Veterinary Technology
Overview
Our Veterinary Technology program is a two-year program offered through the Agriculture Department. You will be prepared for careers in both small and large animal practices, medical research facilities, pharmaceutical research, wildlife rehabilitation, humane societies, zoological parks, and government agencies.
You will be given the education and experience you need to perform basic veterinary tasks such as taking client histories and performing physical exams, dispensing and administering medication and vaccines, preparing patients for surgery, monitoring anesthesia, surgical assisting and recovering patients, client education, training and supervision, and medical record keeping.
The veterinary field is in-demand and rewarding for those who love and wish to take care of animals. When you graduate from the program and complete the certification exams for both state and national veterinary technicians, you will be a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). As a CVT you’ll be ready for entry-level employment for any number of veterinary technician positions across the country. This is the best first step to a long and rewarding career helping the animals who depend on you.
Quick Facts
- Associate of Applied Science
- Raymond
- Face-to-Face
Sample Curriculum
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| English Composition I or Technical English | 3 |
| Orientation | 2 |
| Veterinary Mathematics | 2 |
| Office Procedures/Veterinary Terminology | 2 |
| Animal Restraint and Medication | 2 |
| Animal Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| Vet Lab I | 3 |
| Total Hours | 18 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Public Speaking I or Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| Principles of Chemistry I | 3 |
| Surgical and Hospital Techniques | 3 |
| Vet Lab II | 3 |
| Veterinary Pharmacology | 2 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 17 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Microbiology, Lecture & Lab | 4 |
| Animal Health Care | 3 |
| Vet Lab III | 3 |
| Large Animal Procedures | 3 |
| Principles of Imaging | 2 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Board Examination Review | 2 |
| Vet Lab IV | 3 |
| Animal Parasites and Diseases | 2 |
| Exotic/Lab Animal Procedures | 2 |
| Clinical Pathology | 3 |
| Social/Behavioral Science Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
| Course | Hours |
|---|---|
| Internship: Summer following your second year | 3 |
| Total Hours | 3 |
The degree plan provides the courses recommended for students seeking to transfer in this area of study. Students should consult the Mississippi Articulation Agreement for specific course requirements at specific Mississippi universities. Students can also use MATT (MS Articulation & Transfer Tool).
Important Program Information
Admission Requirements
New Applicants
New Applicants that are interested in the Veterinary Technology program must meet and complete the following requirements as applies:
Requirements:
- Applicant must complete a general Application for Admission to Hinds Community College
- Applicant must complete the Veterinary Technology Selection Application.
- Applicant must complete a minimum of 40 hours of observation in a veterinary clinic
- Applicant must be eligible for ENG 1114 or ENG 1113 OR have scored 231 or higher on NEXT-GEN ACCUPLACER
- Applicant must have scored 17 or higher in Reading on ACT OR have scored 246 or higher on NEXT-GEN ACCUPLACER OR have successfully completed ENG 1114 or ENG 1113.
- Applicant must have scored 15 or higher in Math on ACT OR have scored 237 or higher on NEXT-GENERATION ACCUPLACER OR have successfully completed MAT 1133 or equivalent or a math level higher.
- Applicants must interview for admission to the program.
- Fall entrance only
Students Reapplying
Students that are reapplying for the program must complete the following. Please note that a student will be allowed to reapply for the Veterinary Technology program only one time.
- Complete application to Hinds Community College and have met all admission requirements prior to interview. (If the student has set out one semester he or she must reapply for admissions to the college.)
- Reapply students must complete a Selection Application for the Veterinary Technology program and interview with the selection committee.
- Students that are reapplying applicants must take an Enhancement of Study Skills class (LLS 1413) either prior to the semester to which they will be reapplying OR take LLS 1413 during the semester they reenter the program.
Important Dates
Application dates to apply to the VT program: March 1—May 2, 2025
Deadline for all paperwork to be submitted (Observation Forms & Transcripts): May 22, 2025
Interviews for the program will be scheduled for June 2—11, 2025
FAQs
How long will it take to complete the program?
The program is designed to be completed in four semesters plus one summer semester. The summer semester is an internship/preceptorship.
What degree is earned in the Veterinary Technology program?
Upon completion of the Veterinary Technology program, you will receive an Associates of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Veterinary Technology. You will be eligible to take the Mississippi State Board Exam and also the National Veterinary Technician Board Exam. Upon successful completion of these exams, you will be classified as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT).
Are night classes or online classes offered in the program?
The VAT- (Veterinary Technology courses specific) are only offered as in-person classes. However, you can take the academics – general education courses that are in the program at night or online.
When do classes for the Veterinary Technology program begin?
Hinds begins a new class for the Veterinary Technology in the Fall semester. Fall Entrance Only
How do I apply for the Veterinary Technology program?
Please check the Admission Requirement section on this website.
When do I apply for the Veterinary Technology program?
Please check the Important dates on this website.
How and where do I obtain the required observation hours?
Observation hours are secured in a clinic of your choice. You will need to contact the clinic to see if observation is allowed. You will need to gather a minimum of 40 hours of observation in clinic with the veterinarian or with a CVT in the clinic. Hours from a shelter or non-profit organization will not be accepted, only hours secured in a clinic. The observation form in located on this website as Resources.
How do I schedule an interview for the Veterinary Technology program?
Upon receipt of your Selection Application for the program and verification of your academic placement that meets the academic requirements for the program (please see Admission Requirements), you will be assigned an interview date and time.
What should I do to prepare for an interview?
- Be familiar with what a Veterinary Technician is and the technician’s duties and responsibilities are in a clinic.
- Know the difference between a Veterinary Technician and a Veterinary Assistant.
- Be observant as you gather your observation hours; ask questions of the CVT’s in clinic and also the veterinarian.
- If given the opportunity, go to different clinics to obtain observation hours. As aforementioned, 40 hours in the minimum required hours but additional hours obtained expands your knowledge base of a CVT.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by :
Mississippi Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning
3825 Ridgewood Rd.
Jackson, MS 39211
601-432-6501
American Veterinary Medical Association
1931 North Meacham Rd. Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360
800-248-2862
Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine
1089D Stark Rd.
Starkville, MS 39759
662-324-9380
The Veterinary Technology program at Hinds Community College is located at the Raymond Campus in Raymond, MS. Upon completion of the program earned degree is Associate of Applied Science.View the public information disclosed by AVMA/CVTEA regarding this on theAVMA website.View information from Mississippi Veterinary Board on theirwebsite.
VTNE Results
VTNE Results July 1, 2021- June 30, 2024
| July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024 | |
| # of first-time candidates sitting for the VTNE | 17 |
| 3 year VTNE pass rate | 51.52% |