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.
- 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.
Contact Information
Program Director
Jan Barnett, DVM
918-595-8212
jan.barnett@tulsacc.edu
Additional Information Available
Program Learning Outcomes
- Accomplish the academic and skill-based knowledge to successfully complete the AAS degree in Veterinary Technology.
- Successful completion of the National Veterinary Technician Examination (NVTE) and State of Oklahoma licensing examination, to enter a career as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).
- Acquire the knowledge and desire to exemplify professionalism and leadership.
- Graduates will appropriately apply skills and knowledge to perform the duties required of an RVT in the proper nursing care of a variety of animal species:
- Foundational skills including knowledge of anatomy/physiology and functional interactions of organ systems, microbiology/immunology and diseases, verbal/written communication and computer skills, and information/resource management.
- Clinical skills including diagnostic imaging, anesthesia/surgical assisting, nursing, clinical pathology, preventive medicine, dentistry, behavioral management, and herd health.
- Management skills including effective client and staff communication (including dealing with difficult clients and grief management), efficient business and facility management, accurately maintaining proper record keeping for the hospital and various regulatory bodies, and implementation of safety and OSHA standards.
- Students and graduates will recognize and continue to enhance their skills through lifelong learning.
Careers
Search careers related to Veterinary Technology at TCC Career Explorer and visit 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).
Degree Requirements
View a semester-by-semester course plan of study on the Veterinary Technology Degree Map.