Veterinary Medical Technology (Vet Tech)

Veterinary Medical Technology (Vet Tech) Overview

The Veterinary Medical Technology (Vet Tech) program at A-B Tech provides hands-on training and experience with small and large animals. Our classes and labs are taught in the state-of-the-art Ferguson Center for Allied Health and Workforce Development on A-B Tech's main campus and clinical training occurs at the A-B Tech Animal Care Campus, where our faculty and students provide animal care for the adjoining Asheville Humane Society and Buncombe County Animal Shelter.

New! We have condensed in-person classes to three days per week to provide more flexibility for working students.

Our program also works with more than 50 veterinary hospitals in the area; specialty practices in WNC, near Charlotte and in Upstate South Carolina; and with a number of farms. Our students learn to care for domestic animals and a wide range of large animals, including horses, cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, alpacas, llamas, and more! (*Please note that our students only provide animal care through these community partnerships. If you have a pet that needs medical attention, please contact your veterinarian.)

Coursework includes instruction in veterinary anatomy, nutrition, parasitology, pathology, physiology, radiology, terminology, zoology, office practices, laboratory techniques, dentistry, and small and large animal clinical practices. Students also take courses in English, humanities, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, and computer technology.

Qualified graduates are eligible to take state and national examinations administered by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board. Graduates of the program are employed in veterinary clinics, equine facilities, diagnostic research, pharmaceutical laboratories, zoos, academic institutions, and other areas associated with animal care.

A-B Tech’s Veterinary Medical Technology Program received accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Activities and Education (AVMA CVTEA) in November 2007. Graduates of accredited programs are eligible to take national and state credentialing exams for licensure.

Our Mission

The Veterinary Technology Department’s mission is to instill integrity and professionalism in our students through an innovative and dedicated team, which provides the fundamental foundation of learning through experience and practical skills to inspire individuals to make a difference in the lives of animals within their community. We strive for academic excellence, compassionate care, and student support.

Programs

Title	Credential	Credit Hours	Link to program details
Veterinary Medical Technology A.A.S.	Degree	70	‌‌

Graduates of accredited programs may be eligible to take state and national examinations administered by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board.

Graduates may be employed in veterinary clinics; diagnostic, research, or pharmaceutical laboratories; zoos; academic institutions; or other areas associated with animal care.

Admission to the Veterinary Medical Technology Program follows the Selective criteria. The application period for each Fall is the beginning of February through mid-March. Please contact Admissions at (828) 398-7900 for more information.

Upon successful completion of the curriculum, graduates should be able to:

Prepare animals for veterinary examination and procedures
Safely prepare and administer medications used in veterinary medicine.
Accurately collect specimens for laboratory analysis.
Perform veterinary laboratory, radiographic, anesthetic, and dental procedures.
Demonstrate the ability to competently assist in veterinary surgical procedures.
Provide proper husbandry of animals and their environment.
Demonstrate understanding of common veterinary diseases and appropriate diagnostic procedures.
Demonstrate effective veterinary office practices and knowledge of regulatory issues relating to animal welfare.

This program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA),