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Veterinary Medical Technology

What is a Veterinary Technician?

Veterinary technicians work with veterinarians to provide professional animal healthcare. They require extensive knowledge and training in the care and handling of animals. This includes normal and abnormal life processes, medical and surgical nursing, anesthesiology, diagnostic imaging, and clinical laboratory procedures—precisely the kind of knowledge and training delivered at Lincoln Memorial University. 

Veterinary technicians are in high demand, with at least four jobs for every veterinary technology graduate. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% growth rate for technician careers from now through 2034. Lincoln Memorial University's Veterinary Medical Technology (VMT) Programs prepare graduates to work in:

  • Small animal clinics
  • Veterinary education
  • Large animal clinics
  • Veterinary practice management
  • Exotic animal practices
  • Research Facilities
  • Zoos
  • Public health

Please note, these degrees do NOT contain the prerequisite coursework necessary for admission to veterinary school.

Associate of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology

LMU's Associate of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology (AS VMT) degree emphasizes hands-on experience with animals, preventative medicine, and service to the community. This program prepares graduates to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Most AS VMT graduates achieve above-average scores on the VTNE. Many elect to further their education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology. Graduates have joined veterinary school teaching hospitals, major referral centers, and several practices in the local community.

Admissions Requirements

Prospective students must meet the following academic requirements to qualify:

  • Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • ACT/SAT scores are recommended but not required

Please note that the application to the AS VMT program is separate from the general application submitted to Lincoln Memorial University. Students MUST complete both applications. All applicants should submit AS VMT application materials to the Veterinary Medical Technology Program, not the University Admissions office.

 

Distance Education Admissions Requirements

Admission to Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) does not guarantee admission to the Associate of Science (AS) in Veterinary Medical Technology (VMT) Program. Admission to the 2-year program is highly competitive and subject to the following requirements:

  1. Admission to LMU
    Applicants must apply to and be admitted to Lincoln Memorial University. Visit the LMU Undergraduate Admissions website for application information.
  2. High school graduation or equivalent
    Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or a recognized high school equivalency credential. An official high school transcript is required. Applicants with a high school equivalency credential must submit the official equivalency score report and transcripts documenting any previous high school coursework.
  3. Formal application to the AS VMT Program
    Applicants must submit the program application (below) including:
    • Documentation of at least 20 hours of experience in a veterinary facility, verified using the required LMU form.
    • Evaluator forms from two sources: one academic evaluator and one veterinary professional.
    • A personal statement describing professional goals.
  4. Mathematics and English placement eligibility
    Before entering the AS VMT Program, applicants must demonstrate eligibility to enroll in MATH 105: Transitional College Mathematics and ENGL 101: Composition I, or qualify for placement above these courses. Eligibility may be established through the following ACT/SAT scores or an approved alternative described below:
    Course ACT Score SAT Score
    MATH 105 Math: 19 or higher Math: 510 or higher
    ENGL 101 English: 18-25 Verbal: 470-660 or higher
  5. Applicants without qualifying ACT/SAT scores may be considered for placement through review of high school coursework and grades, high school equivalency records, and/or completed college coursework by the appropriate LMU academic department. The department must determine that the applicant’s academic preparation is sufficient for entry into the applicable course. Placement through academic record review requires departmental approval.
  6. Eligibility may also be established through successful completion of required preparatory coursework or acceptance of equivalent college credit, consistent with LMU policies. Any required preparatory coursework must be completed before entering the AS VMT Program.
  7. ACT/SAT scores are recommended but are not required when eligibility for both courses has been established through an approved alternative.
  8. College grade point average
    Applicants with prior college coursework must have a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.5. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted for review.

Accepted students must also verify that they meet the program’s technical standards.

Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology (BS VMT) is open to students who have graduated with an AS or AAS degree from an AVMA accredited institution that desire to further their education in a variety of advanced and specialized courses. Lincoln Memorial University is one of only 28 AVMA-CVTEA accredited programs in the United States that offers a BS VMT degree. 

The Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology Program is offered exclusively online.

 

Admissions Requirements

Students interested in joining the BS VMT program must complete the following application items:

  • Hold a current veterinary medical technician license
  • Have graduated from an AVMA-CVTEA accredited veterinary technician program

Students that have an AAS degree may need to complete additional general education requirements. 

Students that have graduated from programs in states other than KY, TN, VA, or FL may have to complete additional general education requirements. 

Students that did not graduate from LMU will be required to take LNCN 100 prior to CIVX 300.

Graduate Programs

LMU-CVM also offers graduate-level programs for licensed veterinary technicians.
Click here to explore our graduate programs

Veterinary Health Science & Technology Department Mission Statement

The Veterinary Health Science & Technology Department (VHS&T) offers programs to students that wish to enter the veterinary profession upon graduation. The mission of the department is threefold;

  1. Provide quality education to prepare entry-level veterinary technicians in patient assessment, evaluation, client communication, and clinical nursing skill development to prepare for and pass the VTNE licensing exam and obtain entry-level positions as veterinary technicians.
  2. Provide veterinary technologists with advanced technician courses that will:
    • Enhance the associate level educational foundation to foster quality clinical skill development
    • Provide an advanced level of education to obtain positions in veterinary technology education, business management, and industry positions that require a bachelor’s degree to apply
    • Benefit those that desire to pursue a specialization as a credential technician
  3. Provide a quality education for those that wish to apply to veterinary college, advance studies at the graduate level, and prepare graduates to work in the industry of veterinary medicine.
LMU Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Phone: 423.869.6280 Office Location: DAR Hall 2nd Floor Email: Admissions@LMUnet.edu