About The Program

The Veterinary Technology program is designed for persons who wish to develop the latest techniques and skills that will prepare them for careers as veterinary technicians and other related positions in animal hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research laboratories, institutional or pharmaceutical animal colonies, zoological parks and as federal or state livestock inspectors.

Program Information

Current Vet Tech Students

Program Degrees and Certificates

Program Details

The 2023 Veterinary Technology Application Period is open April 15th - June 1st. Apply here. Please ensure you have passed all of the required pre-veterinary technology courses with a "C" or better and have a veterinary mentor before applying.

Our program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). We award an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and prepare you for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), an entry-level national licensing exam.

  • Transfer Opportunities

    In order to learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study please visit: https://www.nvcc.edu/transfer/. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.

  • Faculty and Staff
    • Dr. Kiana Adkisson-Selby, Program Head and Assistant Professor
    • Ms. Lisa Scott, BSc LVT, Program Manager
    • Dr. Amy Laubinger, Associate Professor
    • Dr. Nora Glaser, Assistant Professor
    • Dr. Amber Kingsley, Assistant Professor
    • Ms. Diane Schrenzel, LVT, Instructor/Trainer
    • Ms. Dawn Witter, LVT, Instructor/Trainer
    • Ms. Tricia Brehm, LVT, Instructor/Trainer
    • Ms. Nicole Gagnon, Office Assistant
  • History

    The Animal Science Technology Program was established at NOVA’s Loudoun Campus in 1975. The Program was awarded full accreditation by the Committee on Animal Technician Activities and Training (CATAT) of the American Veterinary Medical Association in the fall of 1980. The program name was changed three decades ago to Veterinary Technology. Beginning in the fall of 2002 the Veterinary Technology Program at NOVA’s Loudoun Campus began offering the Veterinary Technology degree program online, in addition to the traditional on-campus program. The online program achieved initial accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2004 and full accreditation in 2005. Combined, the two programs produce approximately 50 graduates per year.

    Virginia veterinary technicians are represented regionally by the Virginia Association of Licensed Veterinary Technicians (VALVT). The mission of the organization is to provide support to licensed veterinary technicians through continuing education and by serving as a professional voice for technicians throughout the state. Veterinary technicians are represented nationally by National Association of Veterinary Technician in America (NAVTA). Founded in 1981, the primary mission of the organization is to provide a means by which veterinary technicians can be involved in and provided input on national issues involving veterinary medicine. To better support the role of the veterinary technician in practice and to help define the job descriptions of the veterinary team, NAVTA created guidelines and a model curriculum for veterinary assistant programs. The association launched a veterinary assistant program approval certification in 2010.

    As the profession continues to evolve, NAVTA has met that need by creating the NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technicians Specialties (CVTS). This committee is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association as the accrediting body for veterinary technician specialties. The CVTS has created guidelines for veterinary technician organizations to facilitate the formation of a specialty organization. These organizations are known as academies and each academy defines and develops the specific pathway (based on CVTS guidelines) that a candidate must complete in order to earn the designation Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) within that academy. There are currently 10 academies recognized by CVTS: dentistry, anesthesia, internal medicine, emergency/critical care, behavior, zoological medicine, equine, surgery, clinical practice and nutrition. In addition, four societies have been created for the advancement of specialty interest in veterinary technology: behavior, equine, zoological medicine and emergency/critical care.

  • Veterinary Technician National Exam

    VTNE Results For the NOVA Veterinary Technology Program

    July 1, 2019-June 30, 2022
    Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE 93
    Three-year VTNE pass percentage 76%
    National Average 71%
  • Veterinary Tech Curriculum Advisory Committee

    NOVA, Loudoun Campus

    Dr. Tregel Cockburn, DVM (Committee Executive Secretary)
    Marta Ishmael, LVT
    Dr. Robert Brown, DVM
    Christy Bell, LVT
    Thomas Massie, DVM
    Dana Eddy, LVT, CVPM
    Azadeh Chegini
    Gail Figgins, LVT
    Jane Naramore, LVT
    Dr. Jeffery Newman, DVM
    Joshua Parkins
    Samantha-Jo Ebert, RVT, ALAT
    Katie Newbold, LVT, CVPM
    Kim Hill, LVT
    Kelly Lucas, LVT, RLATg
    Dr. Jay Joyce, DVM
    Ellen Carozza, LVT
    Dr. Susan Barnes, DVM
    Dr. Donna Krochak, DVM

  • Meet the Alumni

    Norma Mayo

    I graduated from NOVA with a degree in Animal Health Technology in 1986. I passed my boards and became a CAHT (now LVT) in 1986. My first job was in a small animal practice in Annandale, Va. I was able to use the many skills I learned at NOVA in the 11 years I worked at that practice. I was responsible for all in-house lab work, radiographs, dentals and anesthesia. I also met lots of very nice pet owners and shared my veterinary knowledge on a daily basis. I've been working at a specialty practice in Fairfax, Va. since 1997. I'm in the Surgery/Neurology department. My responsibilities include pre and post-op patient care, anesthesia, radiology, some lab work, client education and acting as a scrub nurse. I've had some very challenging anesthesia cases over the years. Our surgeons trust us to choose the best drugs and pain control for our patients. As an LVT at this practice, I have assisted with some interesting surgeries, I've assist one of our surgeons at a local zoo on many occasions and I traveled to Tanzania for a 10 day safari! I work with a great group of people (many are graduates of NOVA). We strive to provide the best possible care for our patients.

    Jenny Santiestevan

    While attending Virginia Tech for a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management, I began working as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic. This sparked my interest in pursuing a career as a veterinary technician. After graduating from VT in the spring of 2002, I began the veterinary technology program at NOVA and graduated in 2004. After receiving my license I worked in a variety of fields including general practice, surgery, internal medicine, and even managed a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. I always wanted to pursue a career in the conservation/science field, which lead me to the position I currently hold at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park as a biotechnician for the Center for Species Survival. My duties include assisting with reproductive exams, semen collections, artificial inseminations, cryopreservation, managing the genome resource bank and various other reproductive procedures. This position gives me the opportunity to combine my veterinary technician license with my interest in conservation and science. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, son, two dogs and cat.

    Veronica Acosta

    I graduated from NOVA's Veterinary program in 2004. Upon graduating, I began my career in zoological medicine. I have been working as a veterinary technician at Smithsonian's National Zoological Park for six years. I have had the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world like China and Ecuador to assist in various conservation projects. I have also been a member of the Association of Zoological Veterinary Technicians for six years. Through this organization I have served as president-elect, a member of the LLP Scholarship committee, and co-chair of the grant committee. Along with being a zoo vet tech, I am also interested in giving back to my vet tech community. I am directly involved with the vet tech internship program at my zoo. I have served as the chair for the Veterinary Technology program advisory board for NOVA. I also volunteer for the Humane Society of the United States international outreach program traveling to different parts of Latin America teaching veterinary students the fundamentals of veterinary medicine. My other interests include cuddling with my three cats, three dogs, and running. Every minute I have, I make the most out of being a vet tech. It is great to be working in a field that I truly love.