Pre-Veterinary Assistant

Students interested in completing the Medical Coding Specialist program at Madison College must start by applying for admission to the program. Qualified applicants will be admitted in a pre-program status and should review the Start of Semester Checklist to guide you through your next steps in preparing for your first day of classes at Madison College.

After being admitted in a pre-program status, students are then selected for entry into core program courses through the Petition Process.

Applicants are responsible for submitting official high school transcripts, college transcripts, or test scores that show completion of the below requirements. Learn how to submit prior coursework that may transfer in and satisfy petition requirements. Coursework must be completed or in-progress before you can begin the petition process. See our Transcript page for information on submitting transcripts. View our Testing Services page for information on completing a test for admissions. 

Admission and petition requirements are subject to change; please review the requirements prior to submitting your application or petition.

This program petitions for entry into the following term:

Fall - Petition window opens on April 1

Review the Petition Process for details on how and when to petition.

  • 1.

    Petition Workshop Requirement

    As soon as students are placed into a pre-program status, they will be added to a program-specific Petition Workshop via BlackBoard. This workshop is mandatory and will provide additional insight into the program as well as institutional resources and advisor support. Students must log into BlackBoard to review what is required for completion of the workshop.

  • 2.

    Prerequisite Requirements

    It is recommended that students complete prerequisite requirements first as they can improve success in the testing requirement.

    If fulfilling any of the prerequisite requirements with courses completed in high school, college, or at Madison College, a grade of C or better is required. A grade of C- will not be accepted.

    ALGEBRA

    Students must demonstrate algebra competency in one of the following ways:

    1. Test Scores: Minimum test score within four years (2025-2026 applicants = September 1, 2021 to present)

    • ACT Math 20+
    • ACCUPLACER NextGen Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics 237+

    2. Courses: One semester of college-level algebra. Madison College courses that satisfy this requirements are:

    • Elementary Algebra with Apps (10834110)
    • College Math (10804107) 
    • Mathematical Reasoning (10804134) 
    • Applied Math for Chemistry (77854756)

    3. Educational Experience

    • Bachelor's degree or higher in a related biological science

    ENGLISH AND READING

    Students must demonstrate English and Reading competency in one of the following ways:

    English competency – Students may demonstrate English competency in one of the following ways:

    1. Test Scores: Minimum test score within four years (2025-2026 applicants = September 1, 2021 to present)

    • ACT English 17+
    • ACCUPLACER NextGen Writing 260+

    2. Courses: Madison College courses that satisfy this requirement are:

    • Written Communication (10801195) 
    • English 1 (20801201) 
    • Intro to College Writing (10831103)

    Reading competency - Students may demonstrate Reading competency in one of the following ways:

    1. Test Scores: Minimum test score within four years (2025-2026 applicants = September 1, 2021 to present)

    • ACT Reading 19+
    • ACCUPLACER NextGen Reading 261+

    2. Courses: Madison College courses that satisfy this requirement are:

    • Written Communication (10801195) 
    • English 1 (20801201) 
    • Intro Reading and Study Skills (10838105)

    Educational Experience

    • Bachelor's degree or higher
  • 3.

    Course Requirement

    After completing the prerequisite requirements students should complete the course requirement.

    A grade of C or better is required, and a grade of C- will not be accepted.

    • Principles of Animal Biology (10806105)
  • 4.

    Petition and After Petitioning

    Your Degree Progress Report will determine if you have met the petition requirements. Completion will be identified by transfer credit, test scores, final grades, or an in-progress enrollment status. Once you are eligible and ready to begin core program courses, you must petition for your program.

    If awarded a seat, you will receive instructions regarding the below required items. If you do not complete the required items, it may result in losing your seat and starting the application process from the beginning.

    A background check is not required for entry into the Veterinary Assistant program. However, convictions of crimes or pending charges may be grounds for denial of employment. Contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for more information at 608-224-4353 or email datcpVEB@wi.gov. 

    • Complete the Veterinary Sciences Job Shadow Form.
    • Consult your physician:
      • It is recommended that Veterinary Assistant students get a physical exam before starting the program.
      • It is required for all students to receive the 2-dose pre-exposure rabies vaccinations prior to entering the Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician programs. For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/pre-exposure_vaccinations.html
    • Attend a mandatory Advising and Registration session. Students awarded a seat in the core program will receive additional information on these sessions.
    • Enroll in core program courses. Students who are awarded a seat are expected to start the core program courses for the awarded term. Students who choose not to begin the core program courses or are not able to begin core program courses may be discontinued from pre-program status.