Veterinary Technology

Two veterinary professionals examining a dog wearing a colorful harness in a veterinary treatment room.

What is veterinary technology?

The Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology degree combines lectures, laboratory and hands-on experience.

Why veterinary technology?

Throughout the course of study, instructors emphasize regulatory, safety and humane aspects of the veterinary field. Students have the opportunity to learn the theory, skills, and practical application to succeed in the field.

Applications will open the first day of Spring Break and closing the day after final grades are posted.

What is Veterinary Technology?
What is a Registered Veterinary Technician?
A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is a credentialed veterinary medical professional and an essential member of the veterinary healthcare team. RVTs combine medical knowledge, technical skills, patient care, and client communication to support veterinarians in providing high-quality care to animals.
RVTs may work with companion animals, horses, livestock, laboratory animals, and other species in a variety of professional settings. Their responsibilities may include:
- Providing nursing and emergency care
- Collecting and evaluating laboratory samples
- Administering medications and treatments
- Monitoring anesthesia
- Assisting with surgical and dental procedures
- Performing diagnostic imaging
- Maintaining medical records
- Educating and communicating with clients
- Promoting patient safety, comfort, and animal welfare
How Do I Become an RVT?

Becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician requires specialized education, clinical training, and professional credentialing. Graduates pursuing RVT credentialing must:
1. Graduate from an accredited Veterinary Technology degree program, earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology.
* OSU-OKC is an accredited program receiving accreditation from the AVMA-CVTEA.
2. Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), the national board examination for veterinary technicians.
* OSU-OKC has a 100% pass rate for first time test takers for the past 4 years in a row.
3. Meet state credentialing requirements, including successfully completing the applicable state board examination and other requirements for registration.
Once credentialed, RVTs are qualified to use their education and clinical skills as members of the veterinary healthcare team while working under the appropriate supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
What Will I Learn?

The Veterinary Technology curriculum prepares graduates with entry-level knowledge, technical abilities, and hands-on clinical skills needed to enter the veterinary profession and pursue professional credentialing.
Students develop a strong foundation in veterinary medicine while gaining experience with multiple species and areas of practice. The curriculum prepares graduates to:
* Provide safe, compassionate nursing care for veterinary patients.
* Perform clinical laboratory and diagnostic procedures.
* Assist with anesthesia, surgery, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, and emergency care.
* Safely handle and care for companion animals, equine patients, and food animals.
* Understand veterinary pharmacology and safely administer medications.
* Communicate effectively with veterinarians, veterinary team members, and clients.
* Apply professional, ethical, and evidence-based standards to veterinary patient care.
* Develop entry-level skills applicable to companion animal, equine, and food animal practice, biomedical research, and other veterinary medical activities.
* Build the educational foundation necessary to successfully become credentialed as a veterinary technician.
* Recognize the importance of lifelong learning and continued professional development throughout their veterinary career.

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Academic Advantage

Our department offers an Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology degree and job placement assistance for students and graduates. OSU-OKC is accredited by the AVMA CVTEA as a program for educating veterinary technicians.

Apply to Our Veterinary Technology Specialty Program

Admission to the Veterinary Technology Specialty Program is a competitive process. Applications open each Spring semester and close in May after final course grades have been submitted. Students who are accepted into the program begin the professional Veterinary Technology curriculum in the Fall semester.

Application Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must:

Complete all required prerequisite courses.
Complete a minimum of 18 observation hours at a veterinary facility within the previous six calendar months.
Submit a completed Veterinary Observation Evaluation.
Submit responses to all required application questions.
Submit a professional letter of recommendation.
Complete an in-person interview with Veterinary Technology Program faculty and/or staff.

Competitive Selection Process

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee admission to the Veterinary Technology Specialty Program.

Applicants are evaluated using a comprehensive selection rubric that considers:

Grades earned in prerequisite courses
Overall GPA
Quality and completeness of the application packet
Veterinary observation experience and evaluation
Professional recommendation
Performance during the in-person interview(s)

Following completion of the application and interview process, applicants are ranked according to the program's selection criteria and offers of admission are extended to the highest-ranking qualified applicants, up to the available cohort capacity.

Prepare to Apply

Students interested in applying are encouraged to plan early, complete prerequisite coursework successfully, gain meaningful veterinary observation experience, and carefully prepare all required application materials.

Please contact Makenzie Millsap at okc.advisement@okstate.edu for assistance in enrollment and course sequence planning.

$46K MEDIAN ANNUAL EARNINGS OF REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIANS

according to Oklahoma Works

Veterinary Technician Students Association

100% first time pass rate

Veterinary Technician Nation Exam (VTNE) four years running

15 graduates per year

Five-year average graduation rate

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma City

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