Three schools in Florida offer veterinary technician or veterinary technologist programs, two fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and one with probational accreditation. They are Brevard Community College, St. Petersburg College and Miami-Dade College. These are two-year programs, with St. Petersburg also offering a four-year bachelor's degree option. About 20 to 25 new students are admitted to each of these programs yearly.
Significance
With full accreditation designating the highest standard of quality and achievement, these institutions have confirmed a commitment to excellent quality and continuous improvement. Programs accredited on a probational basis are considered accredited but do not fully meet all the standards.
Identification
Veterinary technicians or technologists typically complete a two-year program at a technical school or community college and have a wide variety of job responsibilities in the animal clinic or hospital. They administer vaccines, take blood samples and run diagnostic tests. They work as radiology and laboratory technicians, anesthetists and nurses. Often they spend more time with pet owners than the veterinarians do, discussing test results and treatment and providing health care education.
Types
St. Petersburg College in St. Petersburg has a fully accredited program with a two-year associate in science in veterinary technology. The college offers both an on-campus and a distance education program. Students in the distance program option must be working a minimum of 20 hours a week for a veterinarian or a veterinary hospital to fulfill the lab requirements for the classes. Students also may combine distance courses with on-site courses.
The school also offers two veterinary hospital management certificate programs. Students who successfully complete either of these programs can take their certified veterinary practice manager examination. The programs are available to students who have earned an associate in arts degree, an associate in science degree or at least 60 credit hours from a regionally accredited institution.
St. Petersburg College also offers a four-year bachelor's degree in veterinary technology for students interested in advanced clinical applications, veterinary hospital management or combined clinical and hospital management.
Types
Brevard Community College in Cocoa also has a fully accredited standing. Its program offers a two-year associate in science degree in veterinary technology. Students complete at least two years of academic study including clinical practice under the supervision of faculty in the college's clinical facility and in specific sites outside of the campus.
Types
Miami-Dade College in Miami received its initial accreditation in February 2003 and, as of 2008, has a probational accreditation standing. This program offers a two-year associate's degree in veterinary technology, which takes five semesters to complete. Students should expect to spend an average of 40 hours a week on campus and attend occasional evening and weekend seminars and conferences.
Tags: veterinary technology, associate science, degree veterinary, degree veterinary technology, fully accredited, hospital management, Petersburg College