Veterinary Technology
School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety
• Associate of Applied Science Degree in Veterinary Technology
About HWPS Petition Information Information Sessions FAQ's
Program Description
Veterinary technology is a career in which skilled technicians participate in the exciting and challenging field of veterinary medicine working with animals and their owners under the supervision of veterinarians. The five-term associate of applied science degree program provides didactic, lab and clinical experiences necessary for employment in the field of veterinary care and medicine. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be prepared as an integral member of the veterinary healthcare team providing care and support to small and large animals.
The program prepares graduates to sit for the National Veterinary Technician Examination and the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine jurisprudence examination. Upon passing both examinations successfully, the applicant is eligible for licensure as a veterinary technician in New Mexico by the New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine (NMBVM). The program has national accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).
Career and Advancement Opportunities
Employment opportunities for Veterinary Technicians exist in private veterinary offices, animal control and animal humane centers, biomedical facilities, diagnostic laboratories, zoos and wildlife facilities.
Special Requirements
To enter the program, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a minimum score of 85 on the Health, Wellness & Public Safety Basic Math test within 12 months prior to petitioning, be admitted to CNM, declare Veterinary Technology as a major, establish a CNM GPA of 2.5 or better, complete prerequisites and the petition process. Each year, the selection of students to begin the Veterinary Technology core coursework will be based upon the number of required arts & sciences courses completed. If necessary, the date of declaration of Veterinary Technology as a major at CNM will be used for prioritization. Basic computer literacy is strongly recommended.
Students interested in certain Health, Wellness and Public Safety Division programs must be in good physical and psychological health. Some programs require documentation of a recent health screening (physical form) from a licensed healthcare provider confirming the ability to safely perform program specific activities and lift a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for those students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with a disability that may interfere with completing program competencies, which may include providing safe patient care, are advised to contact the HWPS Division Office at (505) 224-4111 for more information.
All Health, Wellness & Public Safety Division career and technical courses required for graduation must be taken for a traditional grade of A, B or C. For Health, Wellness & Public Safety career and technical courses offered only for credit/no credit, a grade of credit (CR) must be earned.
Students are required to provide their own health insurance and transportation to classes, labs and clinical sites. Program fee covers the cost of uniforms and supplies, dosimetry badges and preventative lab tests in case of exposure to human blood. The various program fees are published in the Schedule of Classes.
Graduation Policy
Health, Wellness & Public Safety Division students must graduate under the current catalog.
- Pre- and corequisites are listed in course descriptions and are subject to change with each new catalog. It is the student’s responsibility to meet the pre- and/or corequisites in effect for the term in which a course is taken, regardless of the catalog under which the student entered or will graduate. Students may be stopped from enrolling or may be disenrolled if pre- or corequisites are not met.
- Students who have successfully completed courses that no longer exist from previous catalogs will be accommodated. Contact the HWPS Division Office at (505) 224-4111 for more information.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Program information is available from:
Program Director, Dr. Bonnie Snyder, (505) 224-5043 or bsnyder6@ cnm.edu
Clinical Coordinator, Evelyn Hamilton, RVT, (505) 224-5071 or ehamilton9@cnm.edu
Academic Advisement and Career Development (505) 224-4321
