Program Information
Learn more about the Veterinary Technology program.
General Help
Ask general questions at our support center.
Field of Interest
People rely on veterinary technicians to keep their pets healthy and to provide care when their animals are sick or injured. The Veterinary Technology program at MCC provides you with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to become a professional veterinary technician, providing support to practicing veterinarians, biomedical researchers, and animal control and humane organizations, as well as government agencies.
Details
Important information you’ll need when applying to MCC:
- Academic Career
- Credit
- Degree/Certificate Type
- Career and Technical Associate Degree
- Academic Plan
- Veterinary Technology (AAS)
- Academic Plan Code
- 3015
- Total Credits Required
- 82-88
- Catalog Year
- 2020-2021
What You’ll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Participate in business and facility management by creating, maintaining, and filing appointment
schedules, patient/client records, financial records, logs and inventory records, and by demonstrating effective client communication skills. - Utilize computers and computer software programs to facilitate creation, storage, and retrieval of data files.
- Prepare and perform clinical laboratory specimen analysis, including hematology, urinalysis, blood chemistry, hemostasis, serology, cytology, parasitology, and necropsy.
- Compare and contrast the anatomy and physiology of common domestic animals and apply that knowledge to performing common clinical procedures and treatments.
- Perform proper techniques of basic husbandry, restraint and handling, physical examination and assessment, medication administration, clinical specimen collection, and medical treatment in a variety of animal species.
- Assess the life-stage nutritional requirements for well animals, identify common feeds and feeding practices, and communicate the special nutritional requirements and feeding of diseased animals.
- Demonstrate proper use and maintenance of veterinary diagnostic, surgical, and therapeutic equipment.
- Identify therapeutic drugs, vaccines, and supplements used in veterinary medicine, and effectively communicate their mechanisms, common uses, side effects, and regulatory considerations.
- Perform pharmacologic calculations, interpret and follow pharmacy orders, prepare and dispense drug prescriptions, and communicate drug information to the diverse client.
- Operate and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment, and safely produce a variety of diagnostic images of animals.
- Evaluate common veterinary anesthetic, surgical, and emergency procedures; perform surgical patient preparation, anesthetic monitoring, and surgical assistance. (CT, CO)
- Differentiate common diseases of domestic animals, their agents, and principles of disease< prevention and treatment.
- Utilize medical terminology in verbal and written communication and explain the principles of ethics and legal issues in veterinary technology.
Career Opportunities
If you love animals and are good with people as well, veterinary technology is a career path that allows you to capitalize on your strengths. Opportunities abound to work in a number of environments.
Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
$34,966 Show expanded career information for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Admission Criteria
- High school graduation or G.E.D equivalency
- Completion of Program Prerequisites with a "C" or better (You can apply when in your last semester of prerequisite completion)
- VET101 Introduction to Veterinary Technology (3)
***Starting Fall 2017 VET101 will replace ANS110AA*** ANS110AA will be grandfathered in for application until May 2019 - ENG101 First Year Composition (3)
- ENG102 First Year Composition (3) OR ENG111 Technical Writing
- CRE101 (3) ; Critical and Evaluative Reading
- MAT120 (5) OR MAT121 (4) OR MAT122 (3) Intermediate Algebra (MAT141, MAT142 are not eligible for math pre-requisite)
- CHM130 Fundamental Chemistry (3)
- CHM130LL Fundamental Chemistry Laboratory (1)
- BIO181 General Biology (Majors) (4) Must have been taken within 5 years of application
- VET101 Introduction to Veterinary Technology (3)
- Have proof of Tetanus toxoid within the last 7 years
- Animal-related work experience (volunteer or paid). A minimum 200 hours of documented experience required. Owning animals and pet sitting do not count toward work experience. A signed letter by supervisor/manager with hours documented is required for animal care experience to be considered.
- 3 signed letters of reference
- 1 College instructor from whom you took a course (preferably science based subject)
- 1 Supervisor or other responsible person representing the site animal care related experience is obtained
- 1 Personal reference from adult that is not an immediate or extended family member who has known you at least 3 years
- Meet physical requirements of the job
- Frequently lifting and carrying 40 pounds from the ground to waist level, and occasionally being able to lift fifty or more pounds with assistance. This is a physically demanding occupational field.
- Complete and turn in a Veterinary Technology Program Application to the Veterinary Technology Program Director--Dr. Kimberly Focht before the deadline.
Want to apply to the Veterinary Technology program?
Please visit: mesacc.edu/vet-tech-admissions
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include AAA/CPD150, AAA/CPD150AC, CPD104, and AAA115/CPD115. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
- Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Term 1 Block 1
| Course Number |
Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VET101 | Introduction to Veterinary Technology | Critical course Gateway course requires attendance outside of scheduled class time | PP | 3 | |
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Meets the General Education First-Year Composition area | PP | 3 | |
| AAA/CPD115 or AAA/CPD150 or AAA/CPD150AC or CPD104 |
Creating College Success or Strategies for College Success or Educational and Career Planning or Career and Personal Development | Critical course Or equivalent as indicated by assessment. Meets the General Education Critical Reading area | 0–3 | ||
| MAT120 or MAT121 or MAT122 |
Intermediate Algebra or Intermediate Algebra or Intermediate Algebra | Critical course Meets the General Education Mathematics area | PP | 3–5 |
Term 2 Block 1
| Course Number |
Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG102 or ENG108 or ENG111 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL or Technical and Professional Writing | Meets the General Education First-Year Composition area | PP | 3 | |
| CHM130 | Fundamental Chemistry | PP | 3 | ||
| CHM130LL | Fundamental Chemistry Laboratory | PP | 1 | ||
| BIO181 | General Biology (Majors) I | Meets the General Education Natural Sciences area | PP | 4 | |
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | L | 0–3 |
Term 3 Block 2
| Course Number |
Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIS105 or BPC110 |
Survey of Computer Information Systems or Computer Usage and Applications | RC | 3 | ||
| VET150 | Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology I | Critical course Only offered in Fall | RC | 3 | |
| VET150LL | Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I | Critical course Only offered in Fall | RC | 1 | |
| EQS105 | Principles of Equine Science | Only offered in Fall at MCC, can be taken at SCC in Fall or Spring | RC | 3 |
Term 4 Block 2
| Course Number |
Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VET132 | Veterinary Office Management and Client Communication | Only offered in Spring | RC | 3 | |
| VET151 | Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology II | RC | 3 | ||
| VET112 | Animal Nursing I | RC | 2 | ||
| BIO205 | Microbiology | RC | 4 | ||
| VET230 | Veterinary Radiology and Imaging for the Veterinary Technician | RC | 3 |
Term 5 Block 2
| Course Number |
Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VET250AA | Veterinary Technician Internship | RC | 0.5 | ||
| Oral Communication | Any approved general education course in the Oral Communication area. | COM | 3 | ||
| Humanities & Fine Arts | Any approved General Education course in the Humanities & Fine Arts area | HU | 3 |
Term 6 Block 3
| Course Number |
Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VET200 | Veterinary Clinical Pathology Methods | RC | 3 | ||
| VET210 | Animal Nursing II | RC | 2 | ||
| VET220 | Veterinary Pharmacology for the Veterinary Technician | RC | 3 | ||
| VET223 | Animal Diseases | RC | 3 | ||
| VET250AB | Veterinary Technician Internship | RC | 0.5 |
Term 7 Block 3
| Course Number |
Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VET235 | Veterinary Technician Proficiency | RC | 2 | ||
| VET240 | Veterinary Anesthesia, Surgery, and Emergency Nursing | RC | 3 | ||
| VET250AC | Veterinary Technician Internship | RC | 0.5 | ||
| VET250AD | Veterinary Technician Internship | RC | 0.5 | ||
| ECN100 or ECN211 or ECN212 |
Economics in American Society or Macroeconomic Principles or Microeconomic Principles | SB | 3 |
Note
It is recommended that students take the courses in Term 5 Block 2 during the summer.
Ready to get started?
Follow one of the options below to get started on your personal career pathway.
Become a Student
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Program Information
Learn more about and find contact information for the Veterinary Technology program.
General Help
Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.
Course Area Key
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- COM = Oral Communication
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- PP = Program Prerequisite
- RC = Required Course
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of "C" or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
View MCCCD’s curriculum website for the Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology (http://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm3?id=147995).
Other Versions
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. Other versions of this pathway map from different catalog years are available below: