterinary Technician
570-702-8964
klapsansky@johnson.edu

Kimberly Konopka, BS, CVT
Instructor/Veterinary Technician
570-702-8962
kkonopka@johnson.edu

Veterinary Technology Employment Opportunities Available at Johnson College: Click Here.