Home Areas of Study Health Sciences A.A.S., Major in Veterinary Technology
A.A.S., Major in Veterinary Technology Print E-mail

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The field of veterinary technology is one of the fastest growing animal health professions. The Veterinary Technology program at Piedmont Technical College serves a need for qualified Veterinary Technicians in the mid-state area. The Veterinary Technician works under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian in a variety of employment settings. The Veterinary Technician plays a critical role in animal health and the veterinary medical team. The specialized training received will allow the graduate to seek employment in such areas as clinical medicine, laboratory animal medicine, emergency medicine, pharmaceutical sales, food inspection and government agencies.  In order to become a Credentialed Veterinary Technician, you must graduate from an AVMA-accredited program in order to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE.) Piedmont Technical College's Veterinary Technology program received accreditation by the AVMA on December 5, 2008. American Veterinary Medical Association, 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumberg IL 60173-4360; 847-925-8070; fax 827-925-1329. www.avma.org

Advisement Information

  • This program is offered at the Newberry County Center.

  • Prospective students are required to attend a Health Science Information session before enrolling.

  • Courses beginning with a VET prefix are offered in the day only. However, general education courses may be taken at any county center, in the evenings, or online.

  • To qualify for entry into the program, students must earn a "C" or better in ENG 101, BIO 102, PSY 201, and MAT 102. Note: BIO 101 may be substituted for BIO 102 and MAT 120 for MAT 102, but they are not the preferred options. For acceptance into the clinical portion of the program, students must submit a program-ready application to the Student Success Center during the designated periods.

  • Veterinary Technicians assist by obtaining and recording information about cases, preparing animals for medical and surgical procedures, obtaining specimens, performing laboratory procedures, applying bandages and splints, assisting with anesthesia and surgery and many other challenging tasks.

  • Students must have earned a high school diploma or GED.

  • Students may have two attempts to earn a "C" or better in courses and have two attempts in the program if needed.

  • The associate degree program is a five-semester program. Graduates will receive the competencies needed to complete the National Veterinary Technician Exam (NVTE) and the SC licensure exam required to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician.

  • The Veterinary Technology curriculum prepares graduates to assist large-and small-animal veterinarians, as well as provide opportunities for careers in research laboratories and pharmaceutical and veterinary supply businesses.

  • Forbes.com lists veterinary technologists and technicians as the 15th fastest-growing profession. The demand for skilled technician is predicted to increase 35 percent over the next 10 years.