About this Degree
We are proud to be the only university in Utah offering a Veterinary Technology Associate of Science (A.S.) degree beginning Fall 2025. This unique program prepares students for rewarding careers in veterinary clinics or as a foundation for further degrees in veterinary science. Students have the option to stack the Veterinary Technology A.S. on a Veterinary Assistant Certificate, continue their education at USU, or enter the workforce at any stage. The program offers flexible learning, with online lectures and hands-on labs in person through our mobile lab or on campus. It will be available in both Blanding and Logan, Utah.
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Contact with Questions:
Abby Benninghoff, Ph.D.
Phone: (435) 797-2162
Email: abby.benninghoff@usu.edu
Phone: (435) 797-2162
Email: abby.benninghoff@usu.edu
Role of a Veterinary Technician
- Certified by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Helps diagnose and treat animals in animal hospitals, clinics, and research facilities
- Monitors vital signs, prepares animals for surgeries, and takes x-rays
- Provides routine and emergency care to animals using their clinical knowledge
- Commands higher salary than veterinary assistants
Launch of the New Degree Program
Classes for the Vet Tech A.S. degree begin in the 2025-2026 academic year. This program will provide students with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the growing field of veterinary technology.
Here’s what students can expect as the program rolls out:
Year 1 Courses Begin in 2025-2026
In the first year, students will take foundational courses to build essential veterinary skills.
Fall 2025
- ADVS 2000 Introduction to Veterinary Technology
- ADVS 2010 Companion Animal Science and Management
- ADVS 2015 Companion Animal Science and Management Lab
- ADVS 2020 Companion Animal Nursing
- ADVS 2025 Companion Animal Nursing Lab
- ADVS 2060 Veterinary Clinical Lab Techniques
- ADVS 2065 Veterinary Clinical Lab Techniques Lab
- ADVS 2200 Anatomy and Physiology of Animals
Year 2 Courses Begin in 2026-2027
The second year will build on the foundation established in year one, focusing on advanced coursework and hands-on training to complete the Veterinary Technology A.S. curriculum.
Fall 2026
- ADVS 2140 Pharmacology and Toxicology for Veterinary Technicians
- ADVS 2030 Exotic and Laboratory Animal Care
- ADVS 2035 Exotic and Laboratory Animal Care Lab
- ADVS 2040 Veterinary Critical Care Nursing
- ADVS 2045 Veterinary Critical Care Nursing Lab
- ADVS 2050 Veterinary Nurse Specialties
- ADVS 2055 Veterinary Nurse Specialties Lab
- ADVS 2070 Food Animal and Equine Care
- ADVS 2075 Food Animal and Equine Care Lab
- ADVS 2250 Cooperative Work Experience
Flexible Pathways to Success
The Veterinary Technology A.S. program aligns with the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE)-approved Veterinary Assistant Certificate. Students who complete this certificate can articulate up to 18 credits toward the A.S. degree.
Students at our Blanding campus would first complete the Veterinary Assistant Certificate and then continue to the Veterinary Technology A.S. degree.
The Veterinary Assistant Certificate is not required to start the A.S. program in Logan. Students may declare this degree and begin year one courses directly at the Logan campus.
For those currently enrolled in veterinary assistant certificate programs, this timeline is particularly important. Students who complete the USHE Veterinary Assistant Certificate before year two courses are available can enroll at USU in fall 2025 or spring 2026 to complete general education and other degree requirements.
Plan for AVMA Accreditation
The phased approach for launching our course offerings ensures the curriculum is thoughtfully developed to meet the high standards of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This timeline aligns with the AVMA accreditation process, allowing graduates to sit for the Veterinary Technician Nation Exam (VTNE) if accreditation is approved.