Quinebaug Valley Community College offers an 8-month veterinary assistant program. It is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide basic animal care, perform laboratory tasks and assist during surgical procedures. Graduates are prepared to seek employment in a wide range of settings, such as animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, animal shelters and public zoos. The program is comprised of three courses addressing the topics of professional reception, veterinary terminology, occupational safety, animal handling, diagnostics and treatment, and surgical and dental procedures. Hands-on practical training in professional setting under the supervision of a local veterinarian or veterinary technician is also required.
Quinehaug Valley Community College
742 Upper Maple St.
Danielson, CT 06239
860-412-7300
qvcc.commnet.edu
Located about 22 miles from Hartford, Northwestern Connecticut Community College offers a two-year associate degree program in veterinary technology that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. In addition to general education requirements in the liberal arts and sciences, this program consists of coursework in medical terminology, pharmacology, animal anatomy and physiology, small and large animal veterinary technology, imaging, animal pathology, periodontal and oral radiology, veterinary anesthesia and surgical nursing. Students also receive hands-on training in a simulated small-animal hospital that includes the opportunity to practice both surgical procedure assisting and x-ray technology. A professional internship at an off-campus local veterinary hospital during the final semester is also required. Graduates may choose to continue their studies at the University of Connecticut where they can apply their credential towards a baccalaureate degree in veterinary science and pathobiology.
Northwest Connecticut Community College
Park Place East
Winsted, CT 06098
860-738-6300
nwcc.commnet.edu
A four-year bachelor’s degree program with a major in veterinary science and pathobiology is offered by the University of Connecticut. Students receive a thorough education that includes foundational courses in both the liberals arts and biomedical sciences. Course topics include animal anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, animal breeding and genetics, microbiology, animal virology, animal disease management, histology, immunology, animal nutrition, avian pathobiology and diseases in fish. Many graduates pursue further education to become veterinarians, dentists or medical doctors.
The University of Connecticut
University of Connecticut
61 North Eagleville Road
Storrs, CT 06269
860-486-4000
uconn.edu