What is the process for applying? Students must first apply to Southern Union State Community College. For more information related to the college application process visit https://www.suscc.edu/
I have admissions questions. Who should I talk to? Prospective students should contact an advisor in the Health Sciences Department with questions relating to transcripts, transfer credits, applications, and prerequisite coursework: https://www.suscc.
Will this program be offered on another campus? The Veterinary Technology program will be offered on the Valley Campus at 321 Fob James Drive, Valley, Alabama beginning Fall semester of 2024. Currently, there are no plans to offer this program on the Wadley or Opelika campuses. While program students will attend classes (lectures and labs) on the Valley campus, students will be required to travel across the Auburn, Opelika and surrounding area for clinical and class related opportunities and educational experiences.
What immunizations should I receive prior to beginning the Veterinary Technology Program? Students should complete vaccination series for both Tetanus and Rabies (pre-exposure) prior to beginning the first semester of the program. Opportunities for receiving the Rabies immunization series or titers (if previously vaccinated) will be provided to students accepted into the program. In addition to completing vaccination series, students must have completed examinations by their medical provider(s) to include physical examination and completion of program specific paperwork. Students accepted into the Vet Tech program will receive more information on these processes upon acceptance.
For information related to the Rabies pre-exposure vaccination series visit https://www.cdc.gov/
Will this program prepare me for applying to veterinary school? Veterinary technology (veterinary nursing) is a standalone professional career and is not intended to be a pathway to becoming a veterinarian. Most similarly related to nursing school (becoming a registered nurse or RN) in human medicine, our program will graduate students to become licensed veterinary technicians. Coursework and credits offered by our program are likely not transferrable to programs offered by colleges of veterinary medicine for veterinary degrees as doctors of veterinary medicine (DVM/VMD). While credits and coursework are unlikely to transfer, our program will prepare individuals for various careers in veterinary medicine. The knowledge and experience gained throughout our program curriculum are widely applicable and valuable for those pursuing additional degrees in veterinary medicine. To learn more about the profession of veterinary technology/ veterinary nursing explore https://navta.net/
Is this program a certificate course? No. This program will prepare students for careers as credentialed veterinary technicians (licensed veterinary technicians) through completion of a 2-year Associate in Applied Science degree. Veterinary technology program graduates will need to pass both national and state board examinations and apply for licensure to practice veterinary medicine as a veterinary technician in the state of Alabama. In Alabama, it is unlawful to practice as and/or assume the title of a veterinary technician without a license. Students intending to practice outside of Alabama are advised to review the laws of practice in the state of intended practice. For more information related to the practice of veterinary medicine in Alabama visit https://asbvme.alabama.
Will I be able to work full-time? While our program will not dictate whether or not a student is employed, students will be required to attend classes in person during scheduled course times. Lectures, laboratories, and clinical experiences will vary semester to semester and flexibility in scheduling is required to maximize educational experiences and opportunities. Students should expect to spend 25 hours or more per week engaged in program activities. This program is not a "go at your own pace" program and courses must be taken in sequence and concurrently according to the program curriculum. It is the responsibility of the student and any employer to discuss scheduling and employment outside of the program.
Who accredits the Veterinary Technology Program at Southern Union? Southern Union State Community College is accredited by the SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) and is seeking accreditation of a new veterinary technology education program from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). Graduation from a veterinary technology/veterinary nursing education program accredited by the CVTEA is the main pathway for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination. The program at Southern Union is in process of submitting formal application materials required in the CVTEA pre-accreditation phase. Submission of this documentation does not assure that the program will be granted initial or full accreditation status. Achievement of initial accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, and does not assure that the program will be granted full accreditation. Should the Southern Union State Community College Veterinary Technology Program fail to be accepted by CVTEA for consideration of Initial or Full Accreditation status within the planned time frame, SUSCC may delay program dates and timelines until such approval is granted by CVTEA. Any students that have successfully met the VET admission requirements and/or completed VET courses may be referred to other accredited, established VET programs, or graduation timelines may be delayed. For more information relating to accreditation visit https://sacscoc.org/ and https://www.avma.org/