Welcome
Just the facts
Entry: Fall Only
Length: 4 semesters, 1 summer
Award: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) Degree
Accreditation: AVMA Accredited, effective March 2, 2007
Program Guide: Veterinary Technology
Admission Requirements
Admission to the college is granted to all individuals who are high school graduates or the equivalent; however, some programs may require additional information for acceptance. We encourage you to review our Getting Started Checklist for specific requirements for admission.
Additional Requirements for Veterinary Technology
Program Information
The Veterinary Technology program of study prepares students to become entry-level veterinary technicians who work under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian for any purpose except diagnosis, prescription or surgery. Duties include:
- intensive nursing care clinical laboratory procedures
- radiology
- anesthesiology
- dentistry
- surgical assistance
Graduates also have an understanding of the fundamentals of animal husbandry, management, and nursing care for a variety of species. Graduates can find employment in many sectors including small and large private animal practice, animal shelters and humane societies, clinical laboratories, education, zoos, government research, and the biomedical industry. Graduates of this program are awarded an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.
The Nature of the Work
Owners of pets and other animals expect state-of-the-art veterinary care in today's increasingly competitive veterinary marketplace. To provide quality and efficient service, veterinarians utilize the skills of veterinary nursing professionals, both technicians and technologists. These professionals perform many of the same duties for the veterinary profession that Registered Nurses may provide for the human medical industry. Veterinary technicians and technologists are caring, compassionate professionals that care for, and practice veterinary skills on, animal subjects.
Veterinary technologists and technicians most commonly work in private practice settings under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. However, the market for veterinary technicians in industry and government is expanding. These positions place veterinary technicians within crucial positions in research, teaching, management and governance.
The Profession
The profession of veterinary technology is fairly recent in its official beginnings. Although many individual veterinarians have had "assistants" to work along with them in practice, it wasn't until the early 1960's that formal education in veterinary technology began. Since then the field of veterinary technology has grown and become highly sophisticated. Along with the veterinary profession, veterinary technicians have become increasingly involved on a professional level in various organizations.
Career Opportunities
Careers in Veterinary Technology include but are not limited to these areas:
- Small animal clinical practice
- Large animal clinical practice
- Mixed animal practice
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Colleges/Universities
- Education
- Veterinary supply sales
- Zoos and wildlife facilities
- Humane societies and animal control facilities
- Military service
- Drug and feed manufacturing companies
- Food safety inspections
- Government agencies
- Commercial livestock production facilities
Duties and Responsibilities
Veterinary technicians are members of the veterinary health care team who have been educated in the care and handling of animals, the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in routine laboratory and clinical procedures. Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. While a veterinary technician can assist in performing a wide variety of tasks they cannot diagnose, give a prognosis, prescribe, perform surgery, or engage in acts reserved for the veterinarian alone.
- Obtain and record patient case histories
- Collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures
- Provide specialized nursing care
- Prepare animals, instruments, and equipment for surgery
- Assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures
- Expose and develop radiographs
- Advice and educate animal owners
- Supervise and train practice personnel
- Perform dental prophylaxes
Articulation/Transfer Opportunities
Iowa Western Community College has articulation agreements with various four-year schools, local and state.
Student Organizations
Student NAVTA Chapter
The Veterinary Technology program at Iowa Western Community College is active and involved in the student chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. Students are strongly encouraged to join the chapter, and representatives will be elected to serve in the Student Senate. NAVTA is the professional organization of veterinary technicians that allows technicians professional development, educational advancement and collegiality.
The purpose or objectives of the NAVTA are as follows:
- To promote the professional and educational advancement of veterinary technicians.
- To enhance the knowledge and skills of the veterinary technician through continuing education programs and sponsored seminars.
- To promote the interests of veterinary technicians through state and federal legislation.
- To promote and maintain the professional image and high ethical standards of the veterinary technician.
- To promote progressive and humane medical care for all creatures.
- To promote and maintain a cooperative professional relationship with the veterinary medical profession.
NAVTA hosts national and regional meetings for education and relaxation open to its members, of which student members are considered. The student chapter at Iowa Western is involved locally in fund raising and student development outside of school settings.
Student Senate
The Student Senate is designed to promote the welfare of the college in a democratic fashion to facilitate communication among the student body, the faculty, and the administration. The Student Senate meets monthly in the student center. If you wish to become involved, contact the student activities coordinator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of degree will I earn at Iowa Western if I enroll in this program?
Graduates of our two-year Veterinary Technology program earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. To become a registered professional, graduates must successfully complete the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and the Iowa Veterinary Technician Examination to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).
Is the IWCC program accredited?
Yes. As a newer program, the AVMA conducted its initial on-campus accreditation visit in early March 2007. Provisional Accreditation has been granted effective March 2, 2007. The first class graduated in May 2007.
If I major in Veterinary Technology, can I transfer to a four-year college or university?
By earning an AAS degree in this program, you'll be well-prepared to enter the work force immediately upon graduation. You may have the opportunity to transfer some of your credits towards a bachelor's degree. However, your specific veterinary technology courses typically will not transfer to a university veterinary (DVM) program.
What is the job outlook for Veterinary Technology graduates and what type of jobs will I be qualified for?
Most Veterinary Technology graduates find work in small, mixed or large animal practice. Other opportunities exist in humane societies, animal shelters, zoos, specialty veterinary practices, pet shops, biological research labs, animal control agencies, veterinary teaching hospitals, and state and federal agencies.
Practice management experts feel that there is a need for at least two veterinary technicians for each veterinarian. A 2003 national survey indicates an average technician salary of $30,500. Average salaries in pharmaceutical and manufacturing services, education, and government research approach $35,000.
The Facility
Dodge Hall is finally finished! Our total renovation of Dodge Hall is complete - and it is fabulous! The Veterinary Technology program opened in Fall 2005. A bright, spacious, well-equipped small animal veterinary hospital provides the highest quality educational setting in the Midwest. Over-sized surgery, x-ray, and prep areas comfortably allow the entire lab group to participate in the many clinical experiences of the program. Dodge Hall also features a 70-seat auditorium, computer lab, and cutting edge instructional technology in its many spacious program-specific and general purpose classrooms and laboratories.
To paraphrase our students - 'This facility rocks!'
Excitement and progress are interconnected with academic excellence at Iowa Western. Students are well-prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation.
Scholarship Information
Iowa Western Community College has many scholarship opportunities available for new and continuing students. We encourage you to take a moment to explore these options by visiting our Scholarship Page - the few minutes it takes to fill out the application may literally pay off.
Come and see veterinary technology for yourself!
It is important to research the program you would like to study and school you would like to attend, but it is equally important that you experience both before making your selection. We encourage you to experience Veterinary Technology at Iowa Western yourself by scheduling a visit.
American Association of Veterinary Medicine
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America
Iowa Veterinary Medical Association
Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association
Kansas Veterinary Medical Association
Other State Veterinary Medical Associations
Veterinary Technician National Exam
Dr. Dan DeWitt, DVM
Program Chair, Veterinary Technology
2700 College Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 325-3431; Alt. Number - (712) 325-3371
Email: ddewitt@iwcc.edu; Alt. Email - dkearney@iwcc.edu