Veterinary Technology

Choose Your Concentration

Become a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or a Veterinary Technician Assistant (VTA).

Option 1: Certified Veterinary Technician

• Designed for students who wish to become certified veterinary technicians (CVT)s
• Combines classroom learning with hands-on laboratory and clinical experience
• Offers both full and part time options as well as day and evening sections
• All vet tech courses must be completed within four years of the date of entry into the program
• Competitive entry (Application March 1 - June 1 to start in the fall semester)

The Joliet Junior College Veterinary Medical Technology Program is fully accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Upon completion of the VMTP, graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) for licensure in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) administers the examination. Certification requirements may vary from state to state. The A.A.S. in veterinary technology is not intended to meet the requirements for application to veterinary school to become a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM).

The VMTP has special admissions criteria and limited enrollment. Questions? Please view our Admissions page. 

Vaccine Requirements/Recommendations

As a Vet Tech student, you'll need a rabies vaccination series as a requirement of the program. JJC recommends that new vet tech students receive their COVID-19 vaccination before starting the program because most vet tech clinical sites have this as a requirement.

For degree seekers (to become a CVT): students should first apply to JJC, then apply to the vet tech program. For VTA certificate seekers: Students only need to apply to JJC; no special admission application is required.

Apply Between March 1 - June 1 each year

Vet Tech Admissions Criteria
Vet Tech Application

Option 2: Veterinary Technician Assistant (VTA)

• VTAs assist the veterinarian and/or veterinary technician in providing animal care in multiple settings including clinics and animal shelters.
• Open enrollment, offered each semester.
• Must be 16 years old
• Can be completed in one semester but may be taken in multiple semesters. Program includes practicum hours (VTA 103) which must be completed following all VTA courses.
• VTA certificate will increase ranking in the competitive entry vet tech program.
• Questions about the VTA certificate? Contact VTA Program Coordinator Shawn Burkman, CVT at shawn.burkman@jjc.edu or one of the academic advisors below.

What Do I Need to Know About the VTA Certificate Program? 

In order to be eligible for this course, students must have completed at least 8 grade levels of schooling, be at least 16 years of age, speak and understand the English language and be in good physical, mental and emotional health.