Veterinary Technology, A.A.S.

A career as a Registered Veterinary Technician (veterinary nurse) combines your love of animals with a critical support role on a veterinary healthcare team. TCC’s Veterinary Technology Program prepares you to fill a wide range of responsibilities under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, including intensive nursing care, clinical laboratory procedures, radiology, anesthesiology, dental care, and surgical assistance.

Where You Will Work

Most Registered Veterinary Technicians and Nurses work for private veterinary practices, but jobs can be found in private and public research facilities, veterinary teaching hospitals, livestock production, veterinary supply and sales, zoos and exotic animal care, rescue and humane organizations, and even military service.

Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Nursing are high-growth occupations, which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts to grow 15 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Academic Advising

It is very important that you speak with an Academic Advisor, assigned to the Veterinary Technology Program:

• Amber Mullins, Northeast Campus amber.mullins@tulsacc.edu
• Liz Himes, Northeast Campus elizabeth.himes@tulsacc.edu

If you do not have an assigned academic advisor, please email academicadvising@tulsacc.edu and we will connect you to an advisor remotely. Please inform them you are interested in the Veterinary Technology Program.

Attend a Smart Start Orientation session when declaring a Health Sciences major. Register with your Academic Advisor through Starfish.

Program Information

As a veterinary nursing student, you will study a broad range of science-based courses, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, small and large animal care, clinical laboratory science, dental care, and much more.

We offer both a full-time curriculum and a part-time curriculum. Full-time students graduate in five semesters. An alternative part-time program (three years) is designed for students with significant work or family obligations that prevent them from attending as full-time students. Whether you choose the full-time or part-time track depends on your particular circumstances and goals.

• Degree Requirements
• Degree Plan Sheet
• Program Map - Full-time
• Program Map - Part-time
• Essential Functions - All BIOL, CHEM, MATH, and VETT courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Veterinary Technology (VETT) courses are offered on weekdays during the daytime. Students are required to perform some duties outside normal working hours.

Apply to Program

Apply by April 30. TCC’s Veterinary Technology Program admits 30 students annually. Each new cohort starts every Fall semester.

• To request an information and application packet email vettech@tulsacc.edu
• Career Shadowing is required as part of the application process. This form is included in the information packet from vettech@tulsacc.edu. Please attach the completed form with your online application to the Veterinary Technology Program.
• minimum overall 2.0 GPA
• Medical marijuana and the use of illicit drugs and alcohol are not permitted in the School of Health Sciences and the Veterinary Technology Program
• The application deadline is April 30. We are looking forward to receiving your online application. Please contact the office with any questions or concerns at 918-595-8212. We are happy to help.

Apply to Program

Application Procedures

1. Information and Application Packet. All applicants must first contact the Veterinary Technology Program office at 918-595-8212 or vettech@tulsacc.edu to obtain the information and application packet.
2. TCC Admission Application. All applicants must apply to TCC, and submit their high school transcripts, ACT scores, and previous college transcripts by mail to the Office of Records, Tulsa Community College, 909 South Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119, or email records@tulsacc.edu.
   • Once you are accepted to TCC, you will receive a student ID number and a TCC email account. All communication will be through your TCC email account. Acceptance to TCC does not guarantee admission to the Veterinary Technology Program.
3. Apply to Program. Submit a completed program application with the required materials by April 30.
   • Career shadowing at a veterinary hospital must be completed within six months prior to the Program application, or at the Program Director’s discretion. Shadowing information is available in the information and application packet. Submit your completed Shadowing form with your application.
   • Incomplete submissions will not be considered for admission into the Veterinary Technology Program
   • Applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 to be eligible for consideration
4. Interview. Eligible applicants will be notified by email to their TCC email address as part of the admissions process. All interviewed applicants will be notified regarding their selection status.
5. Clearance. Eligibility for admission to the Veterinary Technology Program requires clearance on a criminal background check, including sex offender registry, and drug testing.
   • Potential students will not receive full acceptance until clearance for both background checks and drug testing is received by the School of Health Sciences
   • Medical marijuana and the use of illicit drugs and alcohol are not permissible in the School of Health Sciences and the Veterinary Technology Program

Accreditation and Outcomes

Our Veterinary Technology Program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Registered Veterinary Technician licensure is regulated by the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. View the Professional Licensure Disclosure.

Outcomes

The objective of the Veterinary Technology Program is to provide students with the opportunity to achieve their degree and licensure, through our focus on retention. The Veterinary Technology Program recognizes the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the sudden change to all-remote learning on our graduates. During 2020-2021 and continuing, TCC and the Veterinary Program are modifying teaching and learning methods to better assist our students during this unprecedented time.

Student VTNE Pass Rates (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2022)

• Number of first-time candidates passed: 29
• Number first-time taken: 55
• Three-year percentage: 52.7%

Conditions

Certain conditions could prohibit you from being certified as a Register Veterinarian Technician. If you have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, or have a substance abuse problem, you may not be eligible for licensure in the State of Oklahoma. If any of these circumstances exist, we recommend you contact the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.