The Veterinary Technology Program is a 2-year full-time Program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree upon graduation. Following graduation, graduates of the Program can sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) in order to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in the state of Louisiana. Veterinarians are charged with the medical and surgical care of animals. Veterinary technicians are very important members of the veterinary health care team. As part of that team, veterinary technicians work under the direct supervision of veterinarians, and help to deliver quality health care to the animals. Responsibilities of a veterinary technician include: client education; performing diagnostic tests (blood work, urinalysis, and taking x-rays); animal nursing care, performing anesthesia, assisting in surgery, and record keeping. What are the career opportunities for a Veterinary Technician? The Veterinary Technician profession offers opportunities to work in a variety of settings such as veterinary hospitals and clinics, medical research, humane organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and zoos. The Veterinary Assistant Program is a 2 semester Certificate of Technical Studies Program preparing graduates to become trained and productive members of the veterinary health care team. Veterinary Assistants are a vital part of the team and can perform duties such as assisting with radiographs, sterilizing instruments, reception duties, kennel duties, preparing prescriptions, restraining animals, and much more. Veterinary Assistants will typically be employed in veterinary clinics or shelters, but other opportunities such as military, research, and business ownership (pet sitting, grooming, etc) are also options.
