Veterinary Technology

Program Description

This program prepares the student for employment as a Veterinary Technician.  These professionals are integral members of the veterinary care team in private veterinary practices, research laboratories, kennels, zoos, and public practice/government agencies. Students are trained to work with a broad range of animal species and to become proficient in performing a variety of tasks including medical and surgical nursing procedures, laboratory testing, anesthesia induction, recovery maintenance, monitoring, holding and restraining animals during exams and treatments, collecting specimens, taking diagnostic X-rays, administering medication or treatments, assisting in surgery, and assisting with client education.

Successful completion of the program will lead to an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology and prepares students to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination for certification. 

Students admitted to the Veterinary Technology program must undergo a background check, submit proof of immunizations and health insurance.

Veterinary Technician Program Accreditation

  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Specialized Accreditation American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA CVTEA)

Western Colorado Community College (WCCC) Veterinary Technology Program has achieved program approval through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the AVMA CVTEA.

This is a competitive program; applications are due in the fall of each year for admission into the program in Spring.  Pre-requisite classes can be completed in the fall prior to the intended admission to the program.  A link to the application form and information about the interview process can be found here: 

https://www.coloradomesa.edu/wccc/programs/veterinary-technology.html

Contact Information

Office of Student Services
WCCC, Bishop B102
2508 Blichmann Avenue
970.255.2670

VETT 102 Veterinary Medical Terminology2 Credits

Introduction to the structure of veterinary medical terms with emphasis on using and combining the most common prefixes, roots and suffixes. Includes terms related to body systems, treatment and surgical procedures, clinical laboratory and diagnostic procedures, as well as industry shorthand, abbreviations and acronyms. Class structure provides accepted pronunciation of terms and relative use in the veterinary specific setting.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

VETT 106 Exotic Animal Handling2 Credits

Knowledge and skills required for veterinary technicians. This course focuses on exotic animal husbandry, handling, restraint, and specific problems encountered with exotic animals.

Prerequisites: VETT 280.

Corequisites: VETT 115, VETT 206/VETT 206L, VETT 223, VETT 224, VETT 241, and VETT 281.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 108 Introduction to Laboratory Procedures3 Credits

Biology, clinical appearance, and laboratory diagnosis of parasitic diseases of veterinary and zoonotic importance.

Corequisites: VETT 102, VETT 109, VETT 116 and VETT 120.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 109 Applied Companion Animal Behavior3 Credits

Exploration of companion animal behavior through: critical reviews of behavioral literature and its implications for applied techniques in behavior, demonstrations of applied techniques for modifying animal behavior, principles of companion animal body posture, everyday treatment of animals. Focuses on treatment of animals in veterinary practice, including improving handling techniques and safety.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

VETT 115 Surgical Nursing for Veterinary Technicians2 Credits

Background in veterinary medicine, including familiarity with instruments, surgical support equipment, and proficiency in the proper preparation of the operating room.

Prerequisites: VETT 280.

Corequisites: VETT 106, VETT 206/VETT 206L, VETT 223, VETT 224, VETT 241, and VETT 281.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 116 Humane Treatment and Handling of Animals3 Credits

Introduction to animal welfare and humane treatment during handling and restraint. Also covers behavior, safety, equipment choice, and typical clinical procedures.

Corequisites: VETT 108.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 120 Office Procedures and Relations2 Credits

Presentation of common veterinary office procedures including administration, professional etiquette, client relations, career development and job searching skills. Emphasis on computer skills in relationship to current veterinary management software.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

VETT 134 Diagnostic Imaging2 Credits

Coverage of selected areas of diagnostic imaging with an emphasis on radiology. Topics include radiation properties, x-ray production, radiographic equipment, darkroom procedures, the radiographic image, animal positioning and radiation safety. An introduction to special imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT scan) and ultrasound will also be included.

Prerequisites: VETT 102, VETT 108, VETT 109, VETT 116, and VETT 120.

Corequisites: VETT 172, VETT 205/VETT 205L, and VETT 280.

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 172 First Year Clinical Basics2 Credits

Basic animal care, examination, and handling skills essential for veterinary technicians. Focus on cats and dogs. Includes restraining animals safely and effectively, performing thorough physical examinations, obtaining accurate physiological data, obtaining a complete patient history, performing a nail trim, administering vaccines, and collecting blood sample.

Prerequisites: VETT 102, VETT 108, VETT 109, VETT 116, and VETT 120.

Corequisites: VETT 134, VETT 205/VETT 205L, and VETT 280.

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 196 Topics1-6 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

VETT 205 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology I3 Credits

Background on the anatomy and physiology of animals. Includes the structure and function of the following body systems: musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive and urogenital. Other subjects include unique characteristics of common domestic species. Applied laboratory experiences will cover the following species: canine, feline, equine, and bovine.

Prerequisites: VETT 102, VETT 108, VETT 109, VETT 116, and VETT 120.

Corequisites: VETT 134, VETT 172, VETT 205L, and VETT 280.

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

VETT 205L Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory1 Credit

Background on the anatomy and physiology of animals. Includes the structure and function of the following body systems: Musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive and urogenital. Other subjects include unique characteristics of common domestic species. Applied laboratory experiences will cover the following species: canine, feline, equine and bovine.

Prerequisites: VETT 102, VETT 108, VETT 109, VETT 116, and VETT 120.

Corequisites: VETT 134, VETT 172, VETT 205, and VETT 280.

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 206 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology II3 Credits

Continued study of anatomy and physiology of companion and farm species. The class covers relationships between body systems, metabolism and physiology. The following systems will be covered in this second portion of anatomy and physiology: Integumentary, Neurologic, Digestive, Endocrine, Immunologic, acid- base balance and fluid regulation. Applied laboratory experiences are included as well as clinical applications of anatomy.

Prerequisites: VETT 280.

Corequisites: VETT 106, VETT 115, VETT 206L, VETT 223, VETT 224, VETT 241, and VETT 281.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

VETT 206L Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory1 Credit

Continued study of anatomy and physiology of companion and farm species. The class covers relationships between body systems, metabolism and physiology. The following systems will be covered in this second portion of anatomy and physiology: Integumentary, Neurologic, Digestive, Endocrine, Immunologic, acid- base balance and fluid regulation. Applied laboratory experiences are included as well as clinical applications of anatomy.

Prerequisites: VETT 280.

Corequisites: VETT 106, VETT 115, VETT 206, VETT 223, VETT 224, VETT 241, and VETT 281.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 223 Introduction to Anesthesia1 Credit

Examination of basic principles in veterinary anesthesiology. Includes the role of the veterinary technician anesthetist, important concepts relating to various types of anesthesia, preparation of anesthetic equipment and machines, pre-operative patient management, and recording information during anesthesia.

Prerequisites: VETT 280.

Corequisites: VETT 106, VETT 115, VETT 206/VETT 206L, VETT 224, VETT 241, and VETT 281.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 224 Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians3 Credits

Background in pharmacology principles, including: mechanism of drug action, types of drugs, anesthetic agents, pharmacy management and calculations related to drug dosages.

Prerequisites: VETT 280.

Corequisites: VETT 106, VETT 115, VETT 206/VETT 206L, VETT 223, VETT 241, and VETT 281.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 225 Anesthesiology3 Credits

Introduction to injectable and gaseous anesthesia appropriate for surgical and diagnostic procedures. Other topics include anesthesia monitoring, emergency procedures, and control of post-surgical pain.

Prerequisites: VETT 109 and VETT 281.

Corequisites: VETT 227, VETT 232, VETT 238, VETT 239, VETT 242, VETT 250, and VETT 275.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 227 Animal Nutrition2 Credits

Foundation in the principles of animal nutrition. The course focuses on the basic elements of nutrition, including the major categories of nutrients and their sources, digestion, and metabolism. Both large and small animal feeds and feeding will be covered. Emphasis on the relationship between nutrition and health.

Prerequisites: VETT 109 and VETT 281.

Corequisites: VETT 225, VETT 232, VETT 238, VETT 239, VETT 242, VETT 250, and VETT 275.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

VETT 232 Veterinary Dentistry1 Credit

Introduction to veterinary dentistry as it concerns the veterinary technician. Includes dental morphology, performing a dental exam, identifying common dental problems, equipment used to perform a professional dental cleaning, the proper steps to perform a dental cleaning, and the role of a veterinary technician in client education and preventative home care.

Prerequisites: VETT 109 and VETT 281.

Corequisites: VETT 225, VETT 227, VETT 238, VETT 239, VETT 242, VETT 250, and VETT 275.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 238 Small Animal Nursing2 Credits

Presentation of commonly encountered medical and surgical conditions of the dog and cat with emphasis on the role of the veterinary technician. This course focuses on nursing concepts and specific skills necessary for the profession. Laboratory sessions will provide a hands-on teaching experience.

Prerequisites: VETT 109 and VETT 281.

Corequisites: VETT 225, VETT 227, VETT 232, VETT 239, VETT 242, VETT 250, and VETT 275.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 239 Large Animal Nursing3 Credits

Presentation of commonly encountered medical and surgical conditions of common large animal species with emphasis on the role of the veterinary technician. This course focuses on nursing concepts and specific skills necessary for the profession. Laboratory sessions will provide a hands-on teaching experience.

Prerequisites: VETT 109 and VETT 281.

Corequisites: VETT 225, VETT 227, VETT 232, VETT 238, VETT 242, VETT 250, and VETT 275.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 241 Clinical Laboratory Procedures4 Credits

Biochemical derangements that characterize disease. Topics include proper collection and analysis of urine, blood, and cytological samples; basic principles of anatomic pathology; necropsy procedure and sample collection.

Prerequisites: VETT 280.

Corequisites: VETT 106, VETT 115, VETT 206/VETT 206L, VETT 223, VETT 224, and VETT 281.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 242 Veterinary Critical Care2 Credits

Instruction in appropriate nursing assessment, monitoring, and intervention for emergencies. Considers overall anatomy, physiology, and disease or accident processes to assist in veterinary diagnoses and treatment.

Prerequisites: VETT 109 and VETT 281.

Corequisites: VETT 225, VETT 227, VETT 232, VETT 238, VETT 239, VETT 250, and VETT 275.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 243 Veterinary Diagnostic Microbiology3 Credits

Introduction to the biology, clinical appearance, and laboratory diagnosis of bacterial and viral diseases of veterinary and zoonotic importance.

Prerequisites: VETT 275.

Corequisites: VETT 282 and VETT 285.

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 250 Clinical Competency Evaluation1 Credit

Evaluation of clinical skills and knowledge in preparation for final cumulative clinical practice. Includes selected clinical laboratory techniques (parasitology, hematology, urinalysis, cytology, chemistry, serology, microbiology); diagnostic imaging; office procedures; surgical preparation, instrumentation and assistance; anesthesia induction, maintenance and monitoring; restraint and handling techniques; small, large and laboratory animal diagnostic and therapeutic techniques; and pharmacology calculations, labeling and drug classification.

Prerequisites: VETT 109 and VETT 281.

Corequisites: VETT 225, VETT 227, VETT 232, VETT 238, VETT 239, VETT 242, and VETT 275.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 275 Specialty Rotation2 Credits

Introduction to specialties through site visits and/or on-campus training days delivered by industry professionals and veterinary specialists. Focus on experiential learning opportunities and exposure to specialties such as: dentistry, anesthesia/analgesia, internal medicine, emergency and critical care, surgery, equine, zoology, behavior, clinical practice, nutrition, clinical pathology, dermatology, ophthalmology, and alternative veterinary medicine.

Prerequisites: VETT 109 and VETT 281.

Corequisites: VETT 225, VETT 227, VETT 232, VETT 238, VETT 239, VETT 242, and VETT 250.

Terms Typically Offered: Spring.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 280 Diagnostic Imaging Clinical1 Credit

Focus on the use of radiographic equipment, safety, positioning of animals for radiographs, developing a technique chart, and producing diagnostic radiographic and non-radiographic images.

Prerequisites: VETT 102, VETT 108, VETT 109, VETT 116, and VETT 120.

Corequisites: VETT 134, VETT 172, and VETT 205/VETT 205L.

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 281 Clinical I2 Credits

Opportunity to supplement coursework with practical work experience related to the educational program. Students work under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel at the business location and with the direct guidance of the instructor/coordinator.

Prerequisites: VETT 280.

Corequisites: VETT 106, VETT 115, VETT 206/VETT 206L, VETT 223, VETT 224, and VETT 241.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 282 Clinical II3 Credits

Continued opportunity to supplement coursework with practical work experience related to the educational program. Students work under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel at the business location and with the direct guidance of the instructor/coordinator.

Prerequisites: VETT 275.

Corequisites: VETT 243 and VETT 285.

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

Fees: Yes.

VETT 285 Veterinary Technician Exam Prep1 Credit

Preparation for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Includes a comprehensive review of program content and the opportunity to participate in a simulated VTNE.

Prerequisites: VETT 275.

Corequisites: VETT 243 and VETT 282.

Terms Typically Offered: Summer.

VETT 296 Topics1-6 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.