Veterinary Technology: Program overview
About
Welcome to PCC and the HEP Pathway
Welcome to Portland Community College and the start of your path to a rewarding career!
The Healthcare & Emergency Professions (HEP) pathway provides opportunities for students to gain certificates, degrees, licensure, and/or credentials to further their careers in healthcare and emergency services fields. Many of our programs provide hands-on learning opportunities with advanced technology, practical training in clinical settings, and instructors with industry experience. Program graduates are in high demand in the healthcare and emergency professions industry and have the potential to earn excellent wages and benefits.
For more information about the Healthcare & Emergency Professions pathway, see the programs offered. See the Healthcare programs comparison chart to compare degrees and certificates offered, program costs, and potential salaries offered in each career path.
About Veterinary Technology
Veterinary Technology Overview – PCC Catalog
Mission and values
The mission of Portland Community College’s Veterinary Technology (VT) program is to provide a supportive learning environment and the hands-on experience needed to prepare students to work as veterinary health care professionals. This includes an emphasis on professionalism, leadership, and clinical competency necessary for the promotion of animal health and welfare, public health, and the human-animal bond. We are committed to fostering a dedication to lifelong learning and personal development in our graduates.
Goals and objectives
At the end of their time in the PCC VT program students will:
- Meet the college requirements for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology.
- Function as a competent and professional certified veterinary technician in animal health care facilities.
- Qualify for the Oregon Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners certification examination.
- Qualify for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
- Take the Veterinary Technician Oath:
- I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services to animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health.
- I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession’s Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.
Graduate achievement
The program staff and faculty are proud to support the achievements of its veterinary technician program graduates. Through dedication and hard work, program graduates acquire a comprehensive skill set that prepares them for success in the field of veterinary medicine. This skill set includes animal handling and restraint that reflects an understanding of animal behavior, compassionate patient care, excellent communication skills, technical skills that reflect current veterinary medical standards, collaborative teamwork skills, a high level of professionalism, and recognition of the importance of lifelong learning. Program graduates are highly sought after and often go on into leadership roles, specialization, and more. The program fosters a learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential and enter the field prepared to achieve their career goals.
PCC prepares students to become certified veterinary technicians and to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Graduates of PCC’s Veterinary Technology program consistently exceed the national average pass rate on the VTNE. See the program website for current pass rate data.
Accreditation
Portland Community College is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). For more information, see the college’s Accreditation webpage.
The Portland Community College (PCC) VT program was first granted the status of Full Accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA-CVTEA) in April 1992 and has held this status continually since that time. This is the highest status a program can achieve nationally.
AVMA-CVTEA contact information:
1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360
Phone: 800-248-2862 ext 6624
AVMA web page regarding CVTEA accreditation
To file a complaint with the AVMA-CVTEA, see the standard protocol for handling complaints directed at a Veterinary Technology program.
Costs
In addition to the costs of attending Portland Community College described on the Paying for college web page, there are costs associated specifically with the Veterinary Technology program.
Prior to first term
- Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis: $1000-1500 (variable depending on insurance)
- Immunization tracking/verification: $35 *
First term
- Uniform (scrubs): variable (no required color)
- Ceil clue lab coat: $20-30
- Name badge: $20 **
- Stethoscope: $100-200
- Coveralls: $50-100
- Rain or muck boots: varies
- Watch with a second hand: varies
Seventh term
- VTNE exam fee: $355
- State licensing fee: variable by state; Oregon $35
*Cost covered by the Vet Tech Program
**Cost covered by the Vet Tech Club
Student scholarships
There are several Veterinary Technology specific or career technical scholarships available to Veterinary Technology students. Students are encouraged to apply for these scholarships. It is important to note that you should specify Vet Tech as your field of study in order to be funneled towards those Veterinary Technology and career technical scholarships.
It is appropriate and expected that you will show gratitude for the awarding of a scholarship. This gratitude can be expressed through the yearly scholarship award dinner where you may be given the opportunity to meet and dine with the scholarship benefactor. Other options for expressing gratitude include a handwritten thank you note that can be given to Dr. Borzcik and passed on to the benefactor.
Leadership
Janeen Hull
PCC – Academic & Career Pathways Dean
See the PCC Organizational Guide for information about college administration.
Contacts
- Jason Johnson: Program Dean
- Ragan Borzcik, DVM: Full-time Faculty and Faculty Department Chair
- Christine Fletcher, DVM: Full-time Faculty and USDA Attending Veterinarian
- Laura Harris, CVT: Full-time Program Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
- Alisa Leeper, CVT: Full-time Program CVT and Lennel Manager
- Laura Seeberger, CVT: Full-time Program CVT
- Hailey Zweigart, CVT: Farm Coordinator/Outreach Coordinator
- List of Faculty
Portland Community College
Rock Creek Campus
17705 NW Springville Rd.
Portland, OR 97229
Telephone: 971-722-7252
College mailing address:
PO Box 19000
Portland, Oregon 97280-0990