Veterinary Technology, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science
Distance Learning Program

Offered through partnership with Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC)

The distance education program is designed for those students who cannot relocate for the on-campus program at the Weyers Cave location. It is designed for those individuals currently working in practices as veterinary assistants. Classes start every three years and take place using a live, two-way television connection. 

Applicants must be employed at least 20 hours per week by a veterinarian willing to provide supervision and allow the student to perform the tasks taught in the various courses.

Applicants must attend classes twice weekely at the distance education site and travel to BRCC three times per semester for laboratories.

The distance learning program has limited space and students will be selected on a competitive basis. Courses will be offered in sequence to allow a student who takes every course to finish in 9 semesters. Students graduate after 3 years.

Purpose: This curriculum is designed to prepare students as veterinary technicians.

Program Objectives: In Virginia, licensed veterinary technicians working under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian may perform those tasks related to animal health except the diagnosis of disease, prescribing drugs, or performing surgery.

Veterinary technicians may be employed in a veterinary hospital, diagnostic/research laboratory, the pharmaceutical industry, zoos/wildlife centers, as sales and livestock managers, or veterinary educators.

Developmental Requirements: Students who do not place into college-level English on the placement test will be required to take developmental courses.

Students who do not demonstrate proficiency on the placement test in the following mathematical units will be required to complete developmental courses: MTE 1 , MTE 2 , MTE 3 , MTE 4 , MTE 5 , MTE 6 , MTE 7 , MTE 8  and MTE 9 .

Admissions Requirements: Students who plan to complete the program through distance education at Virginia Western should access teh following website for information and should follow the BRCC application instructions located at http://www.brcc.edu/academics/programs/vettech. Applications are due to Blue Ridge Community College by January 31, 2018. The next class will be accepted for Summer 2018.