Jefferson College Logo

Veterinary Technology

​The Jefferson College Veterinary Technology Program is a fully accredited program that prepares graduates for careers as registered veterinary technicians through comprehensive coursework.
Male and female student working with cat.

Program Overview

The Jefferson College Veterinary Technology Program is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This accreditation ensures that the program meets the educational standards required to prepare students adequately for a career in veterinary technology.

This program combines the study of college-level general education courses and extensive coursework in science and animal health theory and practice. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel as registered veterinary technicians, covering essential topics related to animal health care and veterinary practices.

The Jefferson College Veterinary Technology Program is expanding! Check out all of the exciting details!

Academic Plan

The Academic Plan is a semester-by-semester plan for the full-time student. Part-time students should work with an advisor to customize the map to fit individual needs. View the Veterinary Technology Academic Plan.

For additional information, please review the 2024-2025 Veterinary Technology Student Handbook.

Course Guides

Jefferson College Institutional Course Guides (ICGs) are found in the Simple Syllabus - Syllabus Library AND/OR within your Canvas class page via the Simple Syllabus link in the Course Navigation Menu.

View the Veterinary Technology ICGs.

Career Opportunities

​A career as a veterinary technician offers diverse opportunities, promising job growth, and the chance to deeply impact animal healthcare.​ It requires a solid educational foundation, licensing, and various specialized skills essential for supporting veterinarians in clinical settings.

Veterinary technicians play a crucial role in animal healthcare by assisting veterinarians in various medical procedures. They are involved in tasks such as preparing for surgeries, conducting diagnostic tests, and providing post-operative care. Their duties also include patient monitoring, administering medications, and educating pet owners about animal care

The demand for veterinary technicians is robust, with a projected job growth of 21% from 2022 to 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics15. This growth is attributed to the increasing emphasis on preventive care and advanced medical procedures for animals, highlighting the essential role vet techs play in veterinary practices.

Veterinary Technology Admission Procedures

  1. Complete a general Application for Admission (denote Veterinary Technology as your major). This application can be submitted to the Office of Admissions in Student Services or completed on-line.
  2. Complete and return a Veterinary Technology Supplemental Application.  Click here to obtain a Veterinary Technology Supplemental Application. Return the completed application to Jefferson College, Veterinary Technology, 1000 Viking Drive, Hillsboro, MO  63050 or email to dnevois@jeffco.edu.
  3. Pay the $30 Veterinary Technology application fee (please pay at the cashier's window located in the Student Center) and enclose a paid receipt in the Veterinary Technology Supplemental Application.  If needed, applicants may call the cashier at (636) 481-3123 to pay the fee over the phone with a credit or debit card.
  4. Prerequisites for the program are high school biology and chemistry or college-level biology. These courses must have been accompanied by a laboratory session and been completed within 5 years of the registration date into the Veterinary Technology Program. The student must have completed the courses with a grade of "C" or better. For example, if you are applying for the fall 2025 semester, the date of completion for the biology and chemistry courses cannot be any earlier than 2020.
  5. If applicable, submit official copies of high school and college transcripts to the Jefferson College Enrollment Services.
  6. Completion and verification of 16 hours of veterinary clinical shadowing/observation hours or employment in a veterinary practice that employs at least one Registered Veterinary Technician.  The applicant is responsible for completing and submitting the observation form provided in the supplemental application packet to the Veterinary Technology department no later than March 31, 2025.
  7. Submit two form letters of professional and/or academic recommendation.  These letters should be sent to Jefferson College, Veterinary Technology, 1000 Viking Drive, Hillsboro, MO  63050 or emailed to dnevois@jeffco.edu.
  8. General Admission Applications can be completed at any time. The Veterinary Technology Supplemental Application can be completed and returned to the Jefferson College Veterinary Technology Department from October 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.
  9. The Veterinary Technology Admissions Committee meets to review applications in April of each year. ONLY COMPLETE FILES WILL BE REVIEWED. A maximum number of 36 students will be accepted into the Veterinary Technology Program. Letters will be sent to individuals informing them of the committee's decision.

Jefferson College’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is now available. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for Jefferson College. The policy statements address Jefferson College’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, for example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses.

Additionally, this report contains information regarding campus security and personal safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, fire safety, Jefferson College Campus Police Department enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures, and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus. Also included are crime statistics for three previous calendar years which were reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the school, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.

This report is available online at: https://www.jeffco.edu/wp-content/uploads/old_files/files/PR/Web/JC_2024_asfsr.pdf
You may also request a paper copy from the Jefferson College Police Department by phone at 636-481-3500 or at Jefferson College Hillsboro-802 Mel Carnahan Drive, Apartment 214, Hillsboro, MO 63050 Jefferson College Arnold-1687 Missouri State Road, Arnold, MO 63010