The on-campus program application process involves mailing in required documents described in the process below; a folder will then be created for each applicant. Only completed application folders will be reviewed for admission to the Veterinary Technology program:

• The deadline for completed application packages for the on-campus program is March 1 (postmarked by).
• Admitted students are generally notified on or before April 15 by a letter via U.S. mail to your address on file.
• Candidates declined admission will be notified on or before April 30 by a letter via U.S. mail to your address on file and will be provided with reapplication information.

If you need help or have any questions regarding the Veterinary Technology program application process please Contact Us.

Note: There is no formal application form, but every candidate must print, complete, sign and include a Pre-Admissions Checklist as their top-page document before mailing all of the following materials in one single application package. Tips and suggestions are provided for each step of the process based on frequently asked questions.

IF YOU WISH TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION YOU MUST:  

1. Use the Pre-Admissions Checklist to guide you.

• Print out and initial a Pre-Admissions Checklist to acknowledge that you have met the minimum requirements and are including all required materials needed to apply to the program.
• The Pre-Admissions Checklist should be included as the top page and mailed with your entire application package in a single large envelope.
• Please make sure to submit your application materials in their entirety because incomplete application folders or separate items received will not be accepted for the review process.

2. Submit an application for admission to the college.  

• If you are a current NOVA student, please skip this step -- you do not need to reapply.
• If you are a returning NOVA student and it has been more than two years, you may need to reapply to reactivate your status. Follow the directions above. 
• These forms may be obtained from any NOVA Admissions and Records office.
• An online application may also be submitted at www.nvcc.edu. Click on the tab, APPLY NOW in the top right corner of the NOVA home page.
• Make sure to record the password you use to complete the application; you will use this password to log-on to MY NOVA later.
• At the end of the application process, pay specific attention to obtaining your STUDENT ID# and your USER NAME.
• If you encounter any problems with the application process, please contact the IT Help Desk at 703.426.4141. Select option # 1 when prompted.

3. Request copies of your high school and college (if applicable) transcripts be sent from your school(s) directly to you:

• If you have taken college coursework or possess a college degree, and your college transcript shows evidence of the minimum requirements (Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry with a “C” or better), then your high school transcript is not needed. However, if these minimum course requirements are not on your college transcript, be sure to request and include your high school transcript with the application package.
• The most effective method of submitting transcripts is to do the following: request your school(s) to send you at least three official transcript copies from each institution to your home address (do not open the transcripts), and include one of each school’s unopened official transcript(s) as part of your final application package.
• Your transcripts are evidence of your academic preparedness and an indicator of your readiness to complete the rigorous veterinary technology coursework. Thus, in the admission review process, we will be considering the number of college credits and fundamental general education courses already completed and your cumulative grade point average (GPA). We will also note the number of “Ws” and “Fs” you may have earned over time. A pattern of withdrawing or failing courses across time may indicate a student’s inability to persist, and we would be concerned about our ability to retain you through to degree completion.

4. Submit one of the requested college ( if applicable) transcripts sent from your school(s) in the above step for transfer credit purposes directly to:

• NOVA – Loudoun Campus
  Attn: Student Services Office
  Room LR 246
  1000 Harry Flood Byrd Highway
  Sterling, VA 20164

• In addition to sending your official transcript(s), it is necessary for you to complete and include the completed Request for Evaluation form, #125-049. Without this printed and signed form, your transcripts will only be stored in an image file. This form will enable your transferred credits to be evaluated and posted to your academic record. Here is a link to the NOVA Forms Library: http://www.nvcc.edu/forms/student/bynumber.asp
• You may fax Form #125-049 to NOVA Student Services at Loudoun Campus to 703.813.6022.
• Ignore any post card you may receive that warns you that your transcript will not be officially evaluated until you register for at least 1 credit at NOVA. We are only asking you to send in your official transcript and the Request for Evaluation form; it is not required that your transcript be evaluated by NOVA for admissions.

5. Submit with your application packet a typed, dated and signed letter of intent describing your background include your academic accomplishments, work experience, life skills, and your interest in becoming a professional Licensed Veterinary Technician.

• Although not required, feel free to attach additional information, such as a resume or any other documents you would like considered in the admission process (i.e., awards, evidence of additional relevant training and/or commendation letters from a client).
• This letter should be single-spaced, 12pt font, and a maximum of two pages.
• Include your name, STUDENT #, phone number and address in your letter.

6. Obtain two professional letters of recommendations individually in a sealed envelope addressed to:

Dr. Tregel Cockburn, Assistant Dean
NOVA – Loudoun Campus
Veterinary Technology Department
Natural & Applied Science Division

• DO NOT have them mail individual letters directly to the Program. Both letters of reference are to be included with your application package.
• Ask each person writing you a reference letter to sign and date across the back of the sealed envelope and then return the letter to you. This action shows that the letter is official and that the applicant has not seen the content.
• You cannot use the 16 hours of veterinary observation letter described below as a professional letter of reference.
• Letters of reference from family members (close and distant) or spouses are NOT acceptable.
• Solid letters of reference should be obtained from people who know you well and can speak of your character and the kind of person you are (i.e. practice managers, LVTs, other work supervisors, high school teachers or counselors, college professors or counselor, people for whom you have completed volunteer service).

7. If you have no previous experience, you must observe for a minimum of 16 hours in a veterinary clinic or hospital and obtain proof of completion of the required hours. 

PREFERENCE IS GIVEN TO THOSE APPLICANTS CURRENTLY WORKING IN THE FIELD.

• Please note that the documenter of your observation hours cannot be used as one of your letters of reference.
• If you are already working in a veterinary practice, this step is not required. However, ensure that your veterinarian practice owner or supervising veterinarian provides a letter of reference for you. This letter of reference will verify your experience and background.
• Locate a practice who will allow you to observe by either using your current family veterinarian or by looking up local veterinary practices in the yellow pages. Politely introduce yourself when contacting the clinic or veterinary hospital and request observation as part of your application process.  
• Your 16 hours of observation should be documented in the form of a brief letter on official veterinary practice letterhead.  Ask the observing veterinarian to sign and date the envelope seal to show this as an official letter.
• Include this proof of observation hour’s letter as part of your application package.
• Preference is given to applicants who are already working in the veterinary field full-time because those students who are able to apply the knowledge and skills on a weekly basis while in the coursework are the most successful in completing the program and becoming a licensed veterinary technician.

8. Complete NOVA placement tests for reading, writing and mathematics with satisfactory scores and submit scores to the Veterinary Technology program: satisfactory scores will place you into Eng 111 and Math 126. 

You do not need to take these placement exams if you fit into any one of the following categories:

• You are a current NOVA student and you have already taken the English and Math placement tests with satisfactory scores.
• You are a current NOVA student and you have already completed English 111 (you do not need to re-take the English placement test).
• You are a current NOVA student and you have already completed a Math course (you do not need to re-take the Math placement test).
• You are a student who has earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from another accredited school.
• You are a student transferring in an English 101 or a college-level credit math course (pass/fail math courses do not count) from another accredited college with at least a “C.”

9. AFTER you have completed all of the above steps, please mail your completed application package with the Pre-Admissions Checklist as the top-page document to the NOVA Loudoun Veterinary Technology program. Only completed application folders will be reviewed for admission to the Veterinary Technician program.

• Application package must be submitted directly to the Veterinary Technology program office located in the LD building or mailed to address below postmarked by deadline:

NOVA – Loudoun Campus
Veterinary Technology Department
Natural & Applied Science Division
1000 Harry Flood Byrd Highway
Sterling, VA 20164

• Include a self-addressed and stamped postcard in your packet. It will be mailed back to you as confirmation your application packet was received and complete.
• Evaluation of folders will only be granted to those prospective students who have completed steps 1 through 8 and who have met all minimum requirements.
• Be sure to submit your application material in one large mailing package by any mail service that provides a delivery confirmation signature.
• If you have any questions about this application process Contact Us.

 10. Financial Aid considerations:

• At the same time you are preparing an application to be accepted to the Veterinary Technology program, be sure to also meet with a financial aid counselor on any campus to discuss the financial aid process and your options. 
• The Loudoun Campus financial aid counselors are located in the LR building, Room 253. Call first 703.450.2571 to confirm their walk-in hours before you visit the office.
• You can find the information for all NOVA financial aid offices.
• You can find additional information under the Financial Aid FAQ.
• The six-digit identification code for Northern Virginia Community College is 003727.
• Review the Financial Aid FAQ page on this website for more information.