Learn to provide veterinary care to animals, including nutrition, nursing, anesthesiology, radiography and clinical laboratory procedures. Gain practical experience in clinic settings.This program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Before enrolling in this program, in addition to the preparatory coursework listed below you must meet certain requirements:
- Meet the requirements for admission as a credit student at Pima Community College.
- Have preparatory coursework completed with the grade of C or higher.
- Have proof of personal medical insurance. Student health insurance is available through Pima. If you are not able to obtain insurance under your parents’ or an employer’s policy, student insurance coverage may be available to you from various carriers.
- Have proof of immunizations: pre-exposure rabies vaccination series and tetanus toxoid. Proof of tetanus toxoid in the last 8 years. Rabies immunizations will need to be completed while in the program.
- Complete program admissions procedures. Submit a Program Admission Form.
- Be able to meet physical requirements of lifting at least forty pound animals; restraining dogs, cats, exotic animals, horses, cows, birds, etc.; standing for long periods of time; bending and lifting; having manual dexterity to assist in surgery and having ability to communicate with veterinarians and clients. This is a physically demanding occupational field.
NOTE: VET courses have reading and math prerequisites: REA 091 (or higher) or placement into REA 112 ; and MAT 095 , MAT 097 , Module 35 in MAT 089, or placement into MAT 151 or higher.
What can I do with this degree?
Career Options: Work as a certified veterinary technician for veterinarians, biological research workers, scientists and business or organizations that provide care for animals. After completion of the program, students apply to take state and national board exams for certification.
Academic Options: While this program was not designed to transfer to a 4-year university, it may apply toward Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) or other programs. See Pima’s Transfer Partnerships (https://www.pima.edu/student-resources/transferring-from-pima/index.html) page to determine which universities offer BAS programs, and research how the universities may accept this program in transfer.
Department/Contact Information:
Dean: 520-206-7694
Program Director: 520-206-7414
Conditional Enrollment Program:
You will be eligible to enroll in VET courses once you have completed the requirement listed above and the Department has authorized your enrollment. See the program director or advisor for more information.
Conditional Program/Major Codes: AASVETTECH/9VET