Program Description
Veterinary Technicians are essential members of the veterinary health care team. A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) will support and augment veterinary care in many fields involving animals, including private veterinary practice, biomedical research, herd health management, teaching, zoological parks, education, and government services.
Under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, RVT’s may perform a diversity of skills to include: intensive nursing care, clinical laboratory procedures, radiology, anesthesiology, dental care, and surgical assistance. A graduate will have an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of animal husbandry, behavior, and nursing care for a variety of species. The Veterinary Technology Program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). RVT licensure is regulated by the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (OSBVME).
Prospective students must formally apply to the TCC Veterinary Technology program. For program information and an application, contact: Veterinary Technology Program, TCC West Campus, 7505 West 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74107-8633, 918-595-8212.
The graduate will receive an Associate Degree in Applied Science. Upon degree completion, the graduate is eligible to take the NVTE (National Veterinary Technician Examination) and the Oklahoma licensure examination. The licensed RVT will work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Individuals may not be eligible for a veterinary technician licensure in the state of Oklahoma who have:
- been addicted to narcotics or alcohol;
- received treatment for the habitual use of narcotics or alcohol;
- been convicted of a narcotics-related offense;
- ever been reprimanded, disciplined, disqualified or suspended from the duties of a veterinary technician or animal care;
- ever been a patient in a sanitarium or institution for the treatment of mental illness;
- been arrested/convicted of any felony offense, including a deferred sentence; If any of these circumstances exist, it is advised that the prospective student discuss this with the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
Note: All applicants for licensure in the State of Oklahoma must undergo an OSBI (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation) background check during application for Examination and Licensure.
Admission to the Program
Program Application Instructions
- All program applicants must complete separate applications to Tulsa Community College and to the Veterinary Technology program.
- Contact the Veterinary Technology program, West Campus (918) 595-8212, for program information and application.
- Shadowing is to be completed before application to program or at program director’s discretion. Contact the Veterinary Technology program for more information and specific requirements.
- Prerequisite course work for the Veterinary Technology program must be completed prior to admission.
- Submit completed application and required materials, including official high school and college transcripts, and SAT/ACT (if exam taken) scores, to: Veterinary Technology Program, TCC West Campus, 7505 West 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74107-8633, 918-595-8212, by April 30. Incomplete submissions will not be considered for admission to the program. Admission to TCC does not guarantee acceptance into the Veterinary Technology program.
- If transferring courses from another college/university, consult an academic advisor and submit a current degree audit with the application.
- Eligible applicants will be notified and an interview will be scheduled.
- All interviewed applicants will receive notification by email regarding their selection status.
Program Admission Requirements
In order to enroll in courses that are part of the program degree plan, students must receive an extensive criminal background check, including but not limited to a seven-year county of residence nationwide criminal history check, national sexual predator screening, Social Security check, and Medicare/Medicaid fraud screening. Potential students need to be aware that drug testing is a requirement for participation in the Veterinary Technology program.
English Language Proficiency
An official iBT® TOEFL (internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language) test score or an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Band score is required as proof of English proficiency for any International student for whom English is a second language who is applying to any Tulsa Community College health sciences program. Students who have graduated from a U.S. high school will not be required to take the iBT Toefl or IELTS tests. Your scores must be current within 2 years of the semester for which you are applying.
For health sciences students, the minimum sub-scores on the internet based TOEFL (iBT®) are 21 for Writing; 24 for Speaking; 20 for Reading; and 20 for Listening, with a total minimum score of 85.
For students choosing the IELTS test, acceptable scores include: 6.5 for Reading; 6.5 for listening; 7.5 for Speaking; and 6 for Writing, for a total IELTS Bans score of 6.5. These required minimum scores must be met for each of the four sub-tests on a single exam. A total score that does not meet the sub-score minimums does not meet the requirement. Exceptions to this policy may be considered on an individual basis.
Students must go to www.ets.org/toefl to find a TOEFL iBT testing site, register and pay for the test. Students may go to www.ielts.org/us to find an IELTS testing center and register and pay for the test. Both tests cost approximately $190. Students are highly encouraged to take practice tests to prepare for these important tests. Your official scores, including ALL Sub-scores, must be sent directly to the TCC Registrar’s Office.
Contact Information
Program Director
Jan Barnett, DVM
918-595-8212
jan.barnett@tulsacc.edu
Additional Information Available
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology for appropriate patient care of a variety of animal species.
- Perform nursing care for a variety of animal species to include large and small laboratory animals and selected exotic species.
- Perform diagnostic support skills including radiology, clinical pathology, and microbiology.
- Accurately perform medical calculations.
- Perform appropriate office management and customer service skills important in m managing a veterinary hospital.
- Accurately interpret doctor’s orders and provide safe and appropriate patient therapeutics.
Careers
Search careers in this field at Focus 2 Career or schedule an appointment with TCC Career Services to learn more about our free career planning and job preparation services.
Student Organizations
Students are encouraged to network with other Vet Tech students through participation in the Veterinary Technology Student Association (VTSA). The objectives of this organization are to: educate the public about the profession of Veterinary Technology; promote professionalism and ethical standards; promote animal welfare and humane treatment for all animals; and to develop opportunities for academic success.
Degree Requirements
View a semester-by-semester course plan of study on the Veterinary Technology Degree Map.
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