Mission & Goals


Mission & Goals

Mission Statement

The Veterinary Technology Program at Austin Community College is committed to implementing Austin Community College’s mission through:

  • Facilitating excellence in Veterinary Technician education by preparing graduates for VTNE and state licensure exams;
  • Recognizing and supporting each student’s unique qualities, varying backgrounds, skills and learning styles and fostering success through a variety of educational and financial resources;
  • Fostering the development of decision making through the use of critical thinking and problem solving skills that will allow graduates to function as valuable members of the veterinary team in practice, research, and other aspects of the profession;
  • Providing access to a quality education for a culturally diverse population including the at-risk student.

Program Goals

The Veterinary Technology Program at Austin Community College is designed to enable students to develop the competencies needed to obtain Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) status by passing national and state credentialing exams and to successfully enter the workforce as veterinary technicians.

Students will learn the entry-skills necessary to work as a veterinary technician, including general animal care, surgical assistance, medical treatment, and laboratory testing. Courses include Canine and Feline Clinical Management, Large Animal Assisting Techniques, and Veterinary Pharmacology. The curriculum includes classroom and laboratory clinical coursework as well as external learning experiences in a number of different types of veterinary facilities. Students can earn an associate degree and will take certification exams reflecting state and national standards.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of the Veterinary Technology Program enables the student to:

  1. Calculate, dispense and administer medication in the correct amount and in the prescribed form to maximize therapeutic benefits and minimize adverse effects. The student will be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal responses to medications and communicate necessary information to the client. The student will be able to perform inventory control procedures proficiently.
  2. Safely obtain subjective and objective data that will allow accurate evaluation of the patient. The student will be able to: 1) implement techniques to promote wellness, achieve maximum health benefits, and reduce injury and stress to the patient; and, 2) recognize normal from abnormal behavior patterns.
  3. Understand and explain appropriate and inappropriate dietary components for various life stages and therapeutic regimens (e.g., therapeutic foods) in order to promote optimal health, enhance recovery and manage chronic disease conditions. The student will also explain nutritional recommendations to clients and reinforce owner compliance.
  4. Recognize a patient’s dental health status and perform techniques, as prescribed by a veterinarian, appropriate to the species and its condition in order to promote and maintain dental health.
  5. Work with the veterinarian to: 1) Assess patient’s risk to determine appropriate anesthetic and pain management protocols; 2) Choose and utilize appropriate techniques and equipment to monitor patient’s status; 3) Recognize and respond to equipment malfunctions to provide maximum benefit and ensure safety of patient and staff; 4) use medical records to assure patient and scheduled procedures are correct; 5) Obtain the patient’s vital signs, physical parameters to ensure pre-surgical tests and patient assessment are reported to the veterinarian.
  6. Position patients correctly for maximum benefit for the surgeon and the patient; utilize appropriate aseptic techniques for patient and personnel; and, administer appropriate post-operative care to the patient.
  7. Select, wrap and sterilize appropriate instruments and supplies and prepare and maintain the surgical environment to ensure maximum safety and benefit to the patient.
  8. Prepare, handle and submit appropriate samples for diagnostic analysis; and be able to: 1) recognize accurate vs. erroneous results; 2) determine appropriate methods and carry out analytical procedures to provide accurate diagnostic information; and, 3) work with the veterinarian to determine if laboratory tests will be needed.
  9. Accurately 1) prepare the imaging site and equipment; 2) position patients for the appropriate study; 3) properly use radiographic and darkroom equipment positioning, measuring, and using appropriate radiographic technique to produce a diagnostic image; 4) determine if image is diagnostic, and if not, be able to offer options to correct image to create a diagnostic radiograph to minimize repeat exposures; and, 5) exercise professional judgment to minimize risks to patient and personnel.
  10. Describe the basic principles of animal research and understand the utilization of laboratory animals in animal research. The student will also have a working knowledge of federal, state, and local animal welfare regulations.

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Veterinary Technology Updates

  • Veterinary Technology Program Statement on “Pass” and “No Pass”

    If a "P" grade is chosen for a Spring 2020 prerequisite course, the “P” grade will not be calculated in determining the GPA for ranking purposes and could impact your total ranking. For questions regarding choosing a "P" versus a performance grade (A, B, C) please contact Administrative Assistant Nancy DeLeon at [email protected].

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  • Online Application Submission Process

    Due to public safety concerns, applications will not be accepted in person until further notice. Effective immediately, applicants for all Health Sciences programs except Associate Degree Nursing, Mobility Nursing, and RN-to-BSN should follow these instructions when submitting their application and supporting documents:

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  • ACC, Austin Pets Alive! & Bastrop County Animal Shelter start new partnership

    Austin Community College launches a first-of-its-kind partnership with Bastrop County Animal Shelter and Austin Pets Alive! to provide cost-effective medical care and treatment for homeless pets and get them placed into loving homes. Click here to read the story at the ACC Newsroom.

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