About the Program
Associate in Applied Science Distance Learning Program
The Veterinary Nursing Program is a science-based veterinary nursing program offering an Associates in Applied Science (AAS) degree. The Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program at Purdue University is designed to allow a student to gain the knowledge, information, and skills necessary to practice as a veterinary technician. It is an AVMA accredited program. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
The curriculum contains 27 didactic courses and 18 clinical mentorships. It is a part-time program and cannot be taken full-time. Financial aid eligibility is limited. Students are responsible for finding their own mentorship sites with a veterinary health care facility. Students who make a long-term commitment to develop the skills and acquire the extensive knowledge required to be a veterinary technician are highly sought after employees.
Most courses are offered every semester, i.e. fall, spring and summer. Courses follow the Purdue class calendar. Students may begin the program at the start of any semester.
More information is on the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Nursing website.
Careers
As part of the veterinary team, credentialed veterinary technicians perform a wide range of veterinary nursing, imaging, anesthesia, dental hygiene and diagnostic laboratory procedures in a veterinary practice. Other career opportunities include specialty practice, clinic/hospital team leaders, research, veterinary technology program educators, pharmaceutical sales, wildlife rehabilitation, zoo and shelter medicine.
Credentialed veterinary technicians are required to maintain continuing education according to state regulations. Information about continuing education programs is available through the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine's Office of Lifelong Learning.
The AAS plan of study in veterinary nursing does not meet the requirements for application to veterinary school to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
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