Curriculum Overview

Veterinary Technology Program Options

NOVA Veterinary Technology students will have the option to sign up for either on-campus or asynchronous online lecture sections. All lab sections will be held on campus weekly.

NOVA’s Veterinary Technology program can be completed on either a full-time or a part-time schedule. The part-time and full-time programs are distinct (the part-time program is not a “stepping stone” to the full-time program), and students must decide at the time of application which program to pursue.

Full-Time Program and Part-Time Program Similarities

  • Both programs begin in the fall semester, with set courses offered each fall and spring.
  • Both programs require a grade “C” or better in all prerequisite courses, which must be completed prior to application for admission.
  • Both full-time and part-time students must complete certain general education courses as part of their A.A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology, including a social science elective, a humanities elective, and either CST-110 or CST-126. To learn more about these electives, review the most recent version of NOVA’s course catalog.
    • Note: Although these courses are not considered during application review, students may opt to take them either prior to starting or during a summer semester between their VET courses because of the demanding nature of the program.

Program Distinctions

The Full-Time Program:

  • Covers VET-specific coursework in four consecutive semesters (two years). For more information, see the current Full-Time Program Course Sequence.
  • Requires students to work in a veterinary clinic at least 10 hours per week (150 hours total) during every fall and spring semester.

The Part-Time Program:

  • Covers VET-specific coursework in six consecutive semesters (three years). For more information, see the current Part-Time Program Course Sequence below.
  • Requires students to work in a veterinary clinic at least 20 hours per week (300 hours total) during every fall and spring semester.

Veterinary Technology (A.A.S.) – Three Years Part-time Curriculum

Prerequisites:

  • CHM 101 Intro to Chemistry or CHM 111 General Chemistry – 4
  • ENG 111 College Composition I or Higher – 3 
  • MTH 133 Mathematics for Allied Health – 3
  • 1SDV 101 Orientation to Veterinary Technology – 1
  • VET 111 Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals – 4

Total - 15 credits for Prerequisites

 1st Semester, Fall

  • VET 105 Intro to Veterinary Technology – 3
  • VET 116 Animal Breeds and Behavior – 3
  • VET 211 Animal Diseases I – 2
  • Total - 8 credits

2nd Semester, Spring

  • VET 131 Clinical Pathology I – 3
  • VET 216 Animal Pharmacology – 2
  • 2Social Science Elective – 3
  • Total - 8 credits 

3rd Semester, Summer

  • CST 110 Intro to Communications or CST 126 Interpersonal Communications – 3
  • 3Humanities/Fine Arts Elective - 3
  • Total - 6 credits

4th Semester, Fall

  • VET 121 Clinical Practices I – 3
  • VET 122 Clinical Practices II - 3
  • VET 132 Clinical Pathology II – 3
  • Total - 9 credits

5th Semester, Spring

  • VET 214 Animal Dentistry – 2
  • VET 133 Clinical Pathology III – 3
  • VET 135 Anesthesia of Domestic Animals – 2
  • Total - 7 credits

6th Semester, Fall

  • VET 212 Animal Disease II – 2
  • VET 221 Advanced Clinical Practices III – 4
  • Total - 6 credits

6th Semester, Spring

  • VET 217 Intro. to Laboratory, Zoo, and Wildlife Medicine – 2
  • VET 235 Animal Hospital Management/Client Relations – 3
  • VET 290 Preceptorship in Veterinary Technology – 4
  • Total - 9 credits

Semesters that have <6 VET-course credit hours will not qualify for financial aid unless taking general education course 

Total Credits for the A.A.S. Degree in Veterinary Technology = 68

1 - Students may substitute with SDV 100

2 - See social/behavioral science courses listed under General Education Electives.

3 - See humanities/fine arts courses listed under General Education.

Choosing Between the Full-Time and Part-Time Program

The full-time program is a better fit for students who:

  • Have experience taking more than 10 credit hours of fast-paced coursework in a single semester.
  • Have a strong academic background in STEM courses.
  • Can prioritize their academics among other responsibilities.
  • Have a solid foundation of experience working as a Veterinary Assistant.

The part-time program is a better fit for students who :

  • Prefer to take their time learning new material.
  • Have outside obligations that may not allow for adequate study time in a condensed schedule.
  • Are new to the field but also working full time.