Production and Companion Animal Veterinary Technician

Agriculture and Animal Sciences

Turn your passion for caring for animals into a thriving, in-demand career. This program includes in-depth interaction with both companion animals and livestock. The program utilizes a new small animal surgical suite, on-site digital radiology imaging equipment that serves both companion and large animal clients. As part of your education you receive direct access to Iowa's Dairy Center, the Beef Science Education Center (both conveniently located on campus), Iowa State University Swine Medical Education Center, many private equine facilities and local farms learning many different aspects of veterinary medicine.

This two-year program is accredited by the AVMA CVTEA and includes companion animal medicine with an extra focus on large animal medicine. You will complete the program able to perform all hands-on task requirements set forth by the AVMA on the Veterinary Technology Essential Skills List in compliance with AVMA standards.

Award: Associate of Applied Science
Credits: 68
Locations: Calmar
Entry: Fall, Spring, Summer

Paying for the Program

$14,212*

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees: $15,844*
Program Supplies: $1,520

There are many options available for tuition savings. Contact the Admissions or Financial Aid office for more information.

Financial Aid Info

Career Outlook

$32,290

Estimated annual salary for Production and Companion Animal Veterinary Technician graduates represents median annual wage from EMSI's Analyst, Career Coach and Institutional Research data.

  1. Apply for admission.
  2. Submit official high school, high school equivalency and/or college transcripts to the Admissions Office of the campus you plan to attend.
  3. Complete ACCUPLACER® reading and writing assessment and ALEKS® math assessment for course placement. Assessments may be waived based on previous college coursework or submission of valid ACT®, or SAT® test scores. Reading and writing scores are valid for three years, and math scores are valid for two years.
  4. View the Program Admission Checklist.

In addition to the College admission procedures outlined, applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent, complete a personal interview with faculty, achieve a minimum ACCUPLACER WRITEPLACER® score of 5, and a minimum ALEKS® score of 45. ACT® and SAT® scores are also acceptable. 

As a safety precaution, all students are required to be vaccinated for rabies prior to beginning the program.

View the Large Animal Veterinary Technician Program Admission Checklist.

Apply Now Request Information

View a sample 1st year schedule for this program of study.

Review program courses, admissions and academic requirements.

CVTEA Logo

The Production and Companion Animal Veterinary Technician Program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA)

Licensure and Certification Disclosure

Successful completion of this program leads to a professional licensure or certification. Use this state guide to identify the states in which NICC program requirements fulfill the state guidelines for professional licensure and certification.

VTNE Pass Rates

Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)Three Year Pass Percentage July 1, 2019-June 30, 2022
Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE 19
Three-year VTNE Pass Percentage 68.42%

Related Student Organizations and Media

Facilities

  • Dairy Center

Kelli Hovey
Veterinary Technician Instructor

  • Email: hoveyke@nicc.edu
  • Phone: 844.642.2338, ext. 8131
  • Location: Dairy Center

Anne-Kristi Lee, D.V.M.
Veterinary Technician Instructor

  • Email: leean@nicc.edu
  • Phone: 844.642.2338, ext. 8106
  • Location: Dairy Center