MxCC Offers New Veterinary Technology Program

Connecticut residents looking for careers in veterinary technology have a new option for educational training: earning an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology at Middlesex Community College.  The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education voted this week to approve a new Associate’s Degree program for veterinary technology at the College, beginning in the fall 2012 semester.   MxCC will be the second school in Connecticut to offer a degree in this field (along with Northwestern Connecticut Community College).

The new degree at MxCC will provide students with classroom, laboratory, and hands-on clinical experiences at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center in Middletown.  After completing the degree program, students will be well prepared for entry-level employment in veterinary offices, zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, research facilities, biological research facilities, drug and feed manufacturing companies, or in the animal production industry.  MxCC intends to apply for program accreditation from American Veterinary Medical Association.  This rigorous quality assessment will be conducted at a future time.

“For many years, MxCC has worked in partnership with NCCC to offer some pre-requisite courses that could be applied to their Veterinary Technology Degree Program,” explained MxCC Academic Dean Steven Minkler.  “Along the way, we built an impressive, highly qualified faculty, and solid industry relationships.  It is a natural step to complete these efforts and now offer the full degree to our students.  We are very excited to know the Board of Regents recognized these efforts and voted to approve this new degree at MxCC.”

To celebrate the new program, MxCC President Dr. Anna Wasescha (pictured here, in the center) joined Dr. Robert Kennedy, president of the Board of Regents (right) and Kristen Fratamico, DVM at Pieper Olson & Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center in Middletown (left).  The new program will include field experience opportunities at Pieper Memorial and other area facilities.  

Course content within the program includes animal anatomy and physiology, laboratory procedures, medical and surgical nursing skills, and clinical pathology.   Students also develop analytical problem-solving and decision-making skills applicable to the role of the veterinary technician in the field of animal healthcare.   

MxCC also will continue to offer a Veterinary Assistant Certificate Program, through its partnership with the Connecticut Valley Veterinary Associates. This 20-week program focuses on the care of small animals, large animals, and exotic pets in the veterinary profession, and includes clinical experience at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center.   This program follows the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA) Guidelines for Veterinary Assistant Programs and can be stepping stone to a Veterinary Technician Certification Program or an entry-level position at a veterinary facility.