Veterinary Technology

At the information session, we will discuss veterinary technology as a career choice, the prerequisites needed for entrance into the program as well as the courses you will take once you are in the program, financial aspects, and licensing procedures upon graduation. The dates and times of the information sessions will be available on this Vet Tech webpage or by calling the Vet Tech office at 585-343-0055 extension 6185. Pre-registration is required. You may bring an unofficial transcript of the courses you have taken already and the Program Director and a member of the Admissions team will be able to go over them with you to see exactly what courses you will need to take for admission into the Vet Tech program.

Minimum qualifications to be considered for the Vet Tech program include:

• The GCC proficiency for Reading and Math must have been met and the student must place in ENG 101 or higher prior to being accepted into the program. For more information, email placement@bc178.cc.
• Complete CHE 100 (Introduction to Chemistry) or a college level chemistry course with a lab with a grade of “C” or higher, or AP chemistry with a score of 3 or higher.
• Biology requirement includes one of the following: High School Biology Regents exam with a grade of 75 or higher OR AP Biology with a grade of 3 or higher OR college biology course such as BIO104 (cell biology) with a grade of C or higher.

If you are not currently a GCC student, you will need to complete an application to GCC online. Indicate Veterinary Technology as a major. If you are currently a student at GCC, you will need to fill out the Program Change Request form. Applications must be received by January 15 for the following fall semester.

Your application is incomplete until your transcripts arrive. You cannot be considered for admission until they do arrive. Students may check on the status of their applications by calling the Admissions Department at 585-343-0055 ext.6215.

All applicants must complete 10 hours of volunteer work with animals at a veterinary practice, an animal shelter, a zoo, a kennel, a groomer, or other animal-related work environment. Your supervisor must fill out a Work Experience Recommendation Form. Please note that this does not need to be done prior to submitting your application to the Vet Tech program, but does need to be completed before new student orientation in the fall.

The Vet Tech Director will review the applications of all individuals who have met the requirements for admission. The program only accepts 30 students per year. Meeting the prerequisites guarantees that your application will be reviewed, but does not guarantee admission into the program. The Director will make the final decision concerning entrance into the program.

If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an official letter of acceptance from the Admissions office. Accepted applicants must attend an orientation session with the Director of the Vet Tech program. Accepted applicants will be notified of dates and times of these sessions. Failure to attend an orientation session will result in forfeiture of your seat in the Vet Tech Program.

Please refer to our complete Veterinary Technology Program – Admissions Procedures for more information.

The Vet Tech Program at GCC received full accreditation, effective September, 2017. This means the program has met the rigorous standards set forth by the AVMA. These standards apply to all Veterinary Technology programs throughout the US and Canada. The program will be reviewed again in 2028.

For more information on accreditation of Vet Tech programs, or GCC’s accreditation, you may contact:

American Veterinary Medical Association
Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities
1931 N. Meacham Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360
1-800-248-2862
1-847-925-8070
1-847-925-1329 Fax
www.avma.org

Reporting requirement for licensure, registration, or certification of veterinary technicians

Effective July 1, 2024, federal regulation requires institutions of higher education to make a determination whether a Title IV eligible academic program that leads to professional licensure or certification meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the U.S. State where the institution is located and the U.S. States where “distance education” students are located at the time of initial enrollment in the program, as well as U.S. States where the program is advertised as meeting such requirements, and if applicable, the U.S. State where students attest they intend to be licensed/certified.

The Veterinary Technology, AAS program at Genesee Community College is registered by the New York State Education Department and thus meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification for New York State.

The Veterinary Technology program at Genesee Community College requires in person attendance to our campus in Batavia, NY in order to complete the program.  If you reside outside NY state and/or are planning to be licensed in a state other than NY after completing your degree, please reach out to your program director to determine whether our program meets the standards of the chosen State.

Statistics for the three year reporting period of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023:

• Number of first time candidates that have taken the VTNE: 43
• Three year pass percentage on VTNE: 86.05%

The humane care and use of animals are of paramount importance to Genesee Community College. Specific concerns about the treatment of animals should be reported to the Chair of the IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee). Specific concerns about the treatment of animals maybe reported in person, by email, or by letter. Those registering concerns may include his/her name or the concern may be anonymous.

Concerns should be reported to:

• Letter sent to GCC addressed to “IACUC Chair, Confidential”
• Stephanie Ortel, Director of Veterinary Technology Program at 585-343-0055 x6185 or x6187, or seortel@bc178.cc
• Martha Lorshbaugh, Vet Tech Program secretary at 585-343-0055 x6185, or mjlorshbaugh@bc178.cc?

All claims will be investigated.  To facilitate in a thorough investigation, claims should include the date, time, species involved, specific animal identification number and names of college student, staff or personnel if possible.

Any individual reporting a concern about animal care and use has freedom from reprisal for his/her action.

Animal husbandry concerns should be discussed with the facility supervisor.  If the problem remains unresolved, please contact the Director of Veterinary Technology Program and any of the about contact options.