Veterinary Technician FAQs

What are the duties of a certified Veterinary Technician?

Veterinary Technicians work under the supervision of veterinarians. On completion of your training, you will have skills in handling and restraining animal patients, nursing care, office procedures, anesthesia, sterilization, radiography, pharmacology, parasitology, hematology, blood chemistry and other procedures. You will also understand basic principles of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, veterinary laboratory procedures and surgical techniques.

If you are considering entering the veterinary field, you should enjoy working with animals and helping to care for them, even if they are injured or ill. A willingness to study medical and science-oriented courses is necessary. Characteristics of an individual considering this career include sound judgment, manual dexterity, accuracy, scientific curiosity and attention to detail.

Is there selective admission to the program?

Yes. Due to the number of applicants and clinical space limitations, admission to the Veterinary Technology program is selective.

How many students are accepted?
A maximum of 25 students are accepted into the Veterinary Technology A.S. degree program, which is run on a two-year cycle. A limited number of alternates are also selected to serve as standbys in case an accepted student declines admission.
What are the criteria for admission to the program?
Selection to the Veterinary Technology program is based on an objective point system. Points are given on a sliding scale for a student's cumulative GPA, test scores and work experience. Bonus points are given for completion of specific support courses. View the selection criteria page for additional details.
Is an interview required?
No. However, it is recommended that you contact the Health Sciences Advisor at 321-433-7575 to ensure you have met all of the other application requirements.
When will I know if I have been selected/accepted into the program?
Applicants are notified of their status approximately four to six weeks after the application deadline. Accepted students are then required to attend an orientation session.
What is the length of the program?
Veterinary Technology is a full-time, two-year program. View the course sequencing. Please note that course sequences are subject to change.
What courses do you recommend I take before applying?

Students are encouraged to complete as many of their general education requirements as possible:

  • Composition 1
  • General Biology
  • College Algebra
  • Social/Behavioral Science/Core-Civic Literacy Course
  • Humanities Core Course

If these courses are not successfully completed prior to program acceptance, then they must be completed in a prescribed sequence, concurrent with the Veterinary Technology program. This significantly adds to the student's course load.

Will any of my previous college courses transfer to this program?

Forward an official copy of your previous college transcript(s) to the EFSC Registrar's Office who will evaluate them and accept as many of your previous courses as possible. Remember, only courses completed with a grade of "C" or better are transferable. 

Can this curriculum advance my education towards a baccalaureate degree?

Yes. Institutions independently decide whether to grant credit for course work completed prior to admission. Learn more about the Veterinary Technology BAS track at EFSC, or contact the institution to which you wish to transfer for more information.

What time of the day are classes offered?

Veterinary program classes are generally held Monday through Thursday at varying times depending on the semester, but students may be expected to go to work sites on applicable Fridays as needed.

This is a full-time, in-person, hands-on program with a few hybrid and online courses included. It is recommended that you contact the Health Sciences Advisor at 321-433-7575 to ensure this program is right for you.

General education requirements may be taken in the evenings and online (when available). Use the EFSC class schedule search to see which courses are available during each term.

Optional elective courses in the A.S. degree program are available during summer semesters. Required courses for the degree are only available during major semesters (Fall and Spring).

The Veterinary Assisting College Credit Certificate program takes one year and can be a starting point to work toward the A.S. degree, but at only 14-credit-hours, it is not eligible for financial aid.

Must I take the courses in a certain sequence?
Yes. Each Veterinary Technology course is offered once a year on the Cocoa Campus. Courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. 
What is the cost of the program?

Tuition is charged per credit hour, with 73 credit hours of required course work in the program. Refer to the tuition page for current cost information. 

Additional costs include lab fees, books, uniforms and equipment such as a stethoscope and penlights. All accepted students in the program are required to purchase the Allied Health Liability Insurance and also the Education/Training Student Accident Insurance through EFSC. This will be automatically added to the lab fees of one of your courses and this insurance is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

View the Veterinary Technology estimated expenses page for more information.

The College does not provide housing, and the student is responsible for transportation to and from assigned veterinary clinics for clinical course work.

Do I wear a uniform all the time?
Yes. A uniform consisting of Caribbean blue-colored scrubs is required. Upon acceptance to the program, specific instructions concerning this uniform will be provided at orientation.
Is the program accredited?
Yes. This program has accreditation through the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This means that you will be eligible to sit for the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination) upon graduation. A state practical exam may also be required in Florida. Different states have different criteria.
When can I expect to be employed?

Upon graduation, you will have multiple career opportunities. Some examples of where you can work with a Veterinary Technology degree include:

  • Veterinary hospitals and clinics
  • Medical research centers
  • Breeding facilities
  • Wild animal rescue organizations
  • Feedlots and production farms
  • Retail pet facilities
  • Zoos
  • Animal shelters
Where can I find more information on Veterinary Technology?

You can learn more about Veterinary Technology through the following resources:

Is this degree program covered by financial aid?

Yes the program is eligible for financial aid for students who qualify. Additionally, Eastern Florida State College also offers numerous student scholarships, many funded through the generosity of donors to the EFSC Foundation scholarship funds.

The Eastern Florida Financial Aid Office is your source for help applying for scholarships, plus traditional aid, such as grants, work study and loans.