Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Veterinary Technology Systems


Faculty

Barbara Berg, Program Director, LVT, Assistant Professor
Judy Bowmaster Cole, LVT, Assistant Professor
Elizabeth Fraser, D.V.M., Assistant Professor
Leighlynn Obermiller,  LVT, Lecturer
Crystal Rhine, D.V.M., Assistant Professor


Veterinary Technology Mission

The Veterinary Technology Systems division is dedicated to the development of innovative individuals for careers in the animal health industry. The focus of the Veterinary Technology Associate of Applied Science degree is to provide the hands-on skills and academic background needed for graduates to accept and be successful in career opportunities within the animal health industry, be lifelong learners and involved community members. NCTA maintains a wide variety of animals to provide the students with a consistent and broad background of experience.


Application and Selection Process for Technician Option

Students interested in the Veterinary Technician Option are initially accepted into the Veterinary Assistant, Animal Husbandry, Animal Health Management or Equine Health Care Option. These options can be used as the degree pursued or as preparation for being accepted into the Veterinary Technician Option at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

Upon successfully meeting the listed requirements, a student may be accepted into the Veterinary Technician Option Program. Once selected, the student’s advisor will have the admissions officer formally complete the change of option.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Only the Veterinary Technician option can lead to licensure as a veterinary technician.

To be accepted into the Veterinary Technician Option students must meet the following requirements:

  1. Vaccinations
    1. Tetanus shot within the last 10 years
    2. Rabies Pre-exposure Vaccination (Please see Rabies Mitigation plan below).
      1. Rabies vaccination is required for students pursuing the Veterinary Technician Option.
  2. In the event of course failure, withdrawal, or a grade of C- or below, a student will be allowed to repeat the course to earn a qualifying grade. Once all requirements have been met a student may apply to be accepted into the Veterinary Technician Option.
  3. Successful completion of 24 credit hours of advisor guided NCTA Veterinary Technology and / or NCTA college core classes.
  4. 20 hours of observation in a Veterinary Clinic
  5. Grooming and Attire Requirements
  6. It is recommended that students be able to safely lift 50 lbs. Reasonable accommodations will be made when possible. Please talk to your instructor.
  7. Health Insurance is highly recommended. 

Please refer to the Veterinary Technology Handbook for more information on these topics.


Graduation Requirements

Final Assessment- Veterinary Technician Option
  • NCTA’s Associate of Applied Science, Veterinary Technician Option focuses on providing the hands-on skills and academic background needed to accept career opportunities as an entry-level veterinary technician.  The program is American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited with a curriculum based on the AVMA essential tasks and skill list.  Veterinary Technology – Technician Option graduates are qualified to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Licensing Exam and become licensed Veterinary Technicians.  NCTA maintains a wide variety of animals to provide the students with a consistent and broad background of experience.
  • This option requires successfully completing structured classes covering AVMA essential skills, an 8-week internship, passing the exit exam and, a CGPA of 3.0.
  • To become a licensed veterinary technician in Nebraska, one must graduate from an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology Program (Technician Option), pass the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam), and become licensed with the state of Nebraska.  Certain felonies will prevent a person from being able to obtain a license.

Veterinary Technology Handbook

All Veterinary Technology students should read the Veterinary Technology Student Handbook, which can be found on the NCTA web page.


Rabies Mitigation Plan

  • Rabies is a fatal disease that the veterinary profession may come in contact with, so several requirements are in place.
  • Animals brought to class by students must be vaccinated against rabies at least 28 days before coming to class (This includes dogs, cats, and horses)
  • Unvaccinated students will not handle any unvaccinated warm-blooded animals.