Career Guide
Veterinary Technologists & Technicians
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians work alongside, and under the supervision of, licensed veterinarians to perform various medical procedures, imaging, lab work, client education, and general animal care. Some will specialize in an area such as dentistry, anesthesia, zoology, emergency care, or others. They may work in private or public clinics, laboratories, animal hospitals, public health agencies (such as USDA or NY Department of Agriculture), and off-site locations. Just as with human medical care, the job can be physically and emotionally demanding and may require evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
Degree Requirements
Veterinary technologists and technicians must complete a postsecondary program in veterinary technology. Technologists usually need a 4-year bachelor’s degree, and technicians need a 2-year associate’s degree. Typically, both technologists and technicians must take a credentialing exam. A passing grade on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) is required for licensure in New York State. Each state has its own regulations for the profession.
Criteria for Acceptance
Admission into Veterinary Technology or Veterinary Science Technology programs can be competitive in nature due to prerequisite coursework and/or limited seats. It is recommended to review prerequisites required for each individual college along with application dates and process. Some colleges have rolling admission while others have specific application deadlines. Some colleges require documented volunteer hours working with animals prior to applying.
MCC Prerequisite Courses
Most colleges require demonstrated proficiency in math, English, and reading. Depending on the college, proficiency can be demonstrated with successful high school and/or college level coursework, or with placement test scores. Students also need to have completed biology and chemistry (and sometimes physics) with a C or better, typically either a regents or AP course from high school or an introductory level college course. Some colleges have an expiration date on science coursework. It is recommended to review each college individually for specific prerequisite requirements.
Locally, Genesee Community College and SUNY Alfred State have Vet Tech programs. Once accepted, it will take two years to complete the AAS degree due to the specific and sequential nature of the required courses. MCC students are advised to build their math, biology, chemistry, & English foundation and to start researching transfer colleges as soon as possible.
Examples of MCC courses that may be beneficial include: BIO 120 or 155; CHE 100 or 145 or 151; PHY 131 or 145; MTH 104 or 165 or higher; ENG 101; PSY 101; SPA 101. As stated above, check with the respective Vet Tech program.
Institutions
Veterinary Science
- Alfred State College, AAS
- SUNY Canton, AAS
- SUNY Delhi, AAS
- Suffolk County Community College, AAS
- Ulster County Community College, AAS
Veterinary Technology
- SUNY Canton, BS
- SUNY Delhi, BS
- Genesee Community College, AAS
- LaGuardia Community College, CUNY, AAS
- Westchester Community College, AAS
Other Important Information
Additional Related Offerings
- Veterinary Service Administration BBA: SUNY Canton (Completed AAS required)
- Animal Science Office Assistant Certificate: SUNY Ulster County Community College
- BTech and BBA: SUNY Alfred State College (completed AAS required)
Additional Information
While every effort is made to ensure that the information in this guide is accurate, students are advised to contact transfer institutions for specific course requirements and the most up-to-date information.
Updated 07/09/2025