| A veterinary technician is a rewarding profession with many opportunities for the graduate to grow and develop special interests in the vast field of veterinary medicine. Veterinary technicians typically conduct clinical work in a private practice under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian performing various medical tests and treat and diagnose medical conditions and diseases in animals. Some veterinary technicians record patients' case histories, expose and develop x rays and radiographs, and provide specialized nursing care. Veterinary technicians assisting small-animal practitioners usually care for small pets, such as cats and dogs, but can perform a variety of duties with mice, rats, sheep, pigs, cattle, monkeys, birds, fish, and frogs. Additional employment opportunities for veterinary technicians can be found in research facilities under the guidance of veterinarians or physicians.
The Medical Campus Veterinary Technology Program is a six-semester course of study. Graduates of the program earns 73 credits resulting in an Associate of Science degree that includes approximately 400 hours of clinical exposure for the students in a variety of clinical settings, primarily but not exclusively small animal. Graduates of the program are qualified to participate in the national certification examination process. A series of general education and natural science courses are associated with the Veterinary Technology program at Miami Dade College. It is recommended that students interested in this program complete these general education and natural science courses prior to applying and enrolling in the program to reduce the course workload in each semester. Completion of these courses does not guarantee admission to the program.
Attendance is full-time, and the program commitment averages up to 40 hours per week. Since the program is designated to prepare students for the profession of Veterinary Technology rather than simply for a job, students should expect to attend conferences and seminars that are offered on occasional evenings and weekends. As a result of scheduling, courses are offered during the day and evening with occasional weekend class participation.
The Veterinary Technology Program provides learning experiences that enable the student to acquire and assimilate the necessary technical competencies to function effectively as a supportive health care provider in the profession. In keeping with its mission and goals, and in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Medical Campus promotes an environment of respect and support for persons with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations. Please see the Physical Demands listed for this program.
To facilitate the clinical portion of the program, students are assigned to a clinical facility within Miami Dade County. Students are responsible for their own transportation to the campus and to various agencies in the community to which they are assigned for clinical experiences. Students enrolled in the clinical portion of the program are required to complete the Miami Dade College Student Health Record and criminal background check process.
Successful completion of the MDC level two background check process or completion of a MDC nursing/health sciences program does not guarantee a graduate’s eligibility for participation in the professional credentialing process or for related employment. Credentialing agencies and health care employers may have additional eligibility criteria not required by an educational institution. Individuals who have been arrested or convicted for any crime are strongly urged to inquire directly of the licensing board in the jurisdiction in which they intend to practice.
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