Program Details

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.