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If animals are your passion, consider a career as a veterinarytechnologist – one of the fastest-growing occupations in Pennsylvania andacross the United States. PennWest is an AVMA-accredited vet tech school so duringyour four-year program you will acquire a solid base of knowledge as well asclinical skills that prepare you for leadership in the workplace.
The veterinary technician classes include animal anatomy, behavior and diseases, practice management, recordkeeping and laws pertaining to animal care, laboratory and clinical experiences. Along the way you will learn best practices for animal handling, as well as veterinary surgery, dentistry, radiology, pharmaceuticals, as well as anesthesia and pain management.
Expert faculty will supervise you as you work directly with small animals such as dogs, cats, rats and rabbits in high-tech, on-campus labs. Additional learning occurs in animal exam areas, a clinical laboratory equipped with diagnostic and imaging equipment and a surgical nursing suite. By selecting electives and additional clinical experiences in areas that interest you, you will be able to customize your education even further.
You’ll graduate ready to sit for the Veterinary Technician national exam and a rewarding career in settings that range from animal hospitals and humane societies to laboratories and research facilities. This BS in Veterinary Technology also qualifies for a job with veterinary practices and organizations such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
If you require a flexible learning schedule, you can opt for PennWest’s rigorous associate degree program, which is embedded within the bachelor’s in veterinary technology. This allows you to complete your Associate of Science requirement over two, three or four years.
Credits: 120
Contact:
Chadwick Hanna
hanna@pennwest.edu
724-938-5989
The Committee on Veterinary Technical Education and Activities (CVTEA) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) granted initial accreditation in 2021.
Projected growth in employment for vet techs between now and 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Number of hours of clinical experiences
Many states, including Pennsylvania, report a shortage of veterinary services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 15,500openings for veterinary technologists and technicians will be needed every year over the next decade. Although vet techs often care for animals in private veterinary practices, many graduates with bachelor’s degrees work under the guidance of scientists, researchers or veterinarians in more advanced, research-related positions. If you work in a laboratory setting, you may administer medications, prepare tissue sample, record data and keep records of animals’ genealogy, weight, diet or behavior.
Vet techs may also prepare animals and equipment for surgery, assist with diagnostic or medical procedures, take X-rays or ultrasounds, administer preventive dental care and provide instructions on animal care. Vet techs also may prepare animals and equipment for surgery, assist with diagnostic or medical procedures, take X-rays or ultrasound images, administer preventive dental care for animals, and provide instruction on animal care. In addition to clinical settings, veterinary technologists are employed in:
PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.
