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Veterinary

If you love animals, you’ll love this career

As the pet care industry continues to grow, veterinary practices are looking for staff to provide the best possible care to their patients. Tidewater Community College’s veterinary technology programs provide in-depth instruction in the behavior, care, and treatment of animals relevant to working in this in-demand field. Our comprehensive program is paired with clinical experience, allowing you to get hands-on practice while completing your traditional coursework.

Learn more about Natural Sciences @ TCC

Semesters:
6
Credits:
63
View Curriculum
Locations:
Virginia Beach Campus
Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology

Prepare to become a licensed veterinary technician, a career in which you’ll perform laboratory diagnostics, advanced nursing care, client communication, radiography, anesthesiology, surgical nursing, and dentistry on a variety of animal species.

This program is designed for those individuals currently working in practices as veterinary assistants and employed at least 20 hours per week.

Classes meet twice weekly and students must attend all day laboratories 3-4 times per semester for study and testing purposes. Laboratories are typically held all day on Mondays or Fridays.

Semesters:
2
Credits:
17
View Curriculum
Locations:
Virginia Beach Campus
Career Studies Certificate - Veterinary Assistant

Prepare to assist and support licensed veterinary technicians and veterinarians in the health and handling of a variety of small domestic animals and exotic species.

The Veterinary Assistant program is approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.

NAVTA

The Veterinary Technology program has received initial accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination and become a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT).

AVMA

Upon graduation from a NAVTA approved Veterinary Assistant program, a participant is eligible to sit for the national examination and upon successful completion will be designated an Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA).

veterinary Technology

Admission to the veterinary technology program is selective and requires a separate application in addition to admission to the college.

Download program information packet

Veterinary Assistant

Admission to the veterinary assistant program is selective and requires a separate application in addition to admission to the college.

Download program information packet

VTNE data

July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023

Number of first time candidates that have taken the VTNE: 64

Three year VTNE pass percentage: 92%

The Veterinary Technology Program of Tidewater Community College is committed to ensuring that animals used by personnel and students on behalf of the College are treated in a humane, ethical manner and in accordance to federal, state, and local regulations. Individuals aware of potential violations to animal care and use regulations or who observe misuse or mistreatment of animals are strongly encouraged to report their concerns.

In accordance with federal laws, individuals reporting animal welfare concerns may do so without fear of discrimination or reprisal. Confidentiality of the individual raising the concern will be preserved to the extent necessary to conduct the review.

Complaints may be submitted in writing or reported verbally. The complaint should include a factual description of the event with the date, time, location, animal species, identification of animals, specific care or handling concerns, and other relevant details. Anonymous complaints are also acceptable.

Complaints may be submitted to the following individuals:

Institutional Official: Dr. Michael Summers | msummers@tcc.edu | 757-822-7122

Program Director: Dr. Megan Taliaferro | mtaliaferro@tcc.edu | 757-822-7264

Complaints may also be submitted anonymously through this form .

Is this program for you?

Yes, if you:
  • have excellent communication skills
  • are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
  • enjoy animals