Production and Companion Animal Veterinary Technician

Agriculture and Animal Sciences
Award
Associate of Applied Science
Credits
70
Locations
Calmar
Entry
Fall, Spring, Summer
Time to Complete
24 Months
Female Vet student working with a dog

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.

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Accreditation and Awards

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)

Paying for the Program

Tuition and Fees

$16,860*

Out-of-State Tuition and Fees

$19,380*

Program Supplies

$2,930 - 7,035
* Approximate cost. Amount reflects the estimated tuition and student fees based on rates at the time of publication. These rates do not include additional expenses (books, tools, supplies, living expenses, licensures, remedial or pre-requisite coursework or partnership tuition and fees, etc.) related to your NICC education. Rates are subject to change.

Financial Aid & Tuition Assistance

There are many options available for tuition savings. Credit programs may have opportunities for Financial Aid eligibility, while non-credit programs have separate tuition savings available on a per-program basis.

Kibbie Grant Eligible

This scholarship is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific high-demand career/technical programs. It provides a maximum award of $4,500 per year for up to two years. The FAFSA is required and the award is based on need.

Last-Dollar Scholarship

This state funded scholarship is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific high-demand career programs and pays remaining tuition costs after all other federal and state aid has been applied. The FAFSA is required and the award is based on need.

NICC Scholarship Eligible

Any student enrolled in this program is eligible for NICC scholarships. The NICC Foundation offers a wide range of scholarship award amounts and all students are encouraged to apply.

Vo-Tech Grant Eligible

This scholarship is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific career/technical programs. It provides a maximum award of $1,000 per year for up to two years. The FAFSA is required and the award is based on need.

Learn more about Financial Aid.

Career Outlook

Enrollment Process

  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 Admissions Checklist.
  5. Complete the ATI TEAS Admission Assessment.

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.

Program Information

Review program courses, admissions and academic requirements.

Tentative First Year Schedule (Fall, Spring and Summer)*

Fall

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Domestic Animal Physiology
8:00 a.m.-9:55 a.m.		 Dosage Calculations for Vet Techs
8:00 a.m.-8:55 a.m.		 Domestic Animal Physiology
8:00 a.m.-9:55 a.m.		 Veterinary Medical Terminology
9:05 a.m.-10:00 a.m.		  
The College Experience
10:05 a.m.-12:00 p.m.		 Veterinary Medical Terminology
9:05 a.m.-10:00 a.m.		 The College Experience
10:05 a.m.-12:00 p.m.		 Animal Health
10:05 a.m.-11:30 a.m.		  
General Biology I
2:00 p.m.-4:35 p.m.		 Animal Health
10:05 a.m.-11:30 a.m.		 General Biology I
2:00 p.m.-4:35 p.m.		 Applied Animal Disease Prevention & Treatment
1:00 p.m.-3:55 p.m.		  
  Applied Animal Disease Prevention & Treatment
1:00 p.m.-3:55 p.m.		      

Spring

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Special Projects
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.		 Animal Reproduction
8:00 a.m.-9:20 a.m.		 Microbiology
8:30 a.m.-11:25 a.m.		 Animal Reproduction
8:00 a.m.-9:20 a.m.		 Microbiology Lab
8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Large Animal Diagnostics & Veterinary Clinics
1:00 p.m.-3:55 p.m.		 Surgery & Anesthesia for Vet Techs
9:50 a.m.-11:00 a.m.		 Large Animal Diagnostics & Veterinary Clinics
1:00 p.m.-3:55 p.m.		 Surgery & Anesthesia for Vet Techs
9:50 a.m.-11:00 a.m.		 **Spay/Neuter Clinic will be held on a Friday in April. Four (4) hours will be required as part of the Veterinary Clinics. 
  Pharmacy Skills
11:05 a.m.-12:00 p.m.		   Pharmacy Skills
11:05 a.m.-12:00 p.m.		  

Summer

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Veterinary Technician Internship
TBA		 Veterinary Technician Internship
TBA		 Veterinary Technician Internship
TBA		 Veterinary Technician Internship
TBA		 Veterinary Technician Internship
TBA

*Proposal only and is subject to change.

Program Outcomes

Based on the most recent data for the Fall 2022 Cohort, we report the following outcomes:

  • Graduation Rate: 46.15%
  • Employment Rate: 100%

All graduates from this cohort seeking employment successfully secured positions within the field upon completion of the program.

Additional Information

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 January 1, 2023-December 31, 2025
Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE 18
Three-year VTNE Pass Percentage 72.22%

Related Student Organizations and Media

Facilities

  • Iowa's Dairy Center

Program Contacts

Anne-Kristi Lee, D.V.M.
Veterinary Technician Instructor/Program Director
  • leean@nicc.edu
  • 563.562.3263, ext. 8106
  • Dairy Center