New York State Approves Trocaire College’s Veterinary Technology Program
Applicants now being enrolled for both in-person and online for Fall 2024
Following approvals from the New York State Education Department and the American Veterinary Medical Association, Trocaire College announced today the official addition of a veterinary technology program to its slate of academic program offerings. This new associate degree program is available both in-person and online beginning Fall 2024.
“Veterinary technicians are the beating heart of the veterinary profession, and we need them to advocate and care for our patients,” said Dr. Katherine Fitzgerald, dean of Trocaire’s veterinary sciences department. “There is already a very high demand for qualified veterinary technicians here in Western New York and we anticipate that need to only increase in the coming years. Our new program provides students with the ultimate flexibility to fit their lifestyle while providing them with the needed skills, curriculum and clinical experience to prepare them for a career in veterinary sciences.”
Last summer Trocaire announced the establishment of its veterinary sciences department and began the process of applying for approvals from regulatory agencies for the veterinary technician program.
Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians, working with veterinary staff and providing treatment to animals, which can include performing tasks such as surgical preparation, anesthesia monitoring, medical equipment sterilization, radiographic procedures, diagnostic testing, medication administration, client communication and more. As the student progresses through the curriculum, their learning will be a balance of classroom, clinical experiences, and hands-on labs.
In-person classes will be held at Trocaire’s new veterinary sciences department currently under construction on Transit Road in Lancaster. Whether they have selected the in-person or online program, students will have the option to take up to 13 credit hours in the opposite program path as well. Students who successfully complete this degree qualify to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam and be eligible to become professionally licensed.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of veterinary technicians is projected to grow 21% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 15,000 job openings for veterinary technicians are projected each year, on average over the decade.
For more details on Trocaire’s new veterinary technology program and to apply, visit https://trocaire.edu/academics/academic-program/veterinary-technology/. Sign up today for the first Veterinary Sciences Department Open House on July 25 at 1 p.m. at the Transit Road campus.