Frequently Asked Questions about the Veterinary Technology Program

When is the application deadline?
May 20th of each year.

When do students start the program?
A new group of students are selected once a year and begin the program fall semester.

Can students attend the program part time?
No, because the program is lock step which means the courses are presented in a certain sequence requiring continuing enrollment.

Are there any prerequisite courses that must be completed prior to admission to the program?
Yes. Chemistry I (CHM 1111), Biology I (BIO 1111) and math must be completed with a grade of a 'C' or better prior to the application deadline of May 20th. If these courses are to be taken at some other campus it would be wise to verify with our admissions office that they are an equal transfer. Not all college chemistry and biology courses meet this program requirement. It is highly recommended that all of the non-VET courses be taken prior to beginning the program. Beginning with the fall of 2012, all non-VET courses will need to be completed prior to May 20th. Also, students should be aware that if they are planning to take any courses here, they should register as soon as their assigned time allows. Waiting may result in failure to get into the class you need.

What if the prerequisite classes and other non-vet related courses are full when I register to take it?
You can check for the availability of the course during the drop/add registration period.

If I transfer in all of the non-VET courses, can I complete the program in less than five semesters?
No, as the VET courses are offered only once a year, one time a year. Your schedule will be lighter during the first year than those who have not taken courses prior to being accepted into the program.

Is the program offered at night?
The veterinary courses are only offered during the day and the program is considered to be a full-time day program. However, many of the core courses are offered at night or online.

Are the veterinary courses offered more than once a year?
No. Each course is offered only once a year, at one time a year, with the exception of the two laboratory courses, VET 1020 and 2120. A day and night session may be offered depending on the number of students enrolled.

How are students accepted into the program?
Admission is competitive. The following are currently considered in the acceptance process: cumulative GPA, interview, non-VET course completion, attendance of a mandatory orientation, HOBET test score and submission of an essay.

What do I do if I don't get accepted?
Reapply. If you haven't completed the core courses, those can be completed which students say makes the program easier to deal with.

Do you have a waiting list?
No. Students not accepted will need to reapply. After the students are accepted for the upcoming class, no other students will be accepted for that academic year.

Do you allow students to defer start of the program after being accepted to the following year due to personal problems, etc?
No, students would need to reapply.

Does Gwinnett Tech house animals on campus?
No. Hands-on training in this program is accomplished for the most part by field trips to veterinary facilities and clinical site rotation assignments.

During which courses do students rotate through veterinary clinics?
During the third semester of the program, during VET 2130, each student will be assigned to a clinical site where they will train. During the fourth semester, during VET 2230, each student is assigned to two clinics in which to train. Students spend half the time in one and then the remaining time at the other. During the fifth semester (the last semester), students take VET 2300, which is their internship. The students may select a clinical site for training, approved by the program director.

Do I get paid during the clinical rotations?
No.

What field trips do students go on during the program?
Currently the students go on trips to the UGA Dairy Barn and a UGA horse facility to complete large animal competencies. Laboratory animal competencies are completed during a two-day session at Emory University. Students also attend a behind the scenes tour of Zoo Atlanta and a large animal anesthesia seminar at the College of Veterinary Medicine at UGA.

Is the program accredited?
Yes, by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Do I have to work with cows if I have no interest in them?
Yes. All students are required to complete all of the competencies of the program as dictated by the AVMA to graduate from this program. This means that students will work with not only dogs and cats but also cattle, horses, rats, mice, birds and rabbits, for example.  

Can I work while I am in the program?
Holding down a full time job will be difficult. Beginning third semester, program students will be occupied with the program Monday through Friday roughly from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Most students who work are working at night and on weekends.

How many graduates find employment?
The program has a 100% job placement rate as there are more veterinary technician positions than people to fill them. This is true in other parts of the country as well.

What is the pass rate of the program students who take the National Board Examination for Veterinary Technicians?
The graduates have 99% pass rate on the board examination.

What is the average cost for tuition and books for the program?
The tuition for the two years runs approximately $5000 and textbook cost is roughly $2,000. There is a VET supply fee of approximately $350/year. Other expenses include uniforms, name tags, stethoscopes, scissors, thyroid shields, etc. An estimate of these expenses is roughly $285. These figures represent an estimate.

Can I enter the Veterinary Technology Program if I have a criminal record?
Students can enter the program, but the state may not grant you a license after you graduate if you have a criminal background. The State Board of Veterinary Medicine handles these issues on a case by case basis. They would need to be contacted by the student for a determination.

Is there a dress code while attending the program?
Yes, there is. See the attached sheet.

Classroom Dress Code

For certain courses in the program, medical scrubs (traditional v-neck scrub top and traditional or surgical-style pants) and athletic or nursing shoes will be the required attire.

Appropriate under garments must be worn. (No thong underwear.) When wearing shirts under scrub tops, they should be in good condition, be of a similar color or match the scrub top, not be designed or printed, and be tucked in and not showing. The sleeves should not be showing unless the undershirt has long sleeves.

Hats are not allowed to be worn in any program courses. Clothing and accessories must also comply with the Veterinary Technology Infection Control Plan of which you have received a copy.

For courses that do not require medical scrubs, the following are infractions to what would be considered appropriate college dress:

• Failure to wear attire appropriate for a mature learning environment. Inappropriate attire includes, but is not limited to, the following: short skirts and/or dresses, tight shorts, swimsuits, low rise pants, tank or tube tops, low cut tops.

• Failure to dress completely. Uniform tops must be fitted to maintain modesty. (i.e., no bare midriffs, bare feet, etc.).When wearing scrub tops, a t-shirt or tank top must be worn underneath.

• Failure to maintain personal hygiene. (i.e., cleanliness of body and clothing.)

• Inappropriate hair color or style. Starting second semester hair color must be that which is appropriate for a professional setting. For example, pink hair or black hair with purple stripes will not be allowed.

• Wearing emblems, insignia, badges, symbols or attire that contain inappropriate, lewd, or vulgar messages or that denote gang affiliation, where the effect thereof may be construed as offensive to a reasonable person or might otherwise cause disruption or interference with the orderly operations of the college and program.

• Failure to wear Gwinnett Tech identification badge.

Personal Appearance (Dress Code) for Clinical Rotations
The personal appearance and demeanor of Veterinary Technology students reflect both the school and program standards and are indicative of the students' interest and pride in their profession. Any student reporting to their clinical assignment in improper (soiled, untidy, dirty shoes, etc.) uniform or attire will be sent home by the clinical supervisor. Program faculty and clinical supervisors reserve the right to deem certain scrub patterns as inappropriate for clinical rotations.

Approved Clinical Attire: Males/Females
*These items are in addition to the classroom dress code previously outlined.

• Scrubs (Traditional v-neck scrub top and traditional or surgical-style pants.) A t-shirt or tank top must be worn underneath the scrub top.
  Note: Program faculty and clinical supervisors reserve the right to disallow any scrub patterns or styles deemed inappropriate or unprofessional.

• Appropriate under garments must be worn. (No thong underwear.)

• Clean, polished white uniform or solid white leather athletic shoes (no high-tops).

• Clean, neat, and appropriate hairstyle and color (example: no black hair with pink stripes, purple hair, etc.)

• Fingernails will be short, neat, and clean. No polish, clear or colored, can be used.

• Offensive odors are prohibited. This includes cologne, perfume, after shave and cigarette smoke as these are offensive to clients, coworkers, and patients.

• Daily body cleanliness and appropriate deodorant or antiperspirant should be used.

• Jewelry can be dangerous to both a student and patient. One ring and one watch with a second hand may be worn. One pair of stud earrings, one earring per ear, only.

• All other jewelry is prohibited.

• No visible body piercing is allowed.

• No visible body tattoos.

Note: Information in this document is subject to change