Current Vet Tech Students

two students examining a parrot

The faculty and staff are confident that a student’s experience in the Veterinary Technology Program will provide them with a strong foundation to build a life-long career as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. The instructors at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) are dedicated to support and assist students to successfully navigate through the curriculum. Students' own personal efforts will be critical for their success as they progress through our rigorous and challenging program. 

Mission Statement

We are dedicated to preparing students with the evidence-based knowledge and clinical skills needed to improve the health and welfare of animals as well as provide compassionate care and contribute to public safety.

Technical Standard

  • Observe demonstrations and fully participate in physical examination sessions, clinical skills workshops, observe the difference between normal versus pathological states in various animal species. They must be able to obtain a medical history from client or farmer and perform a complete physical examination to integrate findings based on these observations, perform medical record-keeping, assist the veterinarian with appropriate diagnostic sampling and initiation of the veterinary medical treatment plan.
  • Maintain the ability to utilize auditory and sensory perception sufficient to monitor and assess animal patient needs.
  • Possess normal or corrected visual ability to assess oral health conditions and perform clinical procedures on animal patients.
  • Ability to see details at a close range and to make observations and assessments necessary in animal care.
  • Be able to use diagnostic equipment, such as a microscope, thermometer, and refractometer.
  • Observe movement at a distance ranging from 30-45 centimeters to 15-20 meters at a discrimination level that permits detection of subtle differences in the movement of the limbs in animals; including the ability to detect and describe a change in color of hair coat caused by licking or trauma, detect abnormal head posture in a parakeet, monitor respiratory rate during anesthesia, and read anesthesia monitoring equipment.
  • Discriminate shades of black and white patterns in which the band is not more than 0.5 mm in width. This includes the ability to characterize bacterial hemolysis on a blood agar plate, density patterns on a radiograph, and see ECG tracings.
  • Possess adequate depth perception to allow detection of a 0.5 cm elevation, which is no more than 1cm in diameter on a slightly curved surface having a slightly irregular surface. This includes the detection of tissue swelling on the hip on a smooth-haired dog to determine the presence of a reaction to skin testing for allergies.

  • Communicate effectively and sensitively with animal patients, their owners, and members of the veterinary medical, healthcare
  • Communicate effectively with the client owner from different social and cultural backgrounds, as well as develop an effective professional rapport with client owner, co-workers, and
  • Record examination and diagnostic results clearly, accurately, and
  • Communicate effectively in English to animal patients, and with client owner, and other veterinary health care professionals in a variety of animal patient
  • Possess auditory abilities sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. Hear auscultatory sounds, monitor alarms, emergencies, and cries for help. Hear warning sounds from animals and humans of impending danger/injury.
  • Perceive the natural or amplified human voice without lip reading to permit oral communication in a surgery room with all occupants wearing surgical masks.
  • Perceive the origin of sound as needed to detect movement of large animals in a pen or corral or monitoring multiple patients in an

  • Possess the capacity to perform physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers. They must be able to respond to emergencies promptly and provide general and emergency care.
  • Possess adequate sensory function and motor coordination to fulfill minimum competency objectives for animal restraint inspection, palpation, and auscultation necessary to perform a physical examination.
  • Possess the ability to tolerate walking and standing for sustained periods.
  • Capable of handling, positioning, and restraining live animals.
  • Possess sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control, and eye-to-hand coordination to utilize standard medical/surgical instruments to participate in the inpatient and outpatient setting and other clinical activities.
  • Possess sufficient motor function, strength, and endurance with both hands and arms as well as utilize fine digital motor skills to deliver animal patient care for varying lengths of time throughout the day.
  • Have the ability to adjust body mechanics ergonomically, move around in an examination room, animal wards/kennels, stalls/pens/barns, surgical and dentistry operatory, reception, pharmacy, other workspaces, and laboratory as well as lift 50 lbs. unassisted.
  • Have the ability to perform Cardiopulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation (CPCR) in the management of any of the animal patients during an emergency.
  • Possess the physical capacity to participate in required laboratory, preclinical, and veterinary clinical experiences such as appropriate animal restraint as well as lift and operate equipment with necessary strength and dexterity.
  • Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and to perform nursing duties. Perform palpation during physical exams. Administer oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous medications. Insert and remove tubes and perform wound care management. Collect organic samples from live animals.
  • Must be able to have sustained contact with multiple species of animals and be amenable to learning the safe handling, restraining, and working with these animals. An individual should not be allergic to any species of animals to the extent that would prohibit working in a facility that has them.
  • Ability to move his/her entire body a distance of no less than three meters within two seconds of a signal to do so, to rush from danger while handling animals in confined spaces.
  • Ability to hold, manipulate, or tie materials ranging from a cloth patch to a very fine string. This includes the ability to hold and manipulate a surgical sponge, tie a 00 silk suture, perform endotracheal intubation, inject fluid intravenously, catheterize animals to obtain urine and/or other body fluid samples, and apply bandages without assistance.

  • Ability to learn through a variety of modalities including, but not limited to, classroom instruction; small group, team and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; and use computer technology.
  • Possess the mental capacity to assimilate and learn a large amount of complex, technical, and detailed information in order to conduct diagnostic sampling, testing, and analysis and follow therapeutic plans under veterinary supervision.
  • Students must take into account the characteristics of the facility, animal patients, and client owners; the veterinary technician will effectively contribute to the professional and efficient operation of the facility in order to provide maximum benefits to clients, patients, and the facility.
  • Ability to schedule appointments, admit, discharge and triage according to the client, patient, and facility needs through phone and in-person contact.
  • Recognize and respond to veterinary medical emergencies.
  • Create and maintain individual client/patient records, vaccination certificates, and other appropriate forms.
  • Develop computer skills.
  • Possess the ability to utilize common management software programs.
  • Familiarize oneself with veterinary online services.
  • Perform basic filing of medical records, radiographs, lab reports, etc.
  • Create and maintain all appropriate facility records and logs in compliance with regulatory guidelines (e.g., radiography, surgery, anesthesia, laboratory, controlled substance).
  • Manage inventory control.
  • Recognize the roles of appropriate regulatory agencies.
  • Maintain appropriate disposal protocols for hazardous materials
  • Establish and maintain appropriate sanitation and nosocomial protocols for a veterinary facility, including patient and laboratory area.
  • Must be able to handle routine financial transactions.
  • Prepare medications; label and package dispensed drugs correctly.
  • Read and follow veterinarian's pharmacy orders.
  • Recognize groups of drugs, their mechanisms, and clinically relevant side effects.
  • Recognize the safe and effective manner in which vaccines must be administered; recognize and explain common side effects.
  • Accurately perform appropriate calculations; use weights and measures correctly.
  • Safely and effectively administer drugs by common parenteral and enteral routes; be able to explain appropriate routes and methods and when used.
  • Monitor therapeutic responses.
  • Demonstrate the ability to record medical information accurately.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of controlled substance regulations.
  • Demonstrate compliance with all federal regulatory guidelines for drug purchase, storage, administration, withdrawal, dispensing, disposal, and inventory control (e.g., biologics and therapeutic agents, pesticides, and hazardous wastes).
  • Amenable to learning the safe handling, restraining, and working with any species of domestic or exotic animals without fear. These animals may be sick, injured, fractious, or aggressive without fear.
  • Possess the willingness to assist with or perform a wide variety of routine medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures common to the veterinary setting, including humane euthanasia.
  • Possess emotional stability when performing duties in animal life and death situations or other stressful situations.
  • Complete required tasks/functions under stressful and/or unpredictable conditions, including emergencies.
  • Be able to progress toward minimal supervision as they advance through the program.

  • Have the emotional stability to function effectively under stress and to adapt to an environment that may change rapidly, without warning, and/or in unpredictable ways.
  • Accept responsibility for learning, exercising sound judgment, and promptly completing all responsibilities attendant to aiding in veterinarian’s diagnosis and care of animal patients.
  • Understand the legal and ethical standards of the veterinary medical profession.
  • Possess the ability to work effectively, respectfully, and professionally as part of the veterinary healthcare team, and to interact with animal patients, their client owners, and veterinary health care personnel in a courteous, professional, and respectful manner.
  • Ability to contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments, accept constructive feedback from others, and take personal responsibility for making appropriate positive changes.
  • Apply knowledge of interpersonal skills and team dynamics in all aspects of team dynamics.
  • Utilize appropriate interpersonal and public relations skills.
  • Must demonstrate telephone etiquette.
  • Recognize the legality of the veterinary-client-patient relationship.
  • Develop and provide client education clearly and accurately at a level the client understands (i.e., oral and written form, including educational handouts).
  • Use crisis intervention/grief management skills with clients.

  • Ability to understand the basis and content of both general and veterinary medical ethics.
  • Possess attributes that include compassion, empathy, altruism, integrity, responsibility, and tolerance.
  • Recognize limitations in their knowledge, skills, and abilities and to seek appropriate assistance with their identified limitations.
  • Students whose performance is impaired by abuse of alcohol or other substances are not suitable candidates for admission, promotion, or graduation. Additionally, should a student be convicted of any felony offense while in the Veterinary Technology Program, they agree to immediately notify the program assistant dean or program head as to the nature of the conviction. Failure to disclosure prior or new offenses can lead to disciplinary action that may include dismissal.
  • Students must understand and observe the legal boundaries of veterinary health care team members.
  • Students must interact professionally with clients and fellow staff members.
  • Students must demonstrate a commitment to high-quality patient care.
  • Students must respect and protect the confidentiality of client and patient information.

Forms