2009 - 2011 CNM Catalog June 2010, Volume 43 with Addendum Information [The CNM Academic Year includes Fall, Spring, Summer Terms]
Veterinary Technology
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 Return to: Programs of Study
School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety
CONTACT INFORMATION
Program information is available from the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety office at (505) 224-4111 or Academic Advisement and Career Development (505) 224-4321 or from Program Director/Chair at (505) 224-5043.
cnm.edu/depts/hwps/progs
Program Description
Veterinary technology is a career in which skilled veterinary technicians participate in the exciting and challenging field of veterinary medicine working with animals and their owners under the supervision of veterinarians. The five-term Associate of Applied Science degree program provides didactic, lab and clinical experiences necessary for employment in the field of veterinary care and technology. Upon completion of the program, the graduate is ready to be an integral part of the veterinary health care team providing care and support to animals. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination and the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Practice Act Examination. Upon passing both examinations successfully, the applicant is eligible for licensure by the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine (NMBVM) as a Registered Veterinary Technician. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) nationally accredits the Program.
Special Requirements
Students interested in the Veterinary Technology Program must be in good physical and psychological health. A felony record may prevent the graduate from sitting for the national and state board examinations. Students with felonies should contact the NM Board of Veterinary Medicine prior to petitioning to the Program.
Health requirements: The VT program requires documentation of a recent health screening from a licensed health care provider confirming the ability to safely perform program specific activities and lift a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for those students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with a disability that may interfere with completing program competencies, which may include providing safe patient care, are advised to contact the program director at (505) 224-5043 for more information.
Petitioning: The Petition process is subject to change. Students should plan to attend an information session to remain current. Information sessions covering the petitioning process, program requirements and career opportunities are scheduled regularly. Dates and times for Program Information Sessions can be obtained by calling the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety, (505) 224-4111 or on the CNM website: cnm.edu > Areas of Study > Health, Wellness & Public Safety > Programs of Study > Veterinary Technology.
The program begins in fall of each year. Petitions are accepted in May and June. In order to petition a student must:
- Have a High School diploma or equivalent
- Complete and pass the Required Program Courses with a grade of “C” or better (present a CNM transcript)
- Achieve a minimum score of 85 on the HWPS Basic Math test within 12 months prior to petitioning
- Present proof of a GPA of 2.5 or greater in the Required Courses
- Documentation of basic computer literacy is strongly recommended (e-mail, computer course on transcript, etc.).
Consideration is given to prospective students in the following order:
- The number of prerequisite science and mathematics courses completed with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- The number of non-science courses completed with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Date of declaration of major as Veterinary Technology
Fees: Students are required to provide their own health insurance and transportation to classes, labs and clinical sites. The various program fees are published in the Schedule of Classes.
Career and Educational Opportunities
Employment opportunities for Registered Veterinary Technicians in New Mexico are excellent. RVTs work in private clinical veterinary practices, animal control and animal humane centers, zoos and wildlife facilities, diagnostic laboratories, biomedical facilities, federal positions, and institutions of higher learning as well as in other areas involving animal care. In some jobs, the academic training allows for rapid advancement into management positions with commensurate higher pay.
Exit competencies (see Program Exit Competencies ) for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.
For the graduation policy refer to the Moving On section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.
Special Notes
Students should have reliable transportation while in the program. Clinical assignments are given to students requiring travel throughout the metropolitan area.
IT 0850 Basic Keyboarding/Computer Skills is recommended for program success.
Students must meet prerequisites by placement scores or specific course work. Please see Course Descriptions for prerequisite(s) information.
See Prerequisite Requirement Guide for Accuplacer score equivalencies.
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