Section IV

Veterinary Technology Program

3.32.1 System Guidelines

None

3.32.2 College Guidelines

3.32.2.1 Owensboro Community and Technical College

The Veterinary Technology program prepares students to work in Veterinary practices as a veterinary technician.

Retention and progression in the Veterinary Technology program is contingent upon a grade of “C” or better in each course and maintenance of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or better (on a 4.0 scale) and meet all the technical standards.

Technical Standards

In order to be considered for admission or to be retained in the program a student must be able to:

1. Reach, lift moderate weights, manipulate and operate equipment necessary for veterinary medical care.
2. Comply with appropriate safety regulations when around animal species.
3. Move, manipulate and/or observe a patient as necessary in veterinary medicine.
4. Visually assess patients, clients, medical test results, and the working environment to correctly decide the appropriate action to take for the benefit of the patient and client.
5. Clearly communicate, both verbally and in writing, with the client, family, personnel, and others to disseminate information relevant to patient care and work duties, and to be able to hear in order to accurately gather information relevant to the patient/client and work duties.
6. Make appropriate judgment decisions in an emergency or where a situation is not clearly governed by specific guidelines.
7. Demonstrate emotional stability and psychological health in day-to-day interaction with patients/clients, staff, family and others in routine and non-routine, decision-making processes, and on the daily execution of didactic and clinical assignments.
8. Be able to successfully perform a standard set of competency skills during the last semester of the program. Satisfactory completion of these skills is required for graduation.
9. The program will, in compliance with KCTCS regulations and in the manner and to the extent permitted by law, endeavor to recruit students who add to the diversity of the student population in the Veterinary Technology program.

Admission

Candidates for admission must have a high school diploma or GED and must be admitted to OCTC before being considered for admission to the program.

The following items must be on file in the OCTC Admissions office:

1. Completed admissions application
2. Official transcripts from:
   1. High school (a partial transcript is acceptable for seniors prior to graduation).
   2. All colleges attended.
3. Completion of testing and test results.

The following are admission requirements of the Veterinary Technology Program must:

1. Have a minimum High School or College GPA of 2.5:
2. Have an ACT composite score of 20 or above (or equivalent SAT score):
3. Complete and submit all Veterinary Technology Program application forms:
4. Complete an eight-hour observation of the activities and duties of a licensed veterinary technician and the verification form must be signed by a licensed technician or veterinarian:
5. Submit to a background check:
6. Review and submit a verification form upon complete review of the Veterinary Technology Program Student Policy Manual, available on the OCTC website and in the library:
7. Complete all transitional education requirements in reading, writing, and math as indicated by the institutional placement guidelines (ACT, SAT or COMPASS) prior to enrolling into the Veterinary Technology program: and
8. Complete a formal personal interview with the Veterinary Technology admissions committee. Applicants are evaluated during the interview using the following criteria: academic ability, previous experience, reasoning and critical thinking skills, professional appearance, personal interaction skills, and motivation.

Completion of the admission requirements certifies eligibility, but in no way implies or guarantees admission to the program due to accreditation requirements and facility constraints.

Readmission

Readmission to the Veterinary Technology Program after dismissal is not guaranteed, regardless of the reason for dismissal. A student who wishes to apply for readmission must do so in writing, at least 60 days prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student would like to re-enroll. After reviewing all student records, the Veterinary Technology admissions committee will determine whether the student will be readmitted to the program. Students dismissed from the program a second time may not be readmitted.

An elapsed time period of five years or more shall necessitate repeating all Veterinary Technology courses.

Program enrollment is limited by accreditation, and readmission will be considered only if there are openings available within the class.

KCTCS, Owensboro Community and Technical College, or the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) are not responsible for students who achieve their AAS degree but are unable to obtain licensure.