As the field of veterinary medicine becomes increasingly complex, there is a growing need for skilled, educated paraprofessionals who can perform a variety of duties. Veterinary technicians work as a team with veterinarians providing medical, surgical, and laboratory procedures. They offer comprehensive support to clients as well as general healthcare to the animal patient. The Veterinary Technology program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA-CVTEA). The program provides education in the basic sciences and liberal arts as well as in veterinary technology. Program starts in the fall.
Hands-on experience is obtained during clinical affiliations at local animal hospitals, service-learning sites, and spay/neuter clinics. Transportation to and from off-campus sites is the responsibility of the student. Clinical Affiliation experiences may vary in time and in locations including days, evenings, and/or weekends. Students are required to purchase, through the college approved vendor, a scrub top and bottom, and a lab coat in their first semester in the program. Scrubs will be worn in lab courses at the college and during clinical affiliations. Lab coats will be worn in anatomy and clinical pathology lab courses. Veterinary courses including Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology I and II must be successfully completed with a minimum grade of C+ before enrollment in the subsequent semesters, Clinical Affiliations, and to graduate from the program.
The goal of the program is to provide our students with a comprehensive academic foundation emphasizing technical skills, integrity, and professionalism. The program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. All veterinary technology courses must be completed within four years of the date of entry to the program. Students admitted to or re-entering the program must meet current requirements necessary for graduation.
Successful completion of this degree program provides students the opportunity to seek employment in veterinary hospitals and other related fields. They are also eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to become certified or licensed. From July 1, 2020 until June 30, 2023, 61 graduates sat for the VTNE with a 3-year average pass rate of 63.93%. Graduates may find jobs in veterinary hospitals, medical laboratories, pet-related industries, zoos, research facilities, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Based on curriculum standards set by the AVMA-CVTEA, the program partners with New England veterinary facilities to create skilled medical professionals qualified for employment in many areas of the veterinary healthcare field.
The program is physically strenuous, requiring lifting animals up to 50 lbs. and working with large animals. Sufficient manual dexterity and vision is necessary to perform clinical and microscopic procedures. Students will be expected to establish priorities, function effectively in emergency situations, comply with safety regulations, and communicate in a professional manner during clinical affiliations. Individuals who cannot meet these standards may have difficulty satisfying course objectives and becoming successful as a Veterinary Technician.
Admissions Criteria
The deadline for completion of the application process, including the interview with the director, is April 30th. Early decision is possible for applicants with a strong academic history who complete their application prior to the deadline.
Admissions Requirements
- Complete an application to the program.
- Provide proof of high school completion or equivalent.
- Provide proof of completion of high school algebra, biology, and chemistry or equivalent of current enrollment.
- Place into college level Math, Reading and Writing or demonstrate equivalent competencies through a college transcript or SAT scores.
- Complete a personal interview with the program director.
Applicants will be contacted by Admissions to set up interviews with the program director once the first four requirements have been met.
- Special Consideration points are given to applicants who:
- Have experience working/volunteering at a veterinary hospital or shelter
- Have completed, either at GBCC or through transfer, select college-level general education classes that are required for the Veterinary Technology Associate Degree. Classes must be completed with a grade of C or higher and include ENGL 110/111G, MATH 145/147G and CHEM 110G.
- Have completed VETN 110G, Introduction to Veterinary Technology through a Project Running Start class in high school with a grade of C+ or higher.
- Have graduated from White Mountains Community College’s Veterinary Assistant Certificate Program with a grade of C+ or higher.
- Have been awarded an Associate Degree or higher from a regionally accredited college/university with a 2.5 Cumulative GPA or higher.
Clinical Requirements
Prior to participating in required service learning for VETN121G, students must:
- Possess and maintain health insurance and professional liability insurance. (Professional liability insurance is available at the College; Please see the Academic Policies section of this catalog, under XVI. Immunization Policy.)
- Have documentation showing current rabies, tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations.
- Provide proof of a negative TB skin test.
Prior to the first clinical affiliation, students must also:
- Purchase a radiology dosimeter badge (available at the College).
Veterinary Technology Program Suspension Information and Readmission Policy
Students matriculated in the Veterinary Technology program who withdraw or do not achieve the minimum grade in the Veterinary Technology or Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology I and II courses will be allowed to retake the course(s) one time only. Should a student fail to achieve the minimum grade on the second attempt, they will be dismissed from the program and must re-apply if they choose. Students who have failed a Veterinary Technology course because of unsafe practice involving actions or non-actions are dismissed and not eligible for readmission to the Veterinary Technology Program.
Advanced Placement:
Admission to the program for students transferring from another AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology program will be determined by the program director based upon courses that have been successfully completed and space availability. All students seeking advanced placement are subject to the same admission and program requirements.
In addition to Great Bay Community College transfer credit policies, there is a ten-year limitation on accepting the course equivalencies of all VETN courses, BIOL111G and BIOL121G. Exceptions may be made by the department chairperson.
First Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer Semester
Second Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Curriculum Recommendations
Students are encouraged to take the required program general education courses before they begin the Veterinary Technology program. Alternatively, they should take the general education courses as they appear in the recommended sequence above. If a student fails to complete a first-year general education course, they are encouraged to take it over the summer between first and second year along with their Clinical Affiliation I and VETN elective course. The student may not take the credentialing exam (VTNE) until all courses are complete and the student has graduated. Health insurance is recommended for the entirety of the program.