Frequently Asked Questions
At OSU-OKC, you will earn an Associate in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology degree. The general and related courses required for this degree will assist in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed, and will assure that you meet the requirements of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for earning a college degree.
Do I need to take the ACT?
First-time freshmen must provide ACT (or similar battery) test scores with their application for admission to OSUOKC. The OSU-OKC assessment test (COMPASS) may also be needed for placement purposes. To be placed in college-level classes, you must satisfy the following requirements: 1) Attain a minimum ACT subject score of 19 within the appropriate subject area, or 2) Score into the appropriate college-level course on the COMPASS placement test. Students who do not obtain the appropriate test scores will be admitted into the college, but must take developmental classes before they are allowed to take college-level classes.
For more information about application and admission requirements, please visit Admissions.
What courses are required as prerequisites for the Veterinary Technology program?
The following courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better for a student to be considered for acceptance in the Veterinary Technology program: General College Math or College Algebra; Veterinary Medical Terminology; Chemistry I or General Chemistry I; and Introduction to Microbiology. For more specific information, please see the Veterinary Technology A.A.S. Degree Sheet.
How long will it take to complete the veterinary technology program?
The total degree curriculum is 69 credit hours. The Veterinary Technology core curriculum consists of 44 credit hours spread over five semesters, including a summer preceptorship; the program prerequisite courses generally add another two semesters to the total length of time needed to earn a degree. Many students enroll in the other required general education courses while taking their prerequisites and/or Veterinary Technology courses and are able to complete their degree in about three years.
What is a preceptorship?
The preceptorship is an 8-week course, but the clinical hours are 280. In the final week, the students return to campus for the class.
Can I complete the program as a part-time student?
The Veterinary Technology degree program has a set curriculum and courses must be taken in sequence. Our program of study is designed to maximize learning and improve academic performance, with each semester’s courses serving as prerequisites for the next semester. Therefore, it is not feasible to attend the program on a part-time basis.
Do you offer any online or evening classes?
Veterinary Medical Terminology is only offered online. Breeds, Restraint, & First Aid is fully on campus.
Are good math skills a necessary requirement for success in the Veterinary Technology program?
Yes! Medical calculations are made by Registered Veterinary Technicians on a daily basis. Ability to utilize mathematical skills and applications will be utilized in most, if not all, clinical practice settings.
Will the Veterinary Technology courses transfer to a comprehensive university?
Transferring courses from OSU-Oklahoma City’s Veterinary Technology Program to another university is dependent on the other university’s policy regarding transfer credit. You must contact an advisor or registrar at the university where you plan to transfer to confirm your credits will be accepted there. Veterinary technology courses will not transfer to a college of veterinary medicine. However, most general education courses will transfer to other universities.
Can I complete the Veterinary Technology Program and go on to veterinary school to get my DVM?
Yes, but the career path of a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is divergent from that as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. The Veterinary Technology Program prepares the student for a career in veterinary nursing and focuses on the clinical and academic preparation in this role.
Is there a GPA requirement to remain in the program?
In order to graduate, students must pass all prerequisite and technical occupation specialty courses with a grade of “C” or better and obtain an overall GPA of 2.0
When are the State and National Board exams offered?
Upon completion of the Veterinary Technology Program, graduates are eligible to sit for the Oklahoma State Veterinary Technician Examination and the National Veterinary Technician Examination. The National examination is given throughout the year and the Oklahoma State examination is offered by appointment.
For exam dates, appointments and application deadlines, please contact the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (OSBVME) at (405) 524-9006 or staff@okvetboard.com.
Graduates who successfully pass the State and National Board examinations become Registered Veterinary Technicians and are licensed by the OSBVME.
Can I find employment with my veterinary technology degree?
Yes! There is currently a strong demand for graduates from veterinary technology programs. In their “Occupational Employment Projections to 2012 Report,” the Department of Labor lists Veterinary Technicians as one of the top 20 fastest growing careers where an education makes a difference.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are due the day after grades are posted to transcripts for the spring semester on the OSU-Oklahoma City campus.