Content
NCTA
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Students interested in the Veterinary Technician Option are initially accepted into the Veterinary Assistant, Animal Husbandry, Animal Health Management or Equine Health Care Option.
These options can be used as the degree option pursued or as preparation for being accepted into the Veterinary Technician Option at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.
Upon successfully meeting the listed requirements, a student may be accepted into the Veterinary Technician Option Program. Once selected, the student’s advisor will have the admissions officer formally complete the change of option.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Only the Veterinary Technician option can lead to licensure as a veterinary technician.
To be accepted into the Veterinary Technician Option students must meet the following requirements:
1. Vaccinations
Tetanus shot within the last 10 years.
Rabies pre-exposure vaccination
Rabies vaccination is required for students pursuing the Veterinary Technician Option.
Vaccinations can be arranged through Gothenburg Discount Pharmacy with an office in Curtis (308-537-7155), Walgrens, Walmart, your local physician, county health department, West Central Health Department in North Platte (308-696-1201) or Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department in McCook (308-334-4223). Rabies immunization requires a series of 2-3 shots and timing is important.
Rabies Mitigation Plan
Rabies is a fatal disease that the veterinary profession may encounter.
Because of this several recommendations and requirements are in place.
Animals brought to class by students must be vaccinated against rabies at least 28 days before coming to class (This includes dogs, cats, cows, goats, sheep and horses)
Unvaccinated students will not handle any dog, cat, goat, sheep, cow or horse not vaccinated against rabies a minimum of 28 days prior to handling.
If you don’t want to receive the rabies vaccination a waiver form must be completed and turned into the Veterinary Technology office manager. It is important to understand that not being vaccinated against rabies will impact your participation in some labs.
2. A 3.0 CGPA. In the event of failure, withdrawal, or a grade of C- or below, a student will be allowed to repeat the course to earn a qualifying grade. Once all requirements have been met a student may apply to be accepted into the Veterinary Technician Option.
3. Successful completion of 24 credit hours of NCTA Veterinary Technology and / or NCTA college core classes. The 24-hours are selected with your advisor’s assistance and MUST include Facilities Management prior to application.
4. 20 hours of observation in a Veterinary Clinic
To obtain an understanding of the profession, students pursuing the Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant option must spend 20 hours observing or working with veterinarians and veterinary technicians in private practice. This observation is a prerequisite for Facility Management class.
5. Grooming and Attire Requirements
To promote professionalism and prevent disease transmission specific grooming and attire is required whenever in the Veterinary Technology complex. This consists of scrub top, name tag and slacks, surgical scrubs, capris, or jeans (no holes) and closed toed safe footwear. No hats in the classroom. For many lab classes fingernails need to be clean, short with no polish, artificial, acrylics, stick on, liquid nails, dip powder etc. etc. Hair must be maintained to avoid safety hazards. Appropriate lab jackets are worn over the scrub top in labs. NO pajamas, jogging pants, sweatpants, leggings, tights, lounge wear etc. Having your name embroidered on jackets and scrubs is a good idea but not required.
6. It is recommended that students be able to safely lift 50 lbs. Reasonable accommodations will be made when possible. Please talk to your instructor.
7. Health Insurance is highly recommended.
If you do not have medical insurance, it is available through UNL. Log into MyNCTA, Select the Profile tab and click on Health Insurance. Insurance through UNL must be signed up for at the beginning of each semester.
8. Use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescription drugs or alcohol can be cause for dismissal from the program and prevent a person from becoming licensed as a Veterinary Technician.
Once all requirements have been met, please complete the vaccination form, provide proof of rabies vaccination and complete the application form. Turn both into your academic advisor or Chrissy.
NCTA – Veterinary Technology
Application for acceptance into the Veterinary Technician Degree Option
Student Name: _________________________________________________________
To be accepted into the Veterinary Technician Degree option you must meet certain requirements. It is up to you to let your advisor know when the requirements have been met. Once the requirements are met your advisor will have the admission office formally enter you as a Veterinary Technician Option student.
Requirement Student Initials Faculty verification
Rabies vaccinations (2)
(Bring proof of vaccination)
Tetanus vaccination in the last 10 years
(Bring proof of vaccination)
20 hours of observation in a veterinary clinic.
(Bring completed form)
Proper attire for classes
(Initial that you understand and are willing to follow)
Ability to lift 50 lbs. (strongly recommended but not required)
(Initial that you understand the process)
Health insurance (strongly recommended but not required)
(Initial that you understand the importance of health insurance
and that you can purchase insurance through UNL if you like)
24 hours of advisor recommended classes - including
Facilities Management.
(Initial that you have taken and passed 24 credit hours)
3.0 CGPA - Initial that you understand and meet this
requirement
Initial that you understand that the use of illegal drugs or
misuse of prescription drugs or alcohol can be cause for
dismissal from the program and prevent a person from
becoming licensed as a Veterinary Technician.
Graduation Criteria - Veterinary Technician Option
To graduate with this option requires the successful completion of structured classes covering AVMA essential skills, an 8-week internship, passing the NCTA exit exam and, a CGPA of 80%.
Student Signature: _________________________________ Date: ________________
Graduation Criteria – Technician Option
The focus of NCTA’s Associate of Applied Science, Veterinary Technician Option is to provide the hands-on skills and academic background needed to accept career opportunities as an entry level veterinary technician. The program is American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited with the curriculum based around the AVMA essential tasks and skill list. Veterinary Technology – Technician Option graduates are qualified to sit for the Veterinary Technician Nation Licensing Exam and become a licensed Veterinary Technician. NCTA maintains a wide variety of animals to provide the students with a consistent and broad background of experience.
Veterinary Technician Option and Licensing
To become a licensed veterinary technician in Nebraska, one must graduate from an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology Program (Technician Option), pass the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam), and become licensed with the state of Nebraska. Certain felonies will prevent a person from being able to obtain a license.
Veterinary Technician Option – Alternative Path
- Take and pass all required classes.
- Pass the exit exam.
- Take and pass the following classes:
o Vet Tech Overview I
o Vet Tech Overview II
o Vet Tech Prep Course
o Radiation Safety
- Obtain a 2.8 CGPA
- Complete 3.0 years of successful work in the field of veterinary medicine. The work experience must be full-time, occur after graduation and be verified by the veterinarian you are working for.