Veterinary Technology A.A.S. (Distance Education Program)

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Health Sciences Pathway Icon

Program Available at:

  • Cedar Valley

For more information, visit the Dallas College Distance Education Veterinary Technology Program (DEVTP) webpage and your academic advisor at the Cedar Valley Campus.

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing Veterinary Technology. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Veterinary Technology. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours (15 hours) required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. See catalog for official degree requirements.

The A.A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and graduates of the program are eligible to take the national and state exams required to become a credentialed Veterinary Technician (LVT, RVT, or CVT depending on your state of residence). Graduates assist veterinarians in providing healthcare for animals and may work in veterinary hospitals, in research facilities or allied health industries. The Veterinary Technology curriculum is designed to provide the graduate with information, experience and skills needed to perform all technical duties in a practice, including nursing care, laboratory and radiology procedures and assisting with anesthesia and surgery. Applications to the Distance Education Program (DL) are accepted throughout the year. Check the website above for more information. Courses that complete the Degree and courses that complete the Small Animal Certificate (SC) are noted below. A grade of "C" or better is required for all courses.


Catalog Year       2021-2022  You may use this pathway if you entered Dallas College on or before this date.

Degree Type       Associate of Applied Science

GPA Requirement       Student must earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher

TSI       Must be Complete


SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER MAP FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See catalog for official degree requirements.

AAS DEGREE MINIMUM: 60 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

SEMESTER 1

ENGL 1301 – Composition I This is a Core course. (Course also applies to SC)

BIOL 1406 – Biology for Science Majors I This is a Core course. (Course also applies to SC)

VTHT 1301 – Introduction to Veterinary Technology (Course also applies to SC)

VTHT 1217 – Veterinary Office Management (Course also applies to SC)

SEMESTER 1 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your advisor to confirm academic and career goals before the end of the semester.
  2. Meet with a career advisor or coach to research your career options and opportunities for job shadowing.
  3. Submit application/registration forms for DL program.

Total Hours: 12

SEMESTER 2

MATHEMATICS ELECTIVE* This is a Core course. (Course also applies to SC)

HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS ELECTIVE* This is a Core course.

VTHT 1413 – Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology

VTHT 2201 – Canine and Feline Clinical Management (Course also applies to SC)

* There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your academic advisor for a specific list.

SEMESTER 2 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your advisor to request an official program of study audit and confirm or update your academic/career path and program of study.

Total Hours: 12

SEMESTER 3

SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE ELECTIVE* This is a Core course

VTHT 1349 – Veterinary Pharmacology                         

VTHT 2205 – Equine Clinical Management

VTHT 2321 – Veterinary Parasitology (Course also applies to SC)

* There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your academic advisor for a specific list.

SEMESTER 3 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your advisor to apply for the Small Animal Veterinary Assisting Certificate. If needed, also discuss remaining program course requirements and AAS completion.
  2. Find employment (20 hr/wk minimum) in a veterinary hospital-REQUIRED FOR REMAINING CLASSES Submit OCCI documents

Total Hours: 11

SEMESTER 4

VTHT 2209 – Food Animal Clinical Management

VTHT 2223 – Veterinary Clinical Pathology I

VTHT 1345 – Veterinary Radiology

SEMESTER 4 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Meet with your advisor to confirm or update your academic/career path and program of study.

Total Hours: 7

SEMESTER 5

VTHT 2331 – Veterinary Clinical Pathology II

VTHT 1160 Clinical- Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/ Technician and Veterinary Assistant*

VTHT 2213 – Lab Animal Clinical Management

VTHT 1341 – Anesthesia and Surgical Assistance

* Clinical/Cooperative Education Electives - students must complete 3 credit hours of Clinical or Cooperative Education selected from these options. Students must select Option 1 or Option 2.
       OPTION 1: Recommended for students with limited clinical experience: VTHT 1160 (Semester 5) AND VTHT 2280 (Semester 6).
       OPTION 2: Recommended for students currently working in a veterinary clinic: VTHT 2380 in Semester 6

SEMESTER 5 ACTION ITEMS

  1. Find employment (15 hr/wk minimum) with a veterinary clinic to complete VTHT 2380 cooperative education in the next semester. 
  2. Meet with a career advisor or coach for assistance in preparing for job search.

Total Hours: 9

SEMESTER 6

VTHT 2325 – Large Animal Assisting Techniques

VTHT 2439 – Veterinary Nursing Care

CHOOSE ONE

  • VTHT 2280 – Cooperative Education-Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant* OR
  • VTHT 2380 – Cooperative Education-Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant*

* Clinical/Cooperative Education Electives - students must complete 3 credit hours of Clinical or Cooperative Education selected from these options. Students must select Option 1 or Option 2.
       OPTION 1: Recommended for students with limited clinical experience: VTHT 1160 (Semester 5) AND VTHT 2280 (Semester 6).
       OPTION 2: Recommended for students currently working in a veterinary clinic: VTHT 2380 in Semester 6

SEMESTER 6 ACTION ITEMS

  1. After reviewing your degree plan and program of study, meet with your advisor to apply for the Veterinary Technology A.A.S.
  2. Sign up for commencement.
  3. Join the Alumni Network!

Total Hours: 9-10

PATHWAY TOTAL: 60-61 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS