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Program Code: AG500
The Veterinary Medical Technology program at JJC prepares graduates for an exciting and fast-paced career as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). CVT’s are an integral part of a veterinary team focusing on the health and welfare of animals. Graduates are awarded an AAS degree which prepares them to take the Veterinary Technicial National Exam (VTNE), and ultimately an Illinois State License as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). Students will gain hands-on experience with a variety of animals in both academic and clinical settings. Students apply and hone their skills through two clinical care courses that provide at least 720 hours of clinical experience in real world settings. The program has received national recognition as a model program in the United States. Joliet Junior College’s Veterinary Medical Technology Program is accredited by the AVMA.
The AAS degree in Veterinary Medical Technology and the subsequent certification through testing will provide unique career opportunities. Those career opportunities may include, but might not be limited to the following:
Zoological institutions
Large animal and small animal private practices
Colleges of veterinary medicine
Veterinary medical technology programs
Facilities for medical research
Governmental practices
Diagnostic laboratories
Pharmaceutical companies
Pet food manufacturers
Laboratory assistants
Biomedical facilities
Veterinary supply sales
Wildlife facilities
Humane societies
Animal control facilities
Food safety inspection
Admission Requirements
All students must meet the following prerequisites in order to be an eligible applicant:
• Submit JJC college application found at www.jjc.edu/admissions.
• High School diploma or GED and current transcript on file with Admissions Office.
• All college transcripts (other than JJC) must be evaluated and placed on record to complete your application for the program. (This process can take up to four weeks.) Official college transcripts should be mailed to Joliet Junior College, Academic Credentials Office, 1215 Houbolt Road Joliet, IL 60431-8938. Students must complete a Transcript Evaluation Form available at https://www.jjc.edu/records-transcripts/pages/transcript-request.aspx in order to have their transcripts evaluated.
• Submit Veterinary Medical Technology Program application found at http://www.jjc.edu/admissions/Pages/vet-tech-admissions.aspx.
• Either of the following standardized testing minimums: placement test or previous credit in MATH 094 with a grade of “C” or better; or ACT scores of 22 for Math.
• Completion of the following general education courses with a grade of “C” or better: ENG 101; introductory level Social Science course; BIO 100, BIO 149 or BIO 151, and BIO 240. If a student has received course credit for any class where no grade is given (such as CLEP), a C will be used in the grade calculation. The grades for these courses are given points towards admission. Bonus points are given for completion of BIO 160 (Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology)
• One of the following three practical experience requirements:
o A minimum of 100 hours of veterinary experience which is verified by completion of the “Veterinary Recommendation Form.” Students may obtain a copy of the Veterinary Recommendation Form from at this web address: http://www.jjc.edu/admissions/Pages/vet-tech-admissions.aspx . Veterinary experience is to be obtained under the supervision of a veterinarian, and can include working, volunteering, or shadowing; or
o Successful completion of LLC 119, Orientation to Veterinary Technology. This JJC course is only offered in the summer session; or
o Successful completion of the Veterinary Assistant certificate from Harper College or McHenry Community College or College of Lake County. Verification of the certificate needs to be submitted.
Health Physical
Students will learn details at a group orientation regarding rabies vaccination, a current physical exam and the program’s Technical Standards.
Readmission
1. Students who earn a grade below “C” or who withdraw from any required Verinary Medical Technology Program (VMTP) course or BIO 160 may request readmission.
2. Readmission into the VMTP can only be done once. Exceptions shall only be made for students who withdraw while passing and request to postpone for a semester or longer (e.g., due to pregnancy, financial hardships, etc.) before continuing in the VMTP sequence will be allowed to do so, space permitting, as long as the absence is less than two calendar years. (See “Time Limits on Readmission” section below). Students returning must complete the current VTMP curriculum if there have been changes.
3. When a student fails a VMTP required course, that course must be successfully completed before being enrolled in any other VMTP courses. Acceptance into the course, and the following sequence of courses, depends on available seats.
4. Students withdrawn for nonacademic reasons may be reinstated following the procedures under the VMTP Reinstatement Procedure below.
5. Readmission is not guaranteed.
6. A student who is denied readmission for reasons other than seat availability, has the right to appeal for readmission in writing to the Veterinary Medical Technology Admissions Appeal Committee. All decisions made by the Veterinary Medical Technology Admissions Appeal Committee are final. This committee consists of the Dean of Health Professions & Emergency Services, the VMTP Dept. Chair and faculty.
Readmission Procedure
1. Students seeking readmission to the VMTP must complete the following:
a. Submit a written letter of intent to be readmitted to the Department Chairperson of the VMTP. Students should reflect on the reasons for the interruption as well as steps taken toward resolution. This should include any evidence or other documentation that support the student’s position for readmission;
b. Complete COUN 101, or other course or workshop to develop better study skills and time management; and
c. Obtain practical veterinary experience and submit a veterinarian’s letter of recommendation regarding said experience and qualifications for readmission into the program.
2. Requests for readmission will be considered in the order in which they are received.
Time Limits on Readmission
1. Students seeking readmission to the program, following a time lapse of more than two calendar years, but less than 3 calendar years, must meet the additional following conditions:
a. Retest of all essential skills covered in the VMTP courses to the point where the student left the program. The essential skills must meet entry level proficiency as determined by the VMTP faculty. All expenses incurred to provide the testing will be the responsibility of the student (i.e. animals, equipment, and proctor). The essential skills can be found in the VTMP student handbook;
b. Complete a medical math test formulated by the instructor with a score of at least 70%; and
c. Meet at a minimum the technical standards, found at http://www.jjc.edu/admissions/Pages/vet-tech-admissions.aspx.
2. A student seeking readmission, who has been out of the program for more than three calendar years, must start from the beginning of the program unless approved by the Department Chairperson for extenuating circumstances (i.e. active military duty). In this event, the requirements in this section still apply.
3. In the event of major course changes, a student will be required to start from the beginning of the Veterinary Medical Technology sequence, regardless of time lapse. Each case will be evaluated on an individual basis. The Dean of Health Professions & Emergency Services will make the decision on what constitutes a major change.
4. Upon readmission students must pay current College and VTMP tuition and fees regardless of prior tuition and fees paid.