Testimonials
Veterinary Technician
All new students applying to the Veterinary Technician Program for the spring semester in 2025 will need to download and complete the new updated admissions requirements as a part of your application.
Due to accreditation requirements, all veterinary technician students must be vaccinated prior to entering veterinary technician courses. Please register for a vaccination clinic on campus to help you meet this requirement.
| Awards | Credits | Course Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technician - A.A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | On Campus |
| Program Datasheet: Download the Veterinary Technician Datasheet | ||
The Veterinary Technician program is academically rigorous, and it takes highly motivated individuals to succeed. Students must have a better than average ability to master a large course load of scientific and medical materials in a relatively short period of time.
Courses are taught by experienced veterinarians and veterinary technicians, with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that allow for extensive hands-on training with a variety of animal species. Upon completion of the American Veterinary Association accredited coursework, students will apply their skills by completing a 300-hour internship at an approved veterinary medical facility.
The Veterinary Technician curriculum adapts to meet and serve the needs of all DCTC students. We ensure equal access to our program and we strive to provide an equitable classroom and online learning environment, and access to information for all. We respect and acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and cultures of our students and allow for the opportunity to share experiences, backgrounds, and cultures.
For a graduate to be eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) they must graduate from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. The AVMA has specific criteria that accredited programs are required to follow and are covered throughout the program in Veterinary Technician specific coursework.
Employment in this field typically requires successful completion of the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam) licensing exam.
In order to progress in the Veterinary Technology program, a student must achieve at least a "C-" grade in all courses.
The Veterinary Technician program requires students take the HESI Assessment exam. For more information about the exam, including test dates, times, locations and preparation materials, and instructions on how to create an account and pay for the HESI Assessment, visit the HESI Assessment Exam page. Once the exam fee has been paid, you must contact the Testing Center to indicate the exam date.
Update to accreditation status (November 2023): The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) met on November 2 - 4, 2023, and placed the Dakota County Technical College Veterinary Technician Program on probationary status for a period of up to two years. Failure to substantially meet the Standards of Accreditation by the end of the two-year probationary period (Fall 2025) may result in involuntary terminal accreditation. It is the Committee’s goal to assist the program in achieving full accreditation. Graduates of a program on probationary accreditation are considered graduates of an accredited program.
January 1, 2021 - December 30, 2023
| Veterinary Technician A.A.S. Degree • 60 credits |
|
|---|---|
| Tuition | $385.95/cr. |
| Student Fees | $30.65/cr. |
| Textbooks | $1,600 |
| Course fee for VTEC 2980 | $345 |
| Course fee VTEC 1120 | $840 |
| HESI + Practice Test Package | $90 |
| Grand Total | $27,871 |
Each year, Dakota County Technical College and the DCTC Foundation make more than $200,000 in scholarships available to our students. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.
Students looking for ways to help finance their college education can find part-time jobs on campus with various DCTC departments and programs. Deliver your completed Work-Study Application to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and search for openings on Handshake. For more information, you can review Work Study Procedure.
Step 1: Apply now for financial aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
DCTC's Federal School Code: 010402
Step 2: After receiving an official award letter from DCTC, you may apply online for a Federal Stafford Student Loan. Visit the Loans page for more information.
A Veterinary Technician plays an integral role within a veterinary medical team. Their training and knowledge allow them to work with and support veterinarians, scientists, and researchers in environments such as a general practice, emergency medicine facility, research facilities, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, animal control and humane organizations as well as local or state health departments. Veterinary Technicians are qualified to provide skills such as patient care, client education, advanced nursing procedures, anesthesia maintenance and monitoring, surgical assisting, laboratory testing, emergency care, dental prophylaxis, as well as radiographic imaging and more.
According to O*Net Online, occupations in this field are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years and will have large numbers of job openings.
If you are looking to bring in any college credit, visit our Transfer To DCTC Resource Page and DCTC will help you through the process.
If you are looking to transfer to a 4-year institution after completing your degree, DCTC can help you through the process! Check out our Transfer From DCTC Resource Page.
Transferology is used to find out how your courses might transfer to DCTC and any of the participating schools in the Transferology network. Get an account for free and create a plan now!
The Veterinary Technician program at DCTC is active throughout the year and makes headlines in college publications. Read about student successes and the accomplishments of our instructors.
As a student in DCTC's Veterinary Technician program, you have many opportunities to make connections in the health care industry through your involvement in professional clubs and organizations.
DCTC features active student clubs and organizations for Veterinary Technician students, providing networking and professional development opportunities right on campus.
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (PTK)
Phi Theta Kappa is recognized as the official honor society for community colleges by the American Association of Community Colleges. PTK provides many leadership and civic engagement opportunities for students. To be eligible for membership, you must have completed a minimum of 12 hours of coursework at DCTC with a cumulative GPA of 3.5. Invitations to join the society are mailed to eligible students at the end of each term.
For a complete list of extracurricular opportunities at DCTC, visit our Campus Life page.
