Veterinary Medical Technology

To inquire about this program: Mary Hatfield | 423.869.6278 | mary.hatfield@LMUnet.edu

Veterinary technicians work with a veterinarian to provide professional healthcare. This requires extensive knowledge and training in the care and handling of animals, their normal and abnormal life processes, medical and surgical nursing, anesthesiology, diagnostic imaging, and clinical laboratory procedures-precisely the kind of knowledge and training you'll receive at LMU.

LMU's veterinary medical technology program (VMTP) offers several degree options that allow you to complete the pre-veterinary medicine requirements at LMU and be prepared to apply to AVMA-accredited colleges of veterinary medicine.

Degrees Offered

Associate of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology (AS)
Associate of Science in Veterinary Animal Science (AS)
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology (BS)

Concentrations

Animal Science- Four Year Plan (PDF)
Veterinary Practice- Four Year Plan (PDF)
Veterinary Technology- Two Year Plan (PDF)

Course Information

Required veterinary courses for the AAS and AS degrees include:

Introduction to Veterinary Technology
Animal Nutrition
Medical Terminology
Diagnostic Laboratory Procedures
Animal Breeds and Reproduction
Large-Animal Clinical Procedures
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Parasitology

The AAS also requires the following veterinary courses:

Clinical Treatment Techniques
Medicine and Pharmacology
Laboratory and Zoo Animals
Surgical Prep and Anesthesia
Veterinary Imaging
Clinical Review
Veterinary Technician Practicum

The BS in Veterinary Medical Technology-Animal Science Concentration is completed after the AS in Veterinary Animal Science Degree has been earned. This is an excellent track of study for pre-veterinary medicine students. The last four semesters in this 2+2 degree program includes upper level course material in:

Cell Biology
Biology and Chemistry Electives
Biochemistry

The BS in Veterinary Medical Technology-Veterinary Practice Concentration is designed for the veterinary technologist who may have the goal of being a supervisor or veterinary practice manager. Additional upper level course material includes:

Cell Biology
Economics
Management and Marketing

Both BS Concentration options have advanced veterinary courses in:

Companion and Large Animal Management
Advanced Anesthesia
Zoonotic Diseases
Emergency Medicine
Seminar

Special Features

LMUVTP's affiliation with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, the Harrogate Hospital for Animals, and Harrogate Genetics International enables you to gain cutting-edge knowledge and experience.

The AAS and BS degrees are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The BS degree offers concentration areas in veterinary animal science and veterinary practice management. These concentrations are excellent choices for transfer students.

All of LMU's veterinary degrees emphasize hands-on experience with animals, preventative medicine, and service to the community.

The AAS and BS degrees qualify students to take the national veterinary technician licensing examination (VTNE) and to become a credentialed veterinary technician (for those earning the AAS) or veterinary technologist (for those earning the BS).

LMU's veterinary technology students are a diverse group, coming from places like the Virgin Islands and from states as far away as California, North Dakota, and New York.

Internships

VMTP students participate in internships at private veterinary practices, emergency clinics, and the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

Career Opportunities

Veterinary technicians are in high demand-there are at least four jobs for every veterinary technology graduate. The U. S. Department of Labor Bureau of labor statistics projects 52% growth rate for technician and technologist careers through 2020. VMTP graduates are prepared to work in:

Small-animal clinics
Large-animal clinics
Exotic-animal practices
Zoos
Veterinary education
Veterinary practice management
Research facilities
Public health

Average Salary: 2010 median average-$29,710/year (U. S. Department of labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Graduate & Professional Schools

Acceptance to veterinary schools is competitive, but LMU has an excellent placement rate. VMTP graduates are regularly accepted to colleges of veterinary medicine throughout the region, including:

University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Tennessee Graduate Schools
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine

In addition to continuing their study of veterinary medicine, VMTP students have also been successful in other graduate-level programs.

Alumni Success

Many VMTP graduates have gone on to become veterinarians and are employed by universities. Others own their own veterinary practices and veterinary equipment companies. LMU alumni also serve the veterinary community by holding leadership positions in local and national veterinary organizations, and by serving as advocates for animal welfare.

Clubs & Organizations

Many majors are actively involved in both the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA) and the Tennessee Veterinary Technician Association (TVTA).

LMU also sponsors a Veterinary Medical Technology Club, which works with local animal shelters and the surrounding community.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

A range of scholarships are available to veterinary technology majors, such as:

NAVTA Scholarships
TVTA Scholarships
Knoxville Veterinary Medical Association Scholarships
LMU Veterinary Technology Program Scholarships

Departmental Awards

Each year, the department presents a major with its Outstanding Veterinary Medical Technology Student Award. It also awards an eligible student with a Veterinary Medical Technology Program Student Work Scholarship.