Veterinary Medicine
Associate Degree

Why Earn an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technician at NCC?

Ready to turn your love of animals into a promising career? Become a veterinary technician by earning an associate in applied science (AAS) degree in just two years of full-time study at Northampton Community College (NCC). 

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We proudly offer our immersive veterinary technician degree program in collaboration with Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC). Complete your science courses and labs at NCC's Bethlehem campus and participate in on-site clinical training at LCCC's veterinary technician barn. You gain practice working with various species, domestic to exotic, and partnering with industry professionals to properly assist with diagnosing and treating animals with injuries and illnesses.

Our veterinary technician program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA CVTEA®) to ensure the highest quality of education and training

 Build Your Skills Through Clinical Experience

In preparation for your time in the workforce, we designed the veterinary technician degree program to emphasize hands-on learning. You participate in a range of lab-based and clinical experiences, studying small and large animal procedures, clinical techniques, and domestic, laboratory, and exotic species. Additionally, we integrate a 10-week veterinary technician externship into our curriculum, allowing you to work in real-world settings, put your theoretical knowledge into practice, and connect with skilled veterinary professionals.

Secure Your Veterinary Technician Certification in Pennsylvania

The veterinary technician degree program delivers a career-focused education by equipping you with the scientific expertise and clinical experience needed to obtain your veterinary technician certification in Pennsylvania. Once you’ve completed an associate or bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA-accredited program, you must earn a passing grade on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).

For more information, review Pennsylvania’s veterinary technician licensure requirements.

What You’ll Learn in This Program

Comprising nearly 70 credits, the veterinary technician program curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of essential knowledge and critical skills you need as an up-and-coming veterinary technician.

At the start of your program, you enroll in specialized courses covering foundational topics, such as veterinary anatomy and physiology of domestic animals, veterinary medical terminology, and animal management and nutrition. You also receive a comprehensive overview of the veterinary technician’s role, including job responsibilities, ethical and occupational issues, management practices, and client relations.  

Then, you progress toward studying clinical lab techniques and other advanced topics like animal disease, pharmacology, and anesthesia and working with lab and exotic animals. Throughout the veterinary technician curriculum, we also integrate general education courses, such as  English, communication, and college success, to ensure you have well-developed written and verbal communication skills that you’ll use in your daily work as a veterinary technician.

State Licensing

Veterinary technician licensure requirements vary from state to state, and you may require additional authorization from the professional licensing agency should you move to a different state after graduation. If you need help or have questions, please contact us for more information.

Applying to the Veterinary Technician Program

Due to its rigorous nature, admission to the AAS in Veterinary Technician degree program is highly selective. Additionally, this is a fall-start clinical program; the application opens on October 1 and must be completed by March 15.

Please carefully review all information and requirements to ensure a smooth application process.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Choose NCC, one of Pennsylvania’s most affordable community colleges. Earn your veterinary technician degree with low tuition rates and robust scholarship and financial aid opportunities. Invest in your education and receive a high return on your future career.