ACC Launches New Veterinary Technology Program

Those who love caring for animals now have an opportunity to apply their passion to a rewarding and in-demand career through Austin Community College’s new Veterinary Technology Program. The college is accepting applications to the program for the fall semester.

ACC’s vet tech program combines classroom and laboratory coursework with hands-on clinical training to prepare students to work in a variety of settings. Students will be able to earn the Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology and become eligible to take state and national certification exams. The program will be based at ACC’s Elgin Campus (1501 W. U.S. Hwy. 290).

Through courses such as Canine and Feline Clinical Management, Large Animal Assisting Techniques, and Veterinary Pharmacology, ACC vet tech students will acquire skills in general animal care, surgical assistance, and lab testing that they can put to work in private clinics, research facilities, veterinary medical suppliers or pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, humane societies, zoos, and animal parks.

Dr. Kerry Coombs is the recently appointed program chair. A graduate of Colorado State University, Dr. Coombs previously led vet tech programs at Brown Mackie College in Kansas City and Midland (Texas) College.

“This is an exciting new opportunity for students who have an interest in the field,” says Dr. Coombs. “The job prospects generally are good both locally and throughout the country.” According to the Texas Workforce Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow by 40 percent in Texas by 2020 and 30 percent nationwide by 2022.

Enrollment in ACC’s vet tech program is limited and students must meet admission criteria. Students also must also complete prerequisite courses, which may be taken at various ACC campuses. |Â Start prerequisites this summer; view the online course schedule and register for classes.

“Vet techs need to be hard-working, self-starting, organized individuals,” says Dr. Coombs. “They’re going to be involved in a team that has to be very efficient and ready to do what’s needed because you just never know what’s coming next. Every day is a brand new experience.”

For more information about the program, visit austincc.edu/info/vettech or contact ACC’s Health Sciences Division at (512) 223.5700 or [email protected].

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