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If you’d like to learn more about the Veterinary Technician program, we’d love to talk with you.
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Program Overview
Get the skills and learn procedures to improve the health and well-being of veterinary patients.
Madison College offers two paths to becoming a Veterinary Technician. Students working as veterinary assistants can learn semi-remotely as "Satellite" students.
Satellite students are employed as veterinary assistants working an average of 20 hours per week in a veterinary clinic. Hands-on skills are completed during select face-to-face labs, while theory is completed 100% online. For more details contact the Program Director or the School of Health Sciences.
Madison College's Veterinary Technician Program has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) since 1974. Visit the AVMA's website to learn more about essential veterinary technician skills students learn in our program.
Common Veterinary Technician Duties
- Collect samples and perform diagnostic laboratory tests
- Administer and monitor anesthesia
- Apply and maintain bandages
- Place intravenous catheters
- Client education and communication
- Perform dental procedures and oral radiographs
- Radiography, EKG and other diagnostic tests
- Perform physical examinations, gather medical histories, draw blood and take vital signs
- Provide emergency first aid
- Prepare and assist with surgery
- Animal pharmaceutical training
- Animal nursing care
After graduation, pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam to become a certified veterinary technician.
Program Requirements
You must demonstrate the ability to meet the essential functions of the Veterinary Technician program.
Transfer Credit
The Veterinary Technician program only accepts transfer credit for the 091 courses from other AVMA accredited programs/schools. Course syllabi and AVMA Essential Skills covered in those courses need to be provided to the Veterinary Technician Program Director for evaluation and consideration of transferability.
Following successful completion of this associates degree, students may complete a Bachelors of Animal Science at either UW River Falls or UW Platteville in two additional years.
Program Details
12 credits of core program courses available each semester.
Veterinary Technician classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.
Careers
Earning your Associate Degree in Applied Science program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as a Veterinary Technician or Laboratory Animal Technician.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians are some of the fastest growing occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 21% job growth from 2022 to 2032.
Technicians are usually employed by:
- Small/companion services
- Large animal/equine facilities
- Mixed animal or exotic animal practices
- Humane societies
- Research environments
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:
- Hospital Managers
- Facility Managers
- Pet Food Company Representative
- Drug Company Representative
Resources
Accreditation
Madison College's veterinary technician program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Pre-Program Courses10-806-105Principles of Animal Biology
Principles of Animal Biology is an introductory biology course focusing on general biological principles, cell structure and function, genetics, comparative anatomy and physiology, evolution, and ecosystems. It includes dissection of various fresh and preserved materials.4 credits10-098-100Preparation for the Veterinary Sciences
An introduction to the essential veterinary medical terminology and anatomical structures of common veterinary species. Students will learn the foundational vocabulary necessary to describe the organs and body systems of animals, with an emphasis on common species such as dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Topics covered include basic word-building principles, medical prefixes, suffixes, and root words, as well as an overview of animal anatomy and physiology. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to accurately interpret and apply basic veterinary medical terminology, as well as develop a basic understanding of the general structure and function of the animal body.1 creditFirst Semester10-098-102Intro to Veterinary Office Preparations and Procedures
Explores the veterinary profession, common facility operations, office communication, and customer service strategies. Learn about the importance of accurate record maintenance and math calculations during care of patients and within the veterinary facility. Examine laws and governing agencies within the profession.2 credits10-098-107Animal Disease 1
Covers etiology, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, prevention and control of diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans as well as animals to animals. Reporting requirements and handling of diagnostic samples involving high-exposure diseases are also discussed.2 credits10-098-140Animal Anatomy & Physiology 1
This course is a traditional systemic approach to anatomy and physiology, emphasizing terminology, identification, organization, location, and function of anatomical structures. Laboratory sessions are primarily concerned with gross comparative anatomy of common species with which veterinary technicians may work. Laboratory sessions are primarily concerned with gross comparative anatomy of common species with which veterinary technicians may work, including cats, dogs, ruminants, horses, and swine. The primary species used for reference are the domestic dog and cat, but other animal species are referred to for comparative purposes.3 credits10-098-170Veterinary Medical Terminology
Teaches acceptable veterinary medical terminology for common clinically recognizable diseases, operations, systems and procedures, as well as common medical signs, abbreviations and colloquial vocabulary.2 credits10-098-171Animal Care and Management 1
Focuses on handling and husbandry of the animals most commonly seen in veterinary medicine. Includes animal behavior, nutrition, and healthcare. Prerequisite: 10-091-170 Veterinary Medical Terminology, 10-091-102 Introduction to Veterinary Technician, 10-806-105 Principles of Animal Biology.3 creditsSecond Semester10-098-108Animal Disease 2
Covers etiology, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, prevention and control of common diseases in a wide variety of animal species. Toxic plants and other substances, as well as reporting and monitoring of federally regulated diseases will also be discussed.2 credits10-098-109Pharmacology 1 - Animals
Introduction to drugs and other substances used in veterinary medicine. Emphasizes drug usage, client education, measurement, administration, and safe storage of antiparasitics, antiinflammatories, antibiotics and nervous system drugs.2 credits10-098-123Lab Animal Science 1
This course includes the history of laboratory animal technology and laboratory animal uses. Emphasizes the Animal Welfare Act and other regulations pertaining to the care of laboratory animals. Covers laboratory animal husbandry in depth as students provide care and treatment for a colony of laboratory animals. Pre-requisites: 10-806-105, 10-091-170, 10-091-171 or concurrent enrollment in all of the above.2 credits10-098-134Veterinary Assistant and Technician Preparation for Surgery
Investigate surgical equipment and procedures; identify instruments, sterile technique processes, and instrument maintenance and operation. Examine anesthetic protocols and equipment. Prepares students for assisting with surgical care of animals.1 credit10-098-137Veterinary Clinic Work Experience 1
Integrate skills in an approved clinical setting of your choice to develop proficiency in animal nursing techniques and procedures. Final evaluation is done in partnership with the clinic and a Madison College instructor.2 credits10-098-172Animal Care and Management 2
Focuses on handling, medical nursing and disease processes of animals most commonly seen in veterinary medicine.3 credits10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 creditsThird Semester10-098-127Surgical Nursing 1
This introductory course to surgical nursing covers surgical instruments, package prep, patient prep, anesthesia, monitoring and post-op care.3 credits10-098-128Animal Nursing 1
Designed to build nursing skills learned in 10-091-172, Animal Care & Management 2, with emphasis on large animal anesthetic techniques, surgical preparation and monitoring.2 credits10-098-153Diagnostic Imaging
Explores concepts in veterinary radiology, electrocardiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and other special imaging procedures and technologies.3 credits10-098-163Veterinary Laboratory Procedures 1
Collect, prepare, and analyze lab specimens from animals for use in generating a diagnosis; parasite, fungus, biochemical, and immunoassay tests. Integrate use of the microscope and a safe, quality driven specimen management process.3 credits10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal Communication
Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.3 creditsFourth Semester10-091-110Pharmacology 22 credits10-098-222Advanced Topics in Veterinary Medicine
Current topics and advanced diagnostic procedures in veterinary medicine.2 credits10-098-138Veterinary Clinic Work Experience 2
Further integrate skills in an approved clinical setting of your choice to develop proficiency in animal nursing techniques and procedures. Final evaluation is done in partnership with the clinic and a Madison College instructor.2 credits10-098-152Surgical Nursing 2
This course focuses on the continuation of basic surgical nursing and anesthesia skills. Also covers basic dental prohylaxis, dental radiography, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.3 credits10-098-164Veterinary Laboratory Procedures 2
Collect, prepare, and analyze lab specimens from animals for use in generating a diagnosis; urine, blood, blood serum, biopsies; examine the structure and function of animal cells. Integrate use of the microscope and a safe, quality driven specimen management process.3 credits10-809-197Contemporary American Society
This is an interdisciplinary course covering issues that illustrate how our traditional institutions (such as family, education, media, the workplace, the economy and government) are being changed by global political, demographic, multicultural and technological trends. By exploring contemporary issues, students expand their use of critical-thinking skills.3 credits10-809-199Psychology Of Human Relations
This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now - Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying to the Pre-Veterinary program early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
To enroll in program courses, students must first meet academic preparedness requirements and complete the declaration process.
- Program capacity: 72 spots each Fall. Up to 4 University of Wisconsin - Platteville and up to 6 University of Wisconsin - River Falls articulation students.
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 0-1 year wait time between when students are core ready and when they become eligible to enroll in program classes. This timeline may vary depending on how many students complete the declaration process each semester.
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Before applying, be sure to:
- Review the admission requirements for deadlines, materials, and requirements
- Review the After You Apply section on this page
- Make sure you can meet the program’s essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, academic preparedness requirements, and complete the declaration process. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Veterinary Technician career.
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After You Apply
Academic Preparedness Requirements
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. Requirements for this program are listed below and are subject to change. Run a personalized report in your student account to confirm which requirements are complete, which are still outstanding, and how requirements may be satisfied.
When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will submit the declaration form to confirm that you are ready to enter core program classes. These steps are part of the declaration process.
Student Report
- Pre-core students admitted prior to Fall 2027: Run your Degree Progress Report in your Student Center in PeopleSoft.
- Pre-core students admitted for Fall 2027 and later: Academic preparedness requirements will be available in your Academic Progress Report in Workday. Access will be available beginning March 2027.
Pre-Program Workshop
Complete a mandatory workshop in Brightspace.
Pre-Program Course
- Preparation for the Veterinary Sciences
Prerequisites
Math (testing, college coursework or bachelor’s degree in a related biological science)
Testing
- ACT Math 20+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Quantitative Reasoning) 241+
College course
- Mathematical Reasoning
Chemistry (high school or college coursework)
High school course
- 1 year Chemistry with lab
College course
- General Chemistry
English and Reading (testing, college coursework or bachelor's degree)
Testing
- ACT Reading 19+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Reading) 261+
- ACT English 15+
- Accuplacer NexGen (English) 245+
College courses
- English 1
- Written Communication
- English 2
- Intro Reading & Study Skills AND Intro to College Writing
Course Requirements
- Principles of Animal Biology
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Transfer Opportunities
Wisconsin Private Schools
Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.Out-of-State Schools
Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree. -
Career Outcomes
Madison College Veterinary Technician Program prepares graduates for entry level veterinary technician positions. Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality, learning experiences in the field of Veterinary Medicine to improve animal and human health.
- Participate in facility management utilizing traditional and electronic media and appropriate Veterinary Medical Terminology and abbreviations.
- Communicate in a professional manner in all formats, written, oral, nonverbal and electronic.
- Read and follow protocols and procedures accurately and within time constraints.
- Work as a team member demonstrating initiative, and applying time and stress management techniques.
- Identify and manage stressful and emotional work situations.
- Follow and uphold applicable laws and the veterinary technology profession’s ethical code to provide high quality care to patients.
- Safely and effectively administer prescribed drugs to patients, and accurately dispense and explain drugs to clients.
- Demonstrate and perform patient assessment techniques, husbandry, nutrition, therapeutic and dentistry techniques in a variety of animal species (including laboratory animal species, companion animals and food animals).
- Safely and effectively manage patients in all phases of anesthetic procedures, as well as safely and effectively select, utilize and maintain anesthetic delivery and monitoring instruments and equipment.
- Demonstrate and integrate all aspects of patient management for common surgical procedures in a variety of animal species.
- Properly package, handle and store specimens for laboratory analysis, properly carry out analysis of laboratory specimens. (Blood, urine, feces, tissues, skin scrapes, discharge, body fluids)
- Safely and effectively produce diagnostic images.
Veterinary Technician National Exam Scores
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025
- The three-year pass rate (based on a September 1 to September 1 reporting year) on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE): 83% pass rate for first-time test takers (National average is 67.9%).
- The number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE, for the corresponding timeframe as the reported VTNE pass rate: 111 first-time test takers.