Veterinary Nursing

Veterinary Nurses are the ‘nurse practitioners’ of the animal health care industry. They assist with day-to-day functions in animal clinics, research facilities, zoos, and wildlife facilities and, working under the supervision of a licensed Vet, provide support for all aspects of animal care.

Independence Community College’s Associate of Applied Science Degree offers students training in the form of classroom instruction as well as hands-on field experience and professional internships in animal care facilities. Students can expect to study biology, animal physiology, anatomy, common procedures and medications, health and hygiene, animal handling and other related topics. During the program, students work with real patients in real-life situations which provide them with essential preparation for working with animals and their owners as a veterinary nurse.

Veterinary Nurses are in high demand and studies show that the need for skilled nurses will continue to grow for many years to come. ICC is one of only of a few colleges in Kansas to offer the highly sought training. After completing the required pre-requisite courses, students are required to apply to the program.

The Veterinary Nursing Program at Independence Community College is fully accredited by the AVMA-CVTEA.

VETERINARY NURSING PROGRAM APPLICATION

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the program students will:

60% per cent of Veterinary nursing students will pass the VTNE upon their first attempt.

70% of students will pass all VET courses with a 70% or better.

Veterinary nursing students will achieve a depth of knowledge in all areas relating to veterinary nursing courses.

Students can articulate appropriately with clientele in both written and verbal scenarios.

80% of graduating students will obtain a job in the veterinary industry.

Suggested Semester Plan

Course Title	Credit Hours
Prerequisites:
English Comp 1	3
Biology 1	5
General Chemistry	5
Intro to Vet Nursing	3
Term Total	16
First Semester:
Small Animal Health Care	3
Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals	5
Veterinary Nursing Practices I	3
Math for Veterinary Medicine	3
Term Total	14

Second Semester:
Microbiology	5
Radiology, Ultrasound, and Diagnostic Imaging	2
Vet Nurse Practices II	4
Veterinary Pharmacology	3
Principles of Anesthesiology	1
Term Total	15

Third Semester:
Large Animal Health Care & Nursing	5
Clinical Pathology	3
Veterinary Surgical Nursing	6
Vet Nurse Office Practices	3
Term Total	17

Fourth Semester:
Parasitology	3
Interpersonal Communication	3
Lab, Wild & Exotic Animal Health and Nursing	4
VTNE Board Review	3
Term Total	13
Clinical Externship	6
Externship can be taken during any semester and credit hours may be broken up as long as 6 credit hours are taken and the minimum of 240 clinical hours are logged in one week increments)
TOTAL	81

In accordance with the American Veterinary Medical Association, the national board pass rate at Independence Community College (Reporting Dates: July 1, 2021- June 30, 2024) are posted as follows:

Three Year Pass Rate: 50%
Number of First Time: VTNE Testers: 4

*Independence Community College (ICC) makes no representations regarding whether a particular program will qualify a graduate for employment in any specific position. Applicants are responsible for checking with the licensing agency in their state for specific requirements as well as investigating the expectations for any agency or employer with which they may wish to seek employment.* For more information on ICC's Non-Discrimination Polilcy please click HERE.

Veterinary Nursing

Maria Perez

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