As a student in the Program of Veterinary Technology, you will learn through hands-on practice in clinical laboratories working with animals large and small. Alongside the Manor College 35-acre campus is our 50-acre farm, home to many horses.
Clinical laboratories have only six to nine students at a time, allowing for individual attention and instruction. These include radiology, surgery, anesthesiology, laboratory animal science, and large and small animal clinical procedures.
The demand for veterinary technicians is great, and graduates are readily employed in the many animal health-related fields. These include biomedical research, exotic and zoo animal medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, pharmaceutical sales, academic instruction, laboratory animal medicine, food inspection, clinical practice, emergency and critical care medicine, and government regulatory agencies. Specific roles can include the following:
- Veterinary technicians: These essential members of the animal healthcare team work in veterinary practices, medical research facilities, zoos, pharmaceutical companies, universities, or government agencies. Graduates of the program may become certified by successfully completing the Veterinary Technician National Examination, a computer-based exam offered at testing centers throughout Pennsylvania.
- Laboratory animal science: Graduates in Veterinary Technology can, after six months of working in a laboratory animal facility, take a Level One certification examination given by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science, or AALAS, to become an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician. ALATs are employed by biomedical research institutions to monitor animal health, maintain records, assist research scientists, and maintain animal facilities.
No matter what career you decide to pursue, veterinary technology is hard work and often requires long, busy days – but you’ll find the personal rewards are gratifying. The Program of Veterinary Technology at Manor College has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association since 1992.