Prepare to start your career in Veterinary medicine with our Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree
Our Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree gives you a solid foundation for success. Taking classes on campus means learning in our new $11 million Veterinary Technology facility, featuring 32,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, surgery and x-ray suites.
Campus Option
Taking classes on campus means learning in our new $11 million Veterinary Technology facility, featuring 32,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, surgery and x-ray suites. Campus students will be required to have an affiliation with a veterinary facility for 100 hours of clinical time each semester.
Online Option
At SPC, you can complete the online Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree program by taking clinical practicums where you live. Clinical practicums require the student to obtain an agreement with a veterinary facility under the supervision of a credentialed mentor (credentialed technician or veterinarian) who oversees your academic experience for credit in the program. Online students are required to complete 280 hours of clinical experience in a veterinary facility during each semester enrolled in the program.
Begin Application Below
- Career Info
- Why SPC
- Courses
- Information
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- Degree Options
- Admissions
This academic program prepares you for the following
careers. All job data is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area Average Florida Average Projected employment for Florida Projected
Job Openings 1250Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
FEATURES of SPC's Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree
Veterinary Technology Associate in Science
VETTC-AS
Effective Beginning Catalog Term: Fall 2022 (610)
The requirements shown below are valid beginning Fall 2022 (610), and may not reflect degree requirements for current students. Current students should visit My SPC and view My Learning Plan to see specific degree requirements for their effective term.
Program Summary
ON-CAMPUS PROGRAM BEGINS IN AUGUST AND JANUARY.
This program is also offered as a Fully Online program. Please scroll down to "Distance Education" for more information.
Before entering the first term of the On Campus Veterinary Technology “program courses”, all students must have completed at least 18 of the 22 credits of the required Veterinary Technology general education and support courses including composition, speech, mathematics, and natural science. Students may take the general education and support courses at any regionally accredited college or university, or they may complete them through St. Petersburg College campus or distance education courses. The general education and/or support courses do not have to be taken in the order listed. Applicants must have worked or volunteered in a veterinary hospital at least 40 hours prior to applying for admission to fulfill the clinical observation requirement. Candidates will also complete the Health Programs Application before they will be considered for acceptance into the Veterinary Technology Program. Please see a counselor and/or advisor.
Graduation Requirements
In addition to the schedule listed above, the student, with permission of the program director, may elect to take reduced credit hours each semester and extend the program over eight semesters. Courses must be taken in proper sequence and all other program requirements apply.
Minimum grade of "C" required in all courses.
AS GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Communications - Composition- Core
Complete 3 credits from the approved General Education Composition I coursework. Minimum grade of "C" required. This requirement must be completed within the first 24 credits of coursework toward the AS degree.
3
AS GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Communications - Speech
Complete 3 credits from the approved General Education Speech coursework . Minimum grade of "C" required.
3
AS GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Social and Behavioral Sciences- Core
Complete 3 credits from the approved General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences coursework. Minimum grade of "C" required. Completing POS 2041 or POS 2041H or AMH 2020 or AMH 2020H will satisfy the course component of the Civic Literacy Requirement.
3
AS GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Humanities and Fine Arts-Core
Complete 3 credits from the approved General Education Humanities and Fine Arts coursework. Minimum grade of "C" required.
3
AS GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Mathematics-Core
Complete 3 credits from the approved General Education Mathematics coursework. Minimum grade of "C" required.
3
AS GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Ethics
Complete 3 credits from the approved General Education Ethics coursework. Minimum grade of "C" required.
3
AS GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Computer/Information Literacy Competency
Competency may be demonstrated by completing the Computer Information and Literacy Exam (CGS 1070T) OR by successful completion of one of the approved Computer/Information Literacy Competency courses. No minimum credits required.
AS GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Enhanced World View
Complete at least one 3-credit course intended to enhance the student's world view in light of an increasingly globalized economy. Minimum grade of "C" required. In some cases, this course may also be used to satisfy another General Education Requirement.
AS GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Civic Literacy
Competency may be demonstrated by completing at least one course from the approved General Education Civic Literacy coursework below (minimum grade of "C" required) AND satisfactory completion of an assessment (exam). This requirement is in compliance with Rule 6A-10.02413 of the Florida Administrative Code.
SUPPORT COURSES Natural Science Core with Lab Select 3 credits
MAJOR CORE COURSES First Term in Program
MAJOR CORE COURSES Second Term in Program
MAJOR CORE COURSES Third Term in Program
MAJOR CORE COURSES Fourth Term in Program
DISTANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM BEGINS IN AUGUST, JANUARY AND MAY
The Distance Education Program is designed for students who cannot commute to campus. The credit earned by distance education is the same as credit earned on campus. Students may combine distance education courses with on-site courses in order to better accommodate work and family obligations. The difference between local and distance learning is in the method of delivery, not in the content or the desired outcomes.
Before entering the first semester of the Distance Veterinary Technology “program courses,” all students must have completed at least 18 of the 22 credits of general education and support courses and be computer literate. Students may take the general education and support courses at any regionally accredited college or university, or they may complete them through St. Petersburg College campus or distance education courses.
Applicants must have worked or volunteered in veterinary hospital at least 40 hours prior to applying for admission to fulfill clinical observation requirement. Students must also be in a veterinary hospital at least 20 hours per week each semester they are enrolled in the distance program. Students must master over 200 tasks and skills, resulting in the need to be in a hospital where there is the opportunity, equipment, supplies, and expertise to be instructed and learn these tasks and skills.
Candidates will also complete the Health Programs Application form and the Veterinary Hospital Observation and Discussion form before they will be considered for acceptance into the Veterinary Technology Program. Please contact a counselor and/or advisor.
The Veterinary Technology Distance Education Program is based on the following assumptions. Students have: a. completed at least 18 of the 22 credits of the general education and support courses prior to admission. b. the initiative, resourcefulness and perseverance to work independently. c. a solid relationship with an employer veterinarian. d. experience using a computer and have access to a computer and the Internet. e. subscribed to an Internet service.
The complete distance program application includes the following: a. The college application and the $40 fee for new students at SPC. b. Health Programs Application form. c. Hospital Observation and Discussion form. d. Transcripts from your high school (if no college degree) and any colleges you have attended sent directly to SPC from each school. Applicants are considered as soon as their file is complete.
Distance Program – Veterinary Technology Courses are designed to be completed in the specific sequence below. Please contact the program director for advice if you wish to make adjustments.
MAJOR CORE COURSES YEAR ONE - 19 CREDITS
Term I: Complete 7 credits
Term II: Complete 6 credits
Term III: Complete 6 credits
MAJOR CORE COURSES YEAR TWO - 17 CREDITS
Term I: Complete 7 credits
Term II: Complete 5 credits
Term III: Complete 5 credits
MAJOR CORE COURSES YEAR THREE - 16 CREDITS
TERM I: Complete 7 credits
TERM II: Complete 5 credits
TERM III: Complete 4 credits
Academic Pathways The Academic Pathway is a tool for students that lists the following items:
- the recommended order in which to take the program courses
- suggested course when more than one option exists
- which semester each course is typically offered
- if the course has a prerequisite
- courses that may lead to a certificate (if offered in the program)
If you are starting the program this term,
VIEW THE RECOMMENDED ACADEMIC PATHWAY
If you have already started the program,
VIEW THE ARCHIVED ACADEMIC PATHWAYS
Please verify the Academic Pathway lists your correct starting semester.
Program Leadership Information
Florida CIP Code
1301830100: Veterinary Technology ()
Federal CIP Code
01.8301: Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant
Accreditation
SPC's A.S. and B.A.S. degrees in VeterinaryTechnology are accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
AAHA
SPC's School of Veterinary Technology recently received full accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association, signifying the highest level of medical care within the veterinary medical profession. Only three of the 221 veterinary technology programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association are also AAHA accredited.
Information on passing rates on the Veterinary Technician National Exam
Information on SPC graduates: July 2019- June 2022
The three-year pass percentage on VTNE is calculated as follows: X/Y * 100=Three-year pass percentage whereby X is the number of first time candidates that passed the VTNE and Y is the number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE | July 2018 – June 2021 |
Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE | 232 |
Three-year VTNE pass percentage | 79.3% |
Forms and Information
- Hospital Observation and Discussion Form
- Affiliation Agreement
- Rabies Protection or Declination
- Letter to Mentors
- Essential Functions and Skills
Veterinary Technology General Resources
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Veterinary Technology Student Essential and Recommended Skills list
- SPC Vet Tech Courses
- Essential Equipment List
Technician Associations
- Florida Veterinary Technician Association (FVTA)
- Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA)
- National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
- Approved Veterinary Technician Specialties and Academies
National exam
- Find a Participating Testing Center (NCTA)
- National Exam Information (AAVSB)
Scholarships
The SPC Foundation offers more than 350 different scholarships to SPC students based on eligibility. Once you complete the single online application during the application windows, you will automatically be matched with any scholarships that you may be eligible for.
Industry certification
SPC's Veterinary Technology Associate in Science Degree prepares you for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Continue Your Education at SPC
SPC's Veterinary Technology A.S. degree transfers to our Veterinary Technology B.A.S. Degree.
Once you earn your associate or bachelor's degree, you can continue with SPC's Veterinary Practice Management Certificate.
Program Admission Guides
Please review the program admission guide to ensure your eligibility prior to applying below.
- Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree On-Campus Admission Guide
- Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree Online Admission Guide
- Technical Standards and Essential Functions
- Students accepted into the program will be required to successfully pass a background check and drug screening.
Begin PROGRAM APPLICATION
Please answer the following questions to apply to our Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree program.
I am
A current student taking courses at SPC.
A returning SPC student but not currently enrolled in courses.
A new student who has never attended SPC.
New student at SPC
I have completed the SPC application and paid the non-refundable fee.
I have not completed the SPC application.
Returning to SPC
I have taken classes in the past two years.
I have not taken classes in the past two years.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts must be posted and evaluated by the application deadline.
I have submitted all official transcripts from regionally accredited schools. Note: Transcripts from schools outside the U.S. must be evaluated by a NACES approved agency.
I have not submitted all official transcripts from regionally accredited schools. Note: Transcripts from schools outside the U.S. must be evaluated by a NACES approved agency.
Cumulative GPA
I have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale in all postsecondary coursework.
No, I do not have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale in all postsecondary coursework.
College level Reading, Writing, and Math
I have demonstrated college level Reading, Writing, and Math from college coursework or appropriate test scores. If unsure, please contact your academic advisor.
No, I have not demonstrated college level Reading, Writing, and Math from college coursework or appropriate test scores. If unsure, please contact your academic advisor.
Program Admission Questions
General Education and Support Courses
I will have completed 18 credit hours of the general education and support courses for the program (including all communications, math, and natural science requirements) by the application deadline.
No, I will not have completed 18 credit hours of the general education and support courses for the program (including all communications, math, and natural science requirements) by the application deadline.
Veterinary Hospital Observation
I will have completed 40 hours of Veterinary Hospital Observation by the application deadline.
No, I will not complete 40 hours of Veterinary Hospital Observation by the application deadline.
Online or On-Campus Student
I am taking Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree as an online student.
I am taking Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree as an on-campus student.
Self-Directed Video Interview for On-Campus Students
I have completed and submitted the Self Directed Video Interview.
No, I have not completed the Self Directed Video Interview.
SPC Application
You will need to complete the SPC Application and pay the non-refundable fee.
Official Transcripts Required
Please submit official, unopened (sealed) high school transcripts or GED transcripts as well as those from all regionally-accredited college(s) and universities currently or previously attended. If you completed an A.A.S. degree or higher at a regionally-accredited institution, we won't need your high school transcripts. Learn more about transcripts.
Cumulative GPA Requirement
You will need a cumulative GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale in all postsecondary coursework for admission. Please review the admission guideand reach out to your academic advisor.
College Level Reading, Writing, and Math Requirement
This health program requires students to be at college level in Reading, Writing, and Math. Please see your academic advisor for additional details.
Program Admission Requirements
Please review the curriculum for approved options that meet this requirement.
Application Windows Campus Program
Fall: August | March 1 – May 15 | May 16 – June 30 | July 1 |
Spring: January | July 1 – Sept. 15 | Sept. 16 – Oct. 31 | Nov. 1 |
Application Deadlines Online Program
The Veterinary Technology Online A.S. degree program accepts applications continually throughout the year. Please apply once your prerequisite coursework has been completed and posted to your SPC transcript. All qualified students will be offered admission and will be eligible to enroll in the following semester. To be considered for a certain semester, please complete your application by the following dates:
Term | Application Deadline |
Spring | Dec. 15 |
Summer | April 15 |
Fall | Last day of SPC Summer semester |