Program Overview

Veterinary Technology Program

The Veterinary Technology program at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) is designed to provide students with the technical and clinical skills necessary to become a veterinary technician. The program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and prepares graduates to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and pursue credentialing.

Program Description

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 in the program cover basic sciences, veterinary nursing, and veterinary practice management, with a strong focus on hands-on practical knowledge throughout the curriculum.

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

Curriculum

The program includes a range of courses, such as:

• Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
• Introduction to Veterinary Technology
• Companion Animal Behavior and Handling Techniques
• Animal Health and Laboratory Diagnostics
• Clinical Animal Nursing Techniques I and II
• Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians
• Veterinary Anesthesia and Surgical Assisting
• Small Animal Practicum I and II
• Large Animal Practicum
• Veterinary Technology Internship
• Comprehensive VTNE Review

Student Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes include:

• Providing students with exceptional technical and clinical reasoning skills and knowledge in veterinary technology
• Developing a firm foundation in both farm animal and companion animal veterinary practices
• Preparing graduates to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and pursue credentialing

Admission Criteria

Admission decisions are based on several factors, including:

• Academic achievement (especially in animal science-related courses)
• The applicant's understanding of veterinary technician responsibilities
• Evidence of an informed decision about entering the field
• References who can attest to the applicant's academic potential for completing the program successfully and to the applicant's personal qualities that relate to success in the animal health field

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.

Becoming a Credentialed Veterinary Technician

To become a certified veterinary technician (CVT) in NH, you must complete the following steps:

1. Graduate from an AVMA accredited program
2. Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
3. Apply for certification from the NH Veterinary Technician Association (NHVTA)
4. Keep your certification current by completing 12 hours of continuing education (CE), and paying the license fee each year

2+2 Veterinary Technology - Animal Science Articulation

If you wish to continue beyond the 2-year associate degree in Veterinary Technology, you can transfer into the UNH Animal Science program and in just two more years, receive a bachelor's degree. This articulation only applies to graduates of the UNH Vet Tech program.

Program Resources

The program has a number of animal-related educational partnerships, including those with the New Hampshire SPCA in Stratham, N.H., and the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Cocheco Valley in Dover, N.H. The program also has access to the UNH Equine Facility, the UNH Fairchild Dairy, the PAWS Veterinary Clinic, and the NH Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.