What is a Veterinary Technician?

A Veterinary Technician is the primary medical support staff member for the veterinarian. They are expected to perform a variety of medical and diagostic procedures and have expertise in the handling and care of animal patients. Being a Veterinary Technician requires specific education and experience. Our Veterinary Technology program is designed as a two-year program.

 

According to the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), "Veterinary Technicians are educated to be the veterinarian's nurse, laboratory technician, radiography technician, anesthetist, surgical nurse, and client educator. Many veterinarinary technicians are placed in a supervisory role in veterinary practices, research institutions and other employment options. Veterinary technicians can find employment in veterinary practices, biomedical research, zoo/wildlife medicine, industry, miliary, livestock health meanagement, pharmaceutical sales, etc."

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What is the difference between a Veterinary Technician and Assistant?

Veterinary Assistants are the flexible support personnel that assist veterinary technicians and veterinarians in all aspects of clinical work.

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What courses are required in the Veterinary Technology program?

The Veterinary Technology program is a two-year program that includes the general education required as well as the specific courses our students need to work effectively in the field and help their patients.

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Technician-specific classes include:

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Clinical Calculations

• Pharmacology

• Clinical Parasitology and Microbiology

• Nutrition

• Anesthesia and Analgesia

• Clinical Chemistry and Interpretive Cytology

• Critical Care and Nursing

• Dentistry

• Diagnostic Imaging

• Clinical Rotation

• Externship

• MORE!

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For more information about the Veterinary Technology courses, including descriptions, please download the Apex College of Veterinary Technology Catalog or contact us.

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How much does the Veterinary Technology program cost?

Our students pay for only the classes they need to take, when they are taking them. 

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Tuition for all programs is $210/credit. Transfer credits are applied at no cost to the student, with no need to pay any tuition or fees for transferred courses.

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Our goal is to keep great students and help our students avoid debt through fair and mutually beneficial tuition and scholarship offerings.

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When are classes offered?

New classes start every quarter.  Classes are scheduled based on student need and faculty availability. Depending on our students' needs we offer classes weekdays across mornings and afternoons.

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Many of our students work while in school, so our quarterly schedule customization allows us to help our students maintain a work-school-life balance.

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How many students are in each class?

We limit our hands-on Veterinary Technology courses to a maximum of 12 students to ensure that every student has adequate time, space, and resources to participate fully, receive instruction, and practice their skills in a safe environment. Our policy is to offer more sections of a class rather than overload a class with students.

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How do I apply for the Veterinary Technology program?

We recommend scheduling a tour to see our campus and speak with our faculty. If you like what you see and think Apex College of Veterinary Technology is the right school for you, you will also need to complete our online application.

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Our administrative staff will follow-up to help you complete the rest of the admission process and establish your start date based on your application completion date and your application data.