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Veterinary Technology program applicants must have a high school or GED diploma and be at least 18 years old. Applicants must complete the following required core courses prior to admission. Students must have an overall GPA of at least 2.25 with a GPA of at least 2.75 in the prerequisite courses listed below.
You can find more information in the College Catalog.
Students are admitted once each year in the fall term.
Enrollment into the program is 24 students maximum per year. The number of students is limited by the student-to-faculty ratio as required by our accrediting body, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
To apply, first complete the Get Started Interest Form.
Our program is located at the Western Campus (11000 W. Pleasant Valley Road, Parma, Ohio 44130).
No. AVMA, our programmatic accreditor, requires that students learn a list of hands-on skills, called essential skills, to graduate from our program. Students must be on campus to learn these skills directly from our instructors in hands-on labs. This allows our instructors to ensure and verify that students can carry out these essential skills at the level required.
Each year, we take in 19 full-time students and five part-time students. Part-time students take the same classes but fewer at a time. Therefore, it takes longer to complete their degree. They take an average of six to seven credits per semester. Indicate on your application if you are interested in the part-time option. Because part-time students may not be covered under financial aid, contact the Student Financial Aid office before choosing this option.
Private practices employ the majority of registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) — mostly companion animal facilities that treat dogs and cats and possibly other pets, including rabbits, rodents, birds, reptiles or fish. Practices seeing other species (horses and food animals like cattle or pigs) employ fewer technicians. Other career opportunities include biomedical research laboratories, drug and feed manufacturing companies, specialty practices, diagnostic laboratory facilities, animal shelters and humane organizations, animal production facilities, pet insurance companies and zoos.
The demand for RVTs is high. Six‐month post-graduation employment rates have traditionally exceeded 85‐90%. Assistance with job placement, resume preparation and interview techniques is provided by Tri-C Career Services, located on each campus.
Salary ranges vary by career choice. You can find more information on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website. These numbers have increased over the past two years, and many students are now finding positions at higher wages.
To practice legally in Ohio, veterinary technicians must be registered. Graduates of the Tri‐C Veterinary Technology program are fully approved for registry in Ohio by the state’s Veterinary Medical Licensing Board (OVMLB). Graduates must obtain a passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and pass a criminal background check to become registered. Applicants should contact the OVMLB through its website for information regarding credentialing in Ohio. Graduates interested in credentialing in other states should contact their respective state veterinary medical licensing boards. Veterinary boards in other states may be accessed through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards website.
Everyone who meets the admission requirements is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no interview process, and students with higher grade point averages do not receive preferential treatment. All Tri-C Health Career programs require that you also submit a criminal background check.
In acknowledging diversity, the College respects and welcomes differences among people and will carry out its mission mindful of the differences in its community. Through its overall climate, the College will provide opportunities and reinforce understanding, appreciation and action intended to maximize the potential of all students. Tri-C's policy is that employment and educational benefits will be administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, sexual orientation, disability or status as a disabled Vietnam-era veteran.
A registered veterinary technician (RVT) is a vital member of the veterinary health care team, providing a wide range of care for animal patients. The duties of RVTs may be described as the combined equivalent of a veterinary nurse, surgical technician, anesthetist, medical technologist, dental hygienist, pharmacy technician and radiography technician.
Care provided by a veterinary technician includes:
Tri-C Vet Tech Program: What is a Veterinary Technician? (Video)
Like many Health Career programs, ours is a “lock step” program. Full-time students begin the program in the fall semester, take a spring semester, summer, fall and then a final spring semester. In other words, they take five straight semesters to complete the program once they have finished their prerequisites, applied to get into the program and started their full-time programmatic classes.
Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
Every student must present evidence of good health and the ability to undertake the personal requirements of a Veterinary Technology student before the first day of class. In most cases, this includes, but is not limited to, a physical exam, up-to-date immunizations and a rabies vaccine series. Some clinical sites may impose additional requirements. Failure to provide evidence of good health throughout the program sequence will prevent the student from attending Veterinary Technology courses or clinical experiences.
Evidence of health insurance is required to participate in the clinical courses of the Veterinary Technology program. The student must maintain comprehensive health insurance coverage throughout the program sequence. The College is not responsible for costs incurred for an injury or medical problem sustained by a student while affiliated on campus, caring for the animals, during class or at a clinical rotation site.
No. The Veterinary Technology program requires traditional letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) for all of the core course prerequisites and courses that are part of the Veterinary Technology program curriculum.
Estimated Veterinary Technology Program Costs
Note: The costs listed below are estimates and subject to change.
Tuition and Fees (for residents of Cuyahoga County*)
Tuition for general education courses: $1,718
Tuition for program courses: $5,612
Laboratory fees: $800
Other Expenses
Textbooks (required): $1,300
Textbooks (optional): $500
Uniforms, lab coats and other supplies: $150
National licensing exam (VTNE): $325
Classroom supplies: Varies
Transportation/parking for clinical site: Varies
Health Expenses
Rabies vaccination (required): $1,800
Physical exam and immunizations: $750
TB testing (required): Varies
Health Insurance (required): Varies
*Tuition is higher for out‐of‐county residents
Generally, yes. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a college counselor after their transcripts have been reviewed and transfer credit assigned by the admissions department. However, credits earned in Veterinary Technology‐labeled courses may not count toward non‐Veterinary Technology degrees in traditional sciences, such as biology or chemistry. Any classes with essential skills from other schools often do not transfer and will need to be reviewed by the program director.
The program is academically rigorous, and full‐time students who must work are encouraged to work no more than 20 hours per week.
With a few exceptions, Veterinary Technology courses are offered in sequence on an annual basis. Therefore, there are no opportunities for an accelerated curriculum or for retaking required courses the following semester.
Generally, yes. Students may qualify for federal and state programs. Additionally, the Cleveland Academy of Veterinary Medicine has an endowed a scholarship that currently funds at least one award each year. For more information, contact the Tri‐C Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office at 216‐987‐5100.
