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Veterinary Technology Specialization:
Program:
Imagine practicing as a Veterinary Technician-a highly educated and skilled member of the animal health care team. Today's Veterinary Technicians are licensed professionals who team with veterinarians to offer state-of-the-art veterinary care. The Mercy College Veterinary Technology Program is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and leads to a four-year baccalaureate degree and the title, Veterinary Technologist. The program's primary objective is to provide graduates with a superior education combined with the technical skills they need to succeed as veterinary technologists.
A major strength of the program is its affiliation with renowned, ultra-sophisticated veterinary hospitals and research institutions in the New York-Metropolitan area, providing outstanding practicum and externship opportunities as well as guest lecturers. Program graduates qualify to take the National Veterinary Technician Exam (NVTE), the credentialing examination that is available only to graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary technology schools and is required for licensure in New York State.
Graduates of Mercy's Veterinary Technology Program have achieved a 100% passing rate on the NVTE for over 15 years, and their scores consistently have been 25-30% higher than the combined average scores of graduates of other veterinary technology schools. Mercy's Veterinary Technology Program is highly regarded in the veterinary field and the consistent demand for our graduates assures multiple employment opportunities. A significant number of program graduates practicing in specialty and emergency veterinary medicine are earning more than $50,000 per year. Many employed as practice managers or in pharmaceutical and biomedical research are earning well over $60,000 per year.
"I came all the way from Texas for Mercy's program, and I'm glad I did, because there is no other veterinary technology program like it in the country. The knowledge I've gained and the professional connections I've made will be with me for the rest of my career and life. The experience really has been unforgettable."
Sondra Biggs, '06
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Download a PDF version of our Program Brochure
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Program Contacts:
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Jack Burke, DVM
Program Director
jaburke@mercy.edu
Telephone: 914-674-7530
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Jean Burke, MA, LVT
Associate Program Director
jbburke@mercy.edu
Telephone: 914-674-7530
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Laurie Buell, MS, LVT
Assistant Professor
lbuell@mercy.edu
Telephone: 914-674-7530
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Pat Chute, EdD
Chair, Division of Natural Sciences and Veterinary Technology
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"Thank you for making me work so hard. When I entered the Mercy College Veterinary Technology Program, I never dreamed I would learn as much about veterinary medicine as I did."
Jennifer Quinlan, LVT
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Career Opportunities:
Licensed Veterinary Technicians practice in:
Small animal medicine
Specialty small animal medicine:
- Emergency medicine
- Anesthesia
- Surgery
- Dentistry
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Diagnostic imaging
Exotic animal medicine
Zoo animal medicine
Marine animal medicine
Equine medicine
Shelter medicine
Other careers in veterinary medicine for Veterinary Technologists include:
Teaching in schools of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology
Veterinary practice management
Biomedical research
Pharmaceutical sales and marketing
Animal behavior
Animal nutrition
"When people ask me why I chose Mercy's program, I say it gave me the opportunity to earn a BS in Veterinary Technology. It gave me a much more solid, comprehensive and in-depth foundation and a broader range of career paths than any two-year program could have offered."
Lori Lombardi, LVT
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Curriculum:
Representative required courses include: Introduction to Veterinary Science, Veterinary Management, Anatomy of Domestic Animals, Physiology of Domestic Animals, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Laboratory Techniques, Small Animal Diseases: Principles of Treatment and Nursing, Surgical Nursing and Radiography, Principles of Large Animal Medicine, Applied Animal Behavior and Fundamentals of Animal Research
For the complete course curriculum click here.
"Mercy's Veterinary Technology program has changed my whole outlook on life. It has helped me build the confidence, knowledge and experience I need to succeed. I give all the credit to the knowledgeable and caring professors."
Kelly Wright, '07
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Campuses where program is offered:
Dobbs Ferry
"My Mercy College education taught me not only how to perform skills/procedures, but also taught me 'the why' of doing them. I have no doubt that my understanding of medicine makes me a much better technician."
Marianne Manginelli Silva, LVT, CVPM
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Facilities:
The Veterinary Technology Program at Mercy College is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and certified by the State of New York. Thus, a graduate of the program will qualify to take the National Veterinary Technician Examination (NVTE), the credentialing examination that, in New York State, is available only to qualified graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary technology schools. Most states require graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology school and passing the NVTE to practice as a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist.
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Accreditations:
The Veterinary Technology Program at Mercy College is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and certified by the State of New York. Thus, a graduate of the program will qualify to take the National Veterinary Technician Examination (NVTE), the credentialing examination that, in New York State, is available only to qualified graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary technology schools. Most states require graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology school and passing the NVTE to practice as a veterinary technician or veterinary technologist.
"I cannot thank you enough for providing me with the education that afforded me the opportunity to fulfill my dream."
Lauren Jones, DPM, LVT
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Externships:
Our externship sites are carefully selected to ensure currency and provide exemplary learning and working experiences. The following is a partial list:
The Animal Medical Center
Long Island Veterinary Specialists
Oradell Animal Hospital
The Bronx Zoo
Norwalk Veterinary Referral Center
Katonah-Bedford Veterinary Center
New York Aquarium
Advanced Veterinary Care
Center for Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine
New York Medical College
Columbia University Medical College
New England Equine
Staten Island Zoo
New York Psychiatric Institute
Rhinebeck Equine
New York University Medical College
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Regeneron Pharmaceutical
Wyeth-Ayerst
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Veterinary Technician/Technologist?
Veterinary Technicians are graduates of two-year veterinary technician schools and earn Associate degrees. Veterinary Technologists are graduates of AVMA-approved, four-year veterinary technology schools and earn Bachelor of Science degrees in veterinary technology. Both are educated to be the veterinarian's nurse, laboratory technician, radiography technician, anesthetist, surgical nurse and client educator. Veterinary technologists often achieve more lucrative careers in veterinary medicine, assuming supervisory and management positions in veterinary facilities and biomedical research institutions.
How Is Mercy's program unique?
The four-year Veterinary Technology Program at Mercy College is one of the few colleges nationwide to offer a Bachelor of Science degree. Graduates often qualify for supervisory and management positions that favor the more advanced education provided by a Bachelor's degree. Unlike two-year programs, the Mercy Program is structured much like veterinary school; the first two years are devoted to intense academic coursework and the second two years provide extensive clinical experience, including two, full-semester externships, which is more than many veterinary schools offer. This considerable amount of clinical training, combined with in-depth scientific and medical knowledge, offers you superior skills and competence. As a result, graduates of Mercy's Veterinary Technology Program have achieved a 100% passing rate on the NVTE for over 15 years, and their scores consistently have been 25-30% higher than the combined average scores of graduates of other veterinary technology schools. The program also is unique in offering qualified students the opportunity to complete advanced externships in surgical assisting and anesthesia; emergency and critical care nursing; dentistry; ophthalmology; exotic animal medicine; equine practice; imaging; oncology; transgenics and genetic engineering; wildlife rehabilitation and management; and zoo animal medicine and surgery.
What is the first step in the admissions process?
Click on "Apply Now" on the Mercy homepage or call 1-800-MERCY NY to apply for admission to Mercy College and arrange for an appointment with an Admissions Counselor. Bring your completed application form and copies of your high school and/or college transcripts with you at the time of your appointment. The Admissions Counselor will evaluate your application and transcripts. In addition, each incoming freshman will be scheduled to take the Mercy College Placement Examination. Results of this test will be used to place students in appropriate-level mathematics and English courses. Once you have met with an Admissions Counselor and taken the Placement Examination, you will meet with an Academic Advisor to plan a course schedule for your first semester at Mercy College.
When can I apply to the Veterinary Technology Program?
Satisfactory completion of VETC 101 Introduction to Veterinary Science is an essential prerequisite to your being considered for the Veterinary Technology Program. When you are close to completing Introduction to Veterinary Science, with a grade of "C-" or higher, and you are ready to register for your next semester, call the Veterinary Technology Program office for an appointment with Professor Jean Burke or Professor Laurie Buell. Once you are admitted to the program, Professors Burke or Buell will become your permanent Academic Advisors.
What type of student is well suited for the program?
The curriculum is academically rigorous and scientifically oriented. It is especially designed for the motivated learner who can successfully pursue an intense educational experience. The student must possess a strong ability to focus and a serious interest in a career in veterinary medicine. Along with solid academic skills, the student must have compassion for animals, empathy and concern for people, and the capacity to work cooperatively and productively with others.
Can I attend the Veterinary Technology Program part-time?
Yes. You can take as little as one course per semester. The program is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate working adults, and many students attend part time. Day, night and weekend classes are available. Even if you work full-time, it is possible to complete the program within a reasonable period of time.
If I plan to go on to a School or College of Veterinary Medicine, is this the program for me?
If you plan to go to veterinary school, click on Pre-Veterinary Medicine.
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