Andrea Williamson, DVM, Program Co-Coordinator
Email address: williaal@alfredstate.edu
Licensed veterinary technicians are indispensable members of the veterinary medical team, capable of providing everything from life support and surgical assistance to physical therapy and nutritional management. Our program is designed to provide you with extensive training in the theory and principles, reinforced with the hands-on technical, animal, and laboratory experience needed to prepare you for this exciting field.
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VTNE Accreditation Test |
July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023 |
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Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE |
60 |
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Three year VTNE pass percentage |
81.67 |
Alfred State veterinary technology graduates may enter directly into the interdisciplinary studies BTech, the technology management BBA, or the healthcare management BTech degree program.
Rabies vaccinations are required for all veterinary technology students. Textbooks are the primary annual expense, with the cost averaging $1,000 to $1,200 each year.
The Alfred State veterinary technology program has an established transfer agreement with Cornell University's College of Agriculture. Students have also successfully transferred into the Purdue University BS veterinary technology program.
Employment and continuing education rate of 94 percent – 88percent are employed; 6 percent continued their education.
Required: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Biology (Living Environment), and two additional Science courses (at least one science course must have a laboratory component).
Recommended: Chemistry, Physics
The veterinary technology program at Alfred State is a two-year educational course of study leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree and students are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technology National Exam (VTNE). The VTNE is the New York State licensing exam for veterinary technicians. The demand for graduate-licensed or license-eligible veterinary technicians is strong across the country.
If students do not place into MATH 1033, College Algebra, then MATH 1014, Algebra Concepts, is a required prerequisite for completion of the major.
Students who believe they need a reasonable accommodation to properly participate in this program may contact Melanie Ryan in the Office of Accessibility Services. This office may be contacted by email at oas@alfredstate.edu or by phone at 607-587-4506. Please keep in mind that some accommodations may take time to implement, so students seeking accommodations are encouraged to contact OAS as early as possible.
TYPICAL FOUR-SEMESTER PROGRAM
First
| VETS | 1203 | Intro to Veterinary Technology | 3 |
| VETS | 1214 | Anatmy & Physlgy of Animals I | 4 |
| CHEM | 1114 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| OR | 4 | ||
| ANSC | 1204 | Introduction to Animal Science | 4 |
| MATH | xxxx | Quantitative Reasoning, College Algebra, or Higher | 3 |
| GLST | 2113 | Global & Diverse Perspectives | 3 |
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17 |
Second
| VETS | 2014 | Anatmy & Physlgy of Animals II | 4 |
| VETS | 3013 | Animal Parasitology | 3 |
| VETS | 3003 | Animal Health Care | 3 |
| VETS | 3204 | Farm Animal Management | 4 |
| OR | 4 | ||
| CHEM | 1114 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| COMP | 1503 | Writing Studies | 3 |
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17 |
Third
| VETS | 3023 | Radiography | 3 |
| VETS | 4103 | Laboratory Animal and Exotics | 3 |
| BIOL | 5254 | Principles of Microbiology | 4 |
| VETS | 3103 | Patho & Pharm of An. Disease I | 3 |
| VETS | 3022 | Anesthesia & Surgical Nsg I | 2 |
| VETS | 3301 | Veterinary Technology Precept. | 1 |
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16 |
Fourth
| VETS | 3004 | Anesthesia & Surgical Nursing | 4 |
| VETS | 3024 | Clinical Laboratory Techniques | 4 |
| VETS | 4403 | Veterinary Practice Essentials | 3 |
| VETS | 4203 | Patho & Pharm of An. Disease 2 | 3 |
| SPCH | 1083 | Public Speaking | 3 |
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Technical Electives
| CHEM | 2124 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| BIOL | 6534 | Genetics | 4 |
| ANSC | 3223 | Dairy Calf Management | 3 |
| ANSC | 3203 | Dairy Cattle Production I | 3 |
| ANSC | 3204 | Dairy Cattle Production III | 4 |
| ANSC | 2102 | Dairy Cattle Reprod & A.I Tech | 2 |
| ANSC | 3003 | Feeds and Nutrition | 3 |
| ANSC | 3103 | Livestock Mgmt & Production | 3 |
| BIOL | 1104 | General Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL | 2204 | General Biology II | 4 |
| MATH | 1054 | Precalculus | 4 |
| MATH | 1084 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH | 1123 | Statistics I | 3 |
| VETS | 3022 | Anesthesia & Surgical Nsg I | 2 |
| VETS | 4202 | Small Animal Nutrition | 2 |
Preceptorship* of 240 hours, either during summer or semester break after successful completion of second semester course requirements. Preceptorship hours can be fulfilled through part-time employment at an appropriate facility.
In order to progress in the veterinary technology program, students must earn a “C” or better in each required veterinary technology course, with the exception of VETS 1214 Animal Anatomy and Physiology I, which requires a minimum of a "D” to pass the course. Students receiving an "F" in two or more required courses will be required to change majors.
ASEP students must earn a "C" or better in the Introduction to Veterinary Technology course and the Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology course in order to progress to the next level of core veterinary courses.
Be advised that a prior felony conviction may impede a student's ability to participate in an internship.
Students must:
*The 240-hour preceptorship is a program requirement and a graduation requirement.
The Admissions and Performance Standards discussed in the following paragraphs define performance expectations that must be met for successful completion of the veterinary technology program at Alfred State. It is the policy of Alfred State to provide reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need an accommodation due to a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Student Success Center office at 607-587-4122. Some accommodations may require up to six weeks to prepare. For progression in the veterinary technology program, students are expected to meet the following performance standards:
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Some Examples of Necessary Activities (not all-inclusive) |
| Critical Thinking | Critical thinking sufficient for clinical judgment. | Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations. Develop nursing care plans. Demonstrate problem-solving skills. Adapt to stressful situations. |
| Interpersonal | Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with patients, clients, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. | Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues. Recognize appropriate boundaries in relationships with patients/clients and colleagues. |
| Communication | Communication abilities for interaction with others orally and in writing. | Explain treatment procedures, initiate health teaching, document and interpret nursing actions and patient/client responses. Team-building skills. |
| Mobility | Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room, maneuver in small spaces,
and provide assistance to patients.
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Move around in patient and treatment areas. Administer CPR. Provide physical assistance to clients and colleagues to ensure safety within the environment. Ability to prevent or escape injury caused by animals (e.g., biting, kicking, stampeding) |
| Motor Skills | Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe, effective nursing care in a timely manner. | Use of instruments, supplies, safety devices, and communication equipment in the care of patients. Performance of nursing care, surgical assistance, and laboratory techniques. |
| Hearing | Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. | Auditory ability sufficient to hear ausculatory sounds, monitor alarms, and monitor and assess health emergency signals and cries for help. Hear needs/warning sounds from animals and humans of impending danger/injury. |
| Visual | Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care.
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Observe patients for expected and unexpected physical and emotional responses to nursing and medical treatment regimens. Use of diagnostic equipment such as a microscope, thermometer, refractometer, etc. |
| Tactile | Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and performance of nursing duties
in a timely manner.
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Perform palpation functions of physical exam. Administer oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous medications. Insert and remove tubes and perform wound care management. Surgical assistance. |
| Physical Condition | Physical ability and stamina sufficient to restrain, lift, and assist in the care of a variety of species of animals. Ability to stand for extended periods of time. Ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. Immune system competence. | Safely lift, position, and restrain animals and supplies for treatment. Surgical assistance.
Daily clinical routine. Year-round treatment and care of outdoor animals. Exposure
to a wide range of chemical and biological agents.
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