Veterinary Technology

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology program prepares students for careers in veterinary technology which require knowledge and skills involving basic medical sciences, animal care and management, veterinary medical care, and client communications and service. Veterinary technicians function as the paraprofessional assistants to veterinarians, biomedical researchers, other scientists, and animal control and humane organizations. Instruction includes practical clinical internship experience in veterinary emergency, large animal, small animal, and specialty practices, as well as in zoos, laboratories, humane societies, and other facilities.

Details

Field of Interest
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Veterinary Technology (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3015
Total credits required
83-92.5
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Admission criteria

High school graduation or G.E.D. equivalency.
Formal application and admission to the Veterinary Technology program.

Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You'll Learn
  • 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. (ENG101, ENG107, ENG102, ENG108, ENG111, EQS162VT, VET101, VET101LL, VET112, VET132, VET235, VET240, VET250AA, VET250AB, VET250AC, VET250AD, CRE101, (COM), [SB])
  • Utilize computers and computer software programs to facilitate creation, storage, and retrieval of data files. (ENG101, ENG107, ENG102, ENG108, ENG111, EQS162VT, VET101, VET101LL, VET112, VET132, VET230, VET235, VET240, VET250AA, VET250AB, VET250AC, VET250AD, BPC110, CIS105)
  • Prepare and perform clinical laboratory specimen analysis, including hematology, urinalysis, blood chemistry, hemostasis, serology, cytology, parasitology, and necropsy. (ENG101, ENG107, ENG102, ENG108, ENG111, VET112, VET200, VET201, VET210, VET235, VET240, BIO181, BIO205, CHM130, CHM130LL, MAT120, MAT121, MAT122, MAT126)
  • Compare and contrast the anatomy and physiology of common domestic animals, and apply that knowledge to performing common clinical procedures and treatments. (ENG101, ENG107, ENG102, ENG108, ENG111, EQS105, EQS162VT, VET101, VET101LL, VET112, VET140, VET150, VET150LL, VET151, VET230, VET235, VET240, VET250AA, VET250AB, VET250AC, VET250AD, BIO181, BIO205, CHM130, CHM130LL)
  • 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. (EQS105, EQS162VT, VET101, VET101LL, VET112, VET200, VET201, VET210, VET235, VET240, VET250AA, VET250AB, VET250AC, VET250AD, BIO205, CHM130, CHM130LL, MAT120, MAT121, MAT122, MAT126)
  • Assess the life-stage nutritional requirements for well animals, identify common feeds and feeding practices, and communicate the special nutritional requirements and feeding of diseases animals. (ENG101, ENG107, ENG102, ENG108, ENG111, EQS105, EQS162VT, VET112, VET201, VET210, VET235, VET240, VET250AA, VET250AB, VET250AC, VET250AD, BIO181, BIO205, CHM130, CHM130LL, (COM), MAT120, MAT121, MAT122, MAT126)
  • Demonstrate proper use and maintenance of veterinary diagnostic, surgical, and therapeutic equipment. (EQS162VT, VET112, VET200, VET201, VET210, VET230, VET235, VET240, VET250AA, VET250AB, VET250AC, VET250AD, BIO181, BIO205)
  • Identify therapeutic drugs, vaccines, and supplements used in veterinary medicine, and effectively communicate their mechanisms, common uses, side effects, and regulatory considerations. (ENG101, ENG107, ENG102, ENG108, ENG111, EQS162VT, VET112, VET201, VET210, VET220, VET235, VET240, VET250AA, VET250AB, VET250AC, VET250AD, BIO181, BIO205, CHM130, CHM130LL, (COM))
  • Perform pharmacologic calculations, interpret and follow pharmacy orders, prepare and dispense drug prescriptions, and communicate drug information the diverse client. (ENG101, ENG107, ENG102, ENG108, ENG111, EQS162VT, VET112, VET220, VET230, VET235, VET240, VET250AA, VET250AB, VET250AC, VET250AD, BIO181, BIO205, CHM130, CHM130LL, (COM), [HU], MAT120, MAT121, MAT122, MAT126)
  • Operate and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment, and safely produce a variety of diagnostic images of animals. (EQS162VT, VET112, VET230, VET235, VET240, VET250AA, VET250AB, VET250AC, VET250AD)
  • Evaluate common veterinary anesthetic, surgical, and emergency procedures; perform surgical patient preparation, anesthetic monitoring, and surgical assistance. (ENG101, ENG107, ENG102, ENG108, ENG111, EQS162VT, VET112, VET201, VET210, VET235, VET240, VET250AA, VET250AB, VET250AC, VET250AD, BIO181, BIO205, MAT120, MAT121, MAT122, MAT126)
  • Differentiate common diseases of domestic animals, their agents, and principles of disease prevention and treatment. (ENG101, ENG107, ENG102, ENG108, ENG111, EQS105, EQS162VT, VET101, VET101LL, VET112, VET140, VET151, VET201, VET210, VET220, VET223, VET235, VET240, VET250AA, VET250AB, VET250AC, VET250AD, BIO181, BIO205)
  • Utilize medical terminology in verbal and written communication and explain the principles of ethics and legal issues in veterinary technology. (ENG101, ENG107, ENG102, ENG108, ENG111,EQS105, EQS162VT, VET101, VET101LL, VET112, VET132, VET140, VET150, VET150LL, VET151, VET200, VET201, VET220, VET223, VET230, VET235, VET240, VET250AA, VET250AB, VET250AC, VET250AD, CRE101, [HU])
  • Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field. (FYE101, FYE103)

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 Arizona-based 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

$36,190

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources

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 Degree Progress Report 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 FYE101 and FYE103. 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.

Fall Semester (Term 1)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Fall Semester (Term 1)
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
VET101 Introduction to Veterinary Technology Critical course Gateway course 3
VET101LL Animal Care Skills I Laboratory Critical course Gateway course 2
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL Critical course Gateway course FYC or FYC 3
MAT120 or
MAT121 or
MAT122 or
MAT126 or
MAT150		 Intermediate Algebra or Intermediate Algebra or Intermediate Algebra or Intermediate Algebra with Review or College Algebra/Functions Critical course OR MAT150 equivalent or higher course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area.
Note: MAT14+ is not accepted. 		None or MA 3–6
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Spring Semester (Term 2)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Spring Semester (Term 2)
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 FYC or FYC or L 3
CHM130 and
CHM130LL		 Fundamental Chemistry and Fundamental Chemistry Laboratory SQ in combo w/ CHM130LL and SQ in combo w/ CHM130 4
BIO181 General Biology (Majors) I SQ 4
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking L 0–3

Fall Semester (Term 3)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Fall Semester (Term 3)
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
CIS105 or
BPC110		 Survey of Computer Information Systems or Computer Usage and Applications CS or CS 3
VET140 Animal Care Skills II Students must complete this course twice for a total 2 credits. 2
VET150 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology I Critical course Only offered in Fall 3
VET150LL Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I Critical course Only offered in Fall 1
EQS105 Principles of Equine Science Only offered in Fall at MCC, can be taken at SCC in Fall or Spring 3

Spring Semester (Term 4)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Spring Semester (Term 4)
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
VET112 Animal Nursing I 2
VET132 Veterinary Office Management and Client Communication Only offered in Spring 3
VET140 Animal Care Skills II 2
VET151 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology II 3
VET230 Veterinary Radiology and Imaging for the Veterinary Technician 3
BIO205 Microbiology SG 4

Summer Semester (Term 5)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Summer Semester (Term 5)
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
VET250AA Veterinary Technician Internship 0.5
HU Humanities, Fine Arts & Design HU 3
COM100 or
COM110 or
COM225 or
COM230		 Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication SB or SB or L or SB 3

Fall Semester (Term 6)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Fall Semester (Term 6)
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
VET200 Veterinary Clinical Pathology Methods 2
VET201 Animal Care Skills III Students must complete this course twice for a total 2 credits. 2
VET210 Animal Nursing II 3
VET220 Veterinary Pharmacology for the Veterinary Technician 3
VET223 Animal Diseases 3
VET250AB or
EQS162VT		 Veterinary Technician Internship or Equine Management for the Veterinary Technician 0.5–2

Spring Semester (Term 7)

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Spring Semester (Term 7)
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
VET201 Animal Care Skills III Students must complete this course twice for a total 2 credits. 2
VET235 Veterinary Technician Proficiency 2
VET240 Veterinary Anesthesia, Surgery, and Emergency Nursing 3
VET250AC Veterinary Technician Internship 0.5
VET250AD Veterinary Technician Internship 0.5
ECN100 or
ECN211 or
ECN212		 Economics in American Society or Macroeconomic Principles or Microeconomic Principles None or SB or SB 3
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.

  • CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
  • FYC = First Year Composition
  • HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
  • L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
  • MA = Mathematics
  • SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
  • SG = Natural Sciences General
  • SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
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.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm13?id=185207).

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.

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology