Program Overview

Veterinary Technology Program

The primary goal of the veterinary technology program is to provide students with exceptional technical and clinical reasoning skills and knowledge in veterinary technology. The program aims to develop a firm foundation in both farm animal and companion animal veterinary practices. Courses cover basic sciences, veterinary nursing, and veterinary practice management, with a strong focus on hands-on practical knowledge throughout the curriculum.

Program Description

Students gain basic knowledge and skills for the major domestic animal species (dog, cat, horse, and cow). Integration of knowledge in communication, veterinary ethical and legal issues, veterinary practice management, clinical reasoning skills, and hands-on technical skills allow students to become complete veterinary technicians. The program is accredited by the AVMA, and students who graduate from an accredited program are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and pursue credentialing.

Degree Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 64 credits
• Minimum Residency Requirement: 16 credits must be taken at UNH
• Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral
• Core Curriculum Required: Discovery Program

Veterinary Technology Requirements

Students must demonstrate the following for retention in and completion of the veterinary technology program:

1. Courses must be completed in proper sequence, according to pre-requisites listed in the course catalog.
2. To progress in the program, students must:
   • Earn a minimum of 70% on their exam average in each VTEC course.
   • Earn a minimum of 80% on their skills grades in VTEC 579 and VTEC 580.
   • Receive a minimum grade of C+ (2.33 grade point) or better in all required AAS and VTEC courses.
3. Students who fail to meet retention requirements after 3 semesters will not be allowed to progress further in the program until retention requirements have been met.
4. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in major courses to take additional courses in major.
5. Students must have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA in major to qualify for graduation from the program.
6. Students must successfully complete all required skills listed in the Veterinary Technology Essential and Recommended Skills List developed by the AVMA.
7. All coursework in the veterinary technology curriculum should be completed within five years of initial program enrollment.

Course List

Required Courses:

• AAS 421: Large Animal Behavior and Handling Techniques (2 credits)
• AAS 428: Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals (4 credits)
• CHEM 411: Introductory Chemistry for Life Sciences (4 credits)
• VTEC 424: Introduction to Veterinary Technology (2 credits)
• VTEC 430: Companion Animal Behavior and Handling Techniques (4 credits)
• VTEC 435: Animal Health and Laboratory Diagnostics (4 credits)
• VTEC 449: Clinical Animal Nursing Techniques I (4 credits)
• VTEC 497: Veterinary Technology Work Experience (0 credits)
• VTEC 550: Clinical Animal Nursing Techniques II (4 credits)
• VTEC 565: Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians (4 credits)
• VTEC 575: Veterinary Anesthesia and Surgical Assisting (4 credits)
• VTEC 579: Small Animal Practicum I (4 credits)
• VTEC 580: Small Animal Practicum II (4 credits)
• VTEC 583: Large Animal Practicum (2 credits)
• VTEC 595: Veterinary Technology Internship (3 credits)
• VTEC 599: Comprehensive VTNE Review (4 credits)

Discovery Program Requirements

Students must complete 20 credits within the Discovery program, with at least one course in the following categories:

• Writing Skills
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Biological Science
• Physical Science
• Social Science

Sample Degree Plan

The sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

The primary goal of the veterinary technology program is to provide students with exceptional technical and clinical reasoning skills and knowledge in veterinary technology. Specific skills and decision-making abilities are outlined by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accrediting body.

Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures

The University of New Hampshire offers a number of academic programs designed to lead to professional licensure or certification in New Hampshire. However, completing a UNH degree/program does not guarantee professional licensure or certification. Eligibility may also depend on factors like years of work experience, professional examinations, passing a background check, and other criteria.