Veterinary Technology
To inquire about this program: Mary Hatfield | 423.869.6278 | mary.hatfield@lmunet.edu
Veterinary technicians work with a veterinarian to provide professional healthcare. This requires extensive knowledge and training in the care and handling of animals, their normal and abnormal life processes, medical and surgical nursing, anesthesiology, diagnostic imaging, and clinical laboratory procedures-precisely the kind of knowledge and training you'll receive at LMU.
LMU's veterinary technology program (LMUVTP) offers several degree options that allow you to complete the pre-veterinary medicine requirements at LMU and be prepared to apply to AVMA-accredited colleges of veterinary medicine.
Degrees Offered
Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology (AAS)
Associate of Science in Veterinary Animal Science (AS)
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology (BS)
Concentrations
Animal Science
Veterinary Practice
Special Features
LMUVTP's affiliation with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, the Harrogate Hospital for Animals, and Harrogate Genetics International enables you to gain cutting-edge knowledge and experience.
The AAS and BS degrees are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
The BS degree offers concentration areas in veterinary animal science and veterinary practice management. These concentrations are excellent choices for transfer students.
All of LMU's veterinary degrees emphasize hands-on experience with animals, preventative medicine, and service to the community.
The AAS and BS degrees qualify students to take the national veterinary technician licensing examination and to become a licensed veterinary technician (for those earning the AAS) or veterinary technologist (for those earning the BS).
LMU's veterinary technology students are a diverse group, coming from places like the Virgin Islands and from states as far away as California, North Dakota, and New York.
Course Information
Required veterinary courses for the AAS and AS degrees include:
- Introduction to Veterinary Technology
- Animal Nutrition
- Medical Terminology
- Diagnostic Laboratory Procedures
- Animal Breeds and Reproduction
- Large-Animal Clinical Procedures
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Parasitology
- Clinical Treatment Techniques
- Medicine and Pharmacology
- Laboratory and Zoo Animals
- Surgical Prep and Anesthesia
- Veterinary Imaging
- Clinical Review
- Veterinary Technician Practicum
- Cell Biology
- Biology and Chemistry Electives
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Economics
- Management and Marketing
- Companion and Large Animal Management
- Advanced Anesthesia
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Emergency Medicine
- Seminar
Internships
LMUVTP students participate in internships at private veterinary practices, emergency clinics, and the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
Career Opportunities
Veterinary technicians are in high demand-there are at least four jobs for every veterinary technology graduate. LMUVTP graduates are prepared to work in:
- Small-animal clinics
- Large-animal clinics
- Exotic-animal practices
- Zoos
- Veterinary education
- Veterinary practice management
- Research facilities
- Public health
Graduate & Professional Schools
Acceptance to veterinary schools is competitive, but LMU has an excellent placement rate. LMUVTP graduates are regularly accepted to colleges of veterinary medicine throughout the region, including:
- University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
- University of Tennessee Graduate Schools
- Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine
Alumni Success
Many LMUVTP graduates have gone on to become veterinarians and are employed by universities. Others own their own veterinary practices and veterinary equipment companies. LMU alumni also serve the veterinary community by holding leadership positions in local and national veterinary organizations, and by serving as advocates for animal welfare.
Clubs & Organizations
Many majors are actively involved in both the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA) and the Tennessee Veterinary Technician Association (TVTA).
LMU also sponsors a Veterinary Technology Club, which works with local animal shelters and the surrounding community.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
A range of scholarships are available to veterinary technology majors, such as:
- NAVTA Scholarships
- TVTA Scholarships
- Knoxville Veterinary Medical Association Scholarships
- LMU Veterinary Technology Program Scholarships
Departmental Awards
Each year, the department presents a major with its Outstanding Veterinary Technology Student Award. It also awards an eligible student with a Veterinary Technology Program Student Work Scholarship.
