Welcome to the Veterinary Technology InfoGuide
In this guide, you will find information and resources from the Daytona State College Library to help you with your Vet Tech studies.
If you need any assistance, please feel free to contact one of your Daytona State College librarians via online chat, phone, email, or in-person!
Introduction, Courses, and Careers
Veterinary technology is a dynamic and vital field within the realm of veterinary medicine that plays a pivotal role in the health and well-being of animals. It combines a deep passion for animals with specialized knowledge and technical skills to provide comprehensive care to a wide range of creatures, from beloved pets to livestock and wildlife. Veterinary technicians, often referred to as vet techs, are the dedicated professionals at the forefront of this discipline, assisting veterinarians in diagnosing, treating, and maintaining the health of animals.
The responsibilities of veterinary technicians are as diverse as the animal kingdom itself. They work in various healthcare settings, including animal hospitals, clinics, research facilities, zoos, and shelters. In these environments, they serve as invaluable members of the veterinary healthcare team, working closely with veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and other professionals to ensure the best possible care for animals.
Veterinary technicians are trained to handle a wide range of tasks, from conducting routine wellness exams and administering medications to assisting in surgical procedures and managing emergency cases. They are skilled in collecting and analyzing laboratory samples, taking radiographs, monitoring anesthesia, and providing nursing care to animals recovering from illness or surgery.
Beyond their technical duties, vet techs are compassionate caregivers who provide comfort and support to both animals and their human companions. They often play a crucial role in educating pet owners about preventive care, nutrition, and the well-being of their pets. In emergency situations or during outbreaks of disease, veterinary technicians are on the front lines, assisting in the treatment and containment of health threats.
The field of veterinary technology is constantly evolving, with professionals staying up-to-date with the latest advances in veterinary medicine, pharmacology, and technology. This ensures that they can provide the highest quality care and treatment options to animals in their care.
Veterinary technology is not only a rewarding career but also a field that is deeply committed to animal welfare and public health. Vet techs are advocates for animals, promoting responsible pet ownership and ethical treatment. They often work with veterinarians in research and disease control efforts, contributing to the broader understanding of animal health and zoonotic diseases that can affect both animals and humans.
Whether you are an aspiring veterinary technician, a pet owner seeking the best care for your furry friends, or simply interested in the world of animal healthcare, the field of veterinary technology holds a wealth of knowledge and opportunities to explore.
Veterinary Technology (Distance Education)
Veterinary Technology (Distance Education Program through St. Petersburg College)
Daytona State College offers students this specialized program in partnership with St. Petersburg College. Students will enroll at Daytona State College to complete their general education/core courses, and then enroll in a totally distant learning program at St. Petersburg College. The Veterinary Technology courses are taught online. All program specific courses and general education/core courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. Applicants must have worked or volunteered in veterinary hospital at least 40 hours prior to applying for admission to fulfill clinical observation requirement.
The Veterinary Technology Program at St. Petersburg College has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association since 1978.
Graduates have a variety of career opportunities in veterinary clinics, hospitals, universities and college facilities, research laboratories, zoological gardens and reserves, animal shelters, and pounds.
Daytona State College - General Education/Core Course Requirements
The Veterinary Technology Track (AA Advising Track Code: 7971) requires students to successfully complete 22 semester hours of General Education/Core courses at Daytona State College, which include:
- ENC1101 Introduction to Composition
- SPC2608 Oral Communications/Research/Presentation Skills
- MGF2106 Survey in Mathematics OR MGF2107 Mathematics for Liberal Arts OR MAC1105 College Algebra OR STA2023 Elementary Statistics
- BSC1005 Survey of Biological Sciences (For Non-Science Majors) AND BSC1005L Survey of Biological Sciences Lab (For Non-Science Majors); OR BSC1010C General Biology I and Lab (For Science Majors)
- PHI2600 Introduction to Ethics
- POS2041 American Federal Government
- HUM1020 Introduction to Humanities
- CGS2100 Microcomputer Applications*
St. Petersburg College - Program-Specific Online Course Requirements**
Students will complete 51 semester hours of Program Specific Online courses at St. Petersburg College, which include:
- ATE1110/1110L Animal Anatomy/ Lab
- ATE1211 Animal Physiology
- ATE1311L Veterinary Office Procedures
- ATE1636 Large Animal Clinical & Nursing Skills
- ATE1650L Veterinary Clinical Practice I
- ATE1654L Veterinary Clinical Practice II
- ATE1671L Laboratory Animal Medicine
- ATE1741 Veterinary Medical Terminology
- ATE1943 Veterinary Work Experience I
- ATE1944 Veterinary Work Experience II
- ATE2050C Small Animal Breeds and Behavior
- ATE1412C Introduction to Dental Techniques
- ATE2611 Animal Anesthesia
- ATE2612 Animal Medicine
- ATE2631 Animal Nursing
- ATE2634 Animal Pharmacology
- ATE2638/2638L Animal Lab Procedures I/ Lab
- ATE2639/2639L Animal Lab Procedures II/ Lab II
- ATE2651L Animal Nursing & Medicine Lab I
- ATE2653L Animal Nursing & Medicine Laboratory II
- ATE2656L Large Animal Clinical and Nursing Skills Lab
- ATE2661 Large Animal Diseases
- ATE2710 Animal Emergency Medicine
- ATE2722 Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine
- ATE2945 Veterinary Work Experience III
- ATE2946 Veterinary Work Experience IV
**For more information about the St. Petersburg College selection process, program specific online courses and laboratory requirements, please contact St. Petersburg College at 727-302-6733 or visit their website at https://web.spcollege.edu/courses/program/VETTC-AS.
Not sure what you want to do? Check out this list of potential careers!
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Veterinary Technician: Assists veterinarians in providing medical care to animals, including performing lab tests, administering medications, and assisting in surgeries.
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Veterinary Technologist: Works in more advanced roles, often in research or specialty areas, providing higher-level care and technical support.
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Veterinary Surgical Technician: Specializes in assisting during surgical procedures, including preparing animals for surgery, monitoring anesthesia, and post-operative care.
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Veterinary Anesthesia Technician: Focuses on administering and monitoring anesthesia in animals during surgeries and other medical procedures.
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Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician: Works in emergency animal hospitals or clinics, providing urgent care to animals in critical condition.
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Veterinary Laboratory Technician: Conducts diagnostic tests on blood, tissue, and other samples to help diagnose diseases and monitor animal health.
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Equine Veterinary Technician: Specializes in caring for horses, including assisting with procedures, surgeries, and routine care specific to equine health.
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Veterinary Radiology Technician: Operates imaging equipment like X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs to diagnose medical conditions in animals.
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Zoo Veterinary Technician: Works in zoos or wildlife parks, providing medical care to a wide range of exotic and wild animals.
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Research Veterinary Technician: Supports veterinary research by caring for laboratory animals, collecting data, and assisting with experiments.
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Veterinary Pharmacy Technician: Prepares and dispenses medications for animals under the guidance of a veterinarian or veterinary pharmacist.
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Veterinary Practice Manager: Oversees the administrative operations of a veterinary clinic or hospital, including managing staff, finances, and client relations.
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Large Animal Veterinary Technician: Specializes in the care of large animals, such as cattle, horses, and livestock, often working in rural or agricultural settings.
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Veterinary Nutrition Technician: Focuses on animal nutrition, helping to develop and manage diet plans for pets and other animals under veterinary care.
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Veterinary Behavior Technician: Works with animals to address behavioral issues, providing training and support to improve animal welfare and human-animal interactions.