Click on the highlighted word in each question to get the answer!
 

How long is the wait list?

The "wait list" is more correctly called the "qualified list" or "eligibility list." This program's list includes students who have met all eligibility requirements.  Typically we average 60 -70 people on the eligibility list at one time.  Acceptance into the Veterinary Medical Technology program is done by contacting those students who were placed on the eligibility list first.

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Do I have to take all five general education classes first to qualify?

 It is not required that all five general education classes be taken in order to be placed on the eligibility list.  One method of becoming eligible is to complete 13 semester credit hours with a grade of “C” or better.  Typically, taking four of the five general education classes will accomplish this.  It is a good idea, if you have the time, to complete as many of the general education classes prior to enrolling in the Veterinary Medical Technology program.  

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Is an “Introduction to Biology” course required?

An “Introduction to Biology” course is a prerequisite for BIO 160 “Human Anatomy & Physiology for Veterinary Technicians” and for most microbiology courses (BIO 240 at JJC). BIO 160 and Microbiology are required for the degree. By the way, BIO 160 is only offered at JJC and only in the spring semester. In order to take the required courses you will have to take an "Introduction to Biology” course. However, an “Introduction to Biology” course is not listed in the degree requirements for graduation. So, you will need “Introduction to Biology”, but those hours will not go toward graduation for the veterinary technician degree.

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Do the vet tech classes help the students narrow down their choices of externship sites and eventually help direct students to a career field?

 Yes.  The VET 210 and VET 220 Clinical Care courses are also referred to as externships.  These are graded classes where individual goals are set between you and your placement adviser.  You choose externship sites with input from your placement adviser.  Your interests and desired experiences are what determines where you extern.  This program has over 90 externship sites, and other externship sites can be included if you have a specific place you want to go.  Externships range from animal clinics to universities and zoos.  One of the reasons for placing students on-site for two different externships is so that students can test the waters in different career fields without committing to a full-time career. A majority of our graduates end up working at one of their externship sites.

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What is the main purpose of seeing an adviser?

Seeing an adviser before enrolling in the Veterinary Medical Technology program will help you avoid problems and delays in eligibility.  Our advisers want to see you succeed and want to help you enroll in the Vet Tech program as efficiently as possible.  Some of the more common topics covered with an adviser are:

 i. What general education classes to take, when to take them, and 
   where to take them.

ii. What requirements are still needed to become eligible.

iii. How a person can fit this program into their life and schedule.

iv. What transfer credits, and charge backs apply.

Once you are a veterinary medical technician student you should meet with your adviser, at the very least, every semester.  This keeps students on track for their externships and graduation.

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Does the college offer any online courses that would be required for the vet tech A.A.S. degree?

 AGRI 115 and AGRI 103 are two recommended general education courses offered online at JJC.  However, all of the Veterinary Medical Technology program courses, those with a VET prefix, are not offered as online courses.  

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Does working with a veterinarian count for credit toward the AAS degree?

The Veterinary Medical Technology program does not count work experience or other veterinary technician/assistant courses toward the degree requirements.  

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Should I re-apply if I’m not accepted this year?

No, you do not need to re-apply.  Once you have applied you will stay in the system until you become eligible and either accept or decline a spot in the Veterinary Medical Technology program.  You may be contacted occasionally to update your interest and status in enrolling.  

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What time does the evening program begin?

Students enrolled in the Veterinary Medical Technology program evening sections may start as early as 4 p.m.  In order for the evening classes to keep pace with the day sections, these classes are typically scheduled four to five nights each week, depending on the semester.

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I have a college degree already; do I still need to submit my high school transcripts?

Yes.  High school or GED transcripts are required before you are placed on the eligibility list.  

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Can I take a single class that interests me without enrolling in the program, or can I take this program part-time?

No.  The Veterinary Medical Technology program is set up like a nursing or medical school.  In order to take the classes, you must be accepted into the program.  When you are accepted into the program you will be taking all Vet courses offered each semester.  Typically, you will be enrolled in four to five classes each semester.  

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Is this a pre-vet program?

No, if you are interested in becoming a veterinarian you can contact Dr. Stein, the college’s pre-vet student adviser. His e-mail is wstein@jjc.edu and phone is (815) 280-2286.

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What classes should I take in high school to prepare me for enrolling in the Vet Tech program?

JJC's Tech Prep Web page provides information regarding recommended high school courses.  Complete the following steps to access this information:
 1. Go to JJC's Tech Prep Home Page.
 2. Click "Schools" at the top.
 3. At "Select Occupations", scroll down and choose "Veterinary Medical Technology Program."
 4. Click "Submit Occupation" and a suggested high school guide will be provided.

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How many times do we have kennel rotations and how many students are involved?

A group of four to five students handles each kennel duty. Students will typically have one shift per week that is scheduled on a weekday. Weekends and holidays are on a different schedule, and students typically will have a shift about every third weekend.

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How many hours does it roughly take to complete kennel duty?

Anticipate that each kennel shift will take from two to third hours to provide the quality animal care and cleanliness that is necessary.

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