Program Overview

Introduction to the Veterinary Medical Technology Program

The Veterinary Medical Technology program (VMT) prepares students for multiple career opportunities in the veterinary health care team. Upon completion of this program, graduates will positively contribute to various areas of veterinary health care.

Program Overview

The VMT program offers students a comprehensive education, leading to multiple career opportunities. Potential work environments for VMT graduates include:

• Private veterinary practice
• Biomedical research
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Zoological parks
• Humane societies
• Nutrition companies
• United States Department of Agriculture
• U.S. military
• Academic institutions

Admission Process

Students interested in the VMT program will have the option of selecting Undeclared with a Vet Tech concentration as their major at the time of their admission to Mississippi State University. Once students are admitted into the third year of the program, they will be classified as VMT majors.

Pre-Admission Policy

Pre-admission to the junior year is offered on a competitive basis to high school seniors and college students who have only resided on a college campus for a semester or less. Applicants must have demonstrated significant academic achievement, including:

• An overall GPA of 2.8 (80% or higher) for high school seniors
• An overall GPA of 2.8 for college freshmen
• An ACT requirement of 21 or an SAT requirement of 1470

Regular Admission Policy

Applications are available from January 15 to March 1. Admission procedures include:

• A critique of each applicant's academic record
• An evaluation of each applicant's references
• A personal interview of selected applicants

Entrance Requirements to the Junior Year

An applicant to the junior year of the VMT program must successfully complete prerequisite courses by the end of the spring semester prior to beginning the junior year. Requirements include:

• A minimum grade point average of 2.5 (regular admission) or 2.8 (pre-admission) on a 4.00 scale
• No grade less than "C" in any prerequisite course
• Three letters of recommendation
• Completion of specific prerequisite courses, including:
  • English Composition (6 hours)
  • Mathematics (college algebra or higher) (6 hours)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (7 hours)
  • Humanities (6 hours)
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences (6 hours)
  • Public Speaking (3 hours)
  • Microbiology with lab (4 hours)
  • Biological Science with lab (8 hours)
  • Fine Arts (3 hours)
  • ADS 1113 and ADS 1121: Animal Science and Animal Science Laboratory (4 hours) or VS 3014: Anatomy and Physiology
  • VS 1012: Introduction to Veterinary Medicine Careers (2 hours)
  • CVM 3101: Veterinary Technology Medical Terminology (1 hour)
• Total hours: 56

Program Structure

The first two years of the curriculum are mainly composed of general education courses. Students can apply as early as the spring semester of their sophomore year for entry into the junior year of the VMT program. The third year of the curriculum is competitive, and enrollment is limited to 40 students. The fourth year mainly consists of clinical experiences and begins the fall semester following successful completion of the third year. Students will be evaluated by exams throughout the curriculum for successful program advancement.