Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 CNM Catalog, Volume 54 
    
2022-2023 CNM Catalog, Volume 54 [The CNM Academic Year includes Fall, Spring, Summer Terms]

Veterinary Technology, Associate of Applied Science


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School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)

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) Council on Education (COE) and Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) nationally accredits the Program.

See Recommended Sequence of Courses

Special Requirements

Program Entry Registration Screening

This is a “Coordinated Program Entry” program; students must complete a pre-registration screening process administered through the Coordinated Program Entry Office before being eligible to register for program courses.

Other Compliance Requirements

Many of the health programs in HWPS require students to undergo a routine urine drug screen, provide documentation of current immunizations, have a current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (CPR) certificate and other training prior to beginning the program or beginning clinical education, all of which, along with the criminal background check, are verified through the Office of Verification and Compliance.

Physical Requirements

Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require the student to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)  Office for more information.

Program Fees

Program fees cover costs incurred on behalf of the student for student-issued equipment, background checks, drug screens, etc.

Transportation

Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.).

Approximate Costs of this Educational Option

Financial Aid Considerations

Career 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.

Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.


For the graduation policy refer to the Graduating from CNM section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM. 

Ten Year Rule for CTE Courses

Career and technical education courses in this program will qualify for credit for a period of ten academic years. Due to changing technologies, trends, and professional demands, courses completed ten or more years in the past will satisfy program requirements only if they are approved by the instructional school in which they were offered. Cohorted programs may have additional restrictions.

Program Requirements


Courses


Minimum Credit Hours Required to Complete Degree: 68


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