Becker’s AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology program provides students with a broad view of veterinary medicine and offers the flexibility to enter the workforce in a variety of different animal related careers. The first two years allow students to complete an Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology and then, during the junior and senior year complete the Bachelor of Science program where emphasis is placed on building a solid base of knowledge and advanced nursing skills related to nutrition, animal husbandry, zoonotic diseases, and preventive medicine in companion and non-companion animals.
Experienced faculty are engaged with students as active partners in the learning process through science-based course work in the classroom, as well as hands-on practical experiences which include the on-campus Becker Veterinary Clinic at the Lenfest Animal Health Center; field trips to shelters, large animal facilities, and laboratories; and experiential learning opportunities in an approved research facility, private veterinary practice or veterinary teaching facility.
VTNE Pass Rate for Becker Graduates
| Current reporting years: | July 1, 2016-June 30, 2019 |
|---|---|
| First-time candidates taking the VTNE | 134 |
| Three year VTNE Pass Rate Percentage | 75% |
* Indicates courses which are part of the accredited veterinary technology core, for which a grade of C or better is required. A student will be allowed to repeat a total of two core courses. Failure to achieve a C or better in any two core courses after two attempts will result in dismissal from the Veterinary Science program.
** The hours for this externship are completed in the summer between the first and second years.
Veterinary Technology B.S.
Freshman Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Credits Total: 34
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
| Course Name | Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Exotics and Small Mammals* | VTSC2050 | 3 |
| Veterinary Technology Capstone* | VTSC2090 | 2 |
| Veterinary Radiology* | VTSC2001 | 2 |
| Veterinary Hematology* | VTSC2101 | 3 |
| Farm Animal Skills* | VTSC2201 | 2 |
| Practical Experience II* | VTSC2904 | 1 |
Credits Total: 29
Junior Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
| Course Name | Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Science Elective 2000+ | Elective | 3 |
| Veterinary Science Elective 3000+ | Elective | 3 |
| Open Elective | Elective | 3 |
| Open Elective | Elective | 3 |
| Open Elective | Elective | 3 |
Credits Total: 30
Senior Year
Fall Semester
| Course Name | Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Externship Module IIIa | VTSC4901 | 3 |
| Externship Module IIIb | VTSC4902 | 3 |
| Externship Module IIIc | VTSC4903 | 3 |
| Veterinary Science Elective 3000+ | Elective | 3 |
Spring Semester
| Course Name | Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Seminar | VTSC4500 | 3 |
| Veterinary Science Elective 3000+ | Elective | 3 |
| Open Elective | Elective | 3 |
| Open Elective | Elective | 3 |
| Open Elective | Elective | 3 |
Credits Total: 27
Veterinary Technology Electives
Students may choose to take any three (3) approved Veterinary Science program electives in order to complete the degree. No more than one elective may be taken at the 2000 level, all other electives must be at the 3000 level or higher.
Special Requirements
All full-and part-time Animal Care and Veterinary Science students are required to complete a Student Health Record that includes: a physical exam and immunization record. Students must also have a tuberculosis skin test, review and sign a Vet Risk Form, review and sign a Waste Anesthetic Gases Form. Students will also need to review the Rabies Vaccination recommendations and provide proof of completion of vaccine series or waive the vaccine to decline. This information is required in order to participate in animal laboratories, veterinary clinic rotations, and career externships. Please note, if you decline or waive the rabies pre-exposure vaccine series, it will exclude you from experiences that may have an elevated risk of exposure to the rabies virus.
Students must be able to lift 50 pounds and be able to demonstrate the physical capabilities to work closely and safely with animals of all sizes. Students with limitations to movement, sight, or hearing may find it difficult to meet all curriculum requirements. For the health and safety of students and animals, scrubs will be required in all classes with laboratory components.