Program Requirements

Recommended High School Courses:

Composition
Speech
General Business
Bookkeeping
Computer Literacy
Human Relations
Business Math
Biology (This is required.)
Chemistry (This is required.)

Program Entry Requirements:

We have a competitive admissions process to be admitted to the Veterinary Technology Program at DMACC. All complete applications need to be submitted by March 1, 2024 to be considered for Fall 2024 admission.

Complete an application for admission.
Submit high school or college transcripts with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. High school transcripts or college transcripts if the students have 24 or more college credits.
Submit evidence of grade “C” or better in one year of high school biology or equivalent (DMACC Academic Achievement Center Biology I & II or BIO 156 ).
Submit evidence of grade “C” or better in one year of high school chemistry or equivalent (DMACC Academic Achievement Center Chemistry I & II or CHM 122 ).
Satisfy required assessments with a minimum ACT score of 20 or ACCUPLACER Next Gen with a minimum score of 248 Reading and 254 Writing.
Complete the Veterinary Technology Program admissions testing (ATI TEAS Exam).
Attend a Veterinary Technology Program Informational Seminar with Program Chair/ Director.
Program Information Seminar dates are:
9/21/2023 - 5pm FFA 215
11/16/2023 – 5pm FFA 215
2/15/2024 – Virtual
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A minimum of 20 hours practical experience verified by completion of the Experience Verification Form.
Applicants satisfying the above requirements will be invited to an interview as part of the departmental selection process with the DMACC Veterinary Technology admissions committee. Applicants eligible for an interview will be invited to interview after April 15, 2024.
Attend any required orientation meeting.

Due to the large volume of applicants relative to the number of available positions in the program, a point ranking system will be used. Each eligible application will be given a number for anonymity and demographic data will be removed. Applicants will be given points and ranked based on:

a. GPA

b. Scores on admissions exams

c. Interview with Admissions Committee

d. Bonus points, based on the grade are given for completion of general education requirements completed before admission to the program.

e. Ties in point value will be ordered based on application date

Applications are accepted all year. Application for the starting Fall Term will be cut off on March 1 of each year. This deadline may be extended if program seats are still available. Upon acceptance into the Veterinary Technology Program, all students are required to attend a group orientation in June of the year in which they are accepted. Below is some information about the orientation.

The group orientation will take at least 2 hours. Students will be given their fall semester schedule. Students will only be registered for classes after completing the orientation.
Students will learn about the programs expectations, dress code and rabies vaccination recommendations.
Students will learn the program’s Technical Standards

Transferring

If you're transferring from another school, you must have your transcripts sent to the Credentials office - contact them at 515-964-6644 for more information on how to send your transcripts to us.

For more information on transferring contact Credentials office 515-964-6644.
For information on admissions, contact Admissions office 515-964-6200.
For information on admissions process, contact Admission Processing office 515-964-6495.
For information on program, contact the academic advisor at 515-964-6243.
For information on the program content, contact the instructors 515-965-7071.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

Performance Standards: Performance standards are necessary in a competent veterinary technician. These standards are necessary to protect the technician, other members of the health care team and the animal patients.

Physical requirements
1. Ability to tolerate walking and standing for sustained periods of time.
2. Capable of lifting and/or carrying up to 50 pounds from floor to waist level frequently
3. Capable of using hands and arms to handle, install, position and move materials
4. Capable of handling, positioning and restraining live animals

Sensory abilities
1. Visual ability to see details at a close range and to make observations and assessments necessary in animal care. Be able to use diagnostic equipment i.e. microscope, thermometer, refractometer etc. . . .
2. Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. Hear auscultatory sounds, monitor alarms, emergency and cries for help. Hear warning sounds from animals and humans of impending danger / injury.
3. Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and to perform nursing duties. Perform palpation during physical exams. Administer oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous medications. Insert and remove tubes and perform wound care management. Collect organic samples from live animals.

Mental
1. Amenable to learning the safe handling, restraining and working with any species of domestic or exotic animals without fear. These animals may be sick, injured, fractious, or aggressive without fear.
2. Willingness to assist with or perform a wide variety of routine medical surgical and diagnostic procedures common to the veterinary setting; including humane euthanasia.
3. Capacities to read and hear, understand, and quickly execute complex verbal and written instructions given in English.
4. Possess emotional stability when performing duties in animal life and death situations or other stressful situations.
5. During emergencies, being able to respond promptly and appropriately.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

Requires the ability to work with a variety of animal species
National board examination is required to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician