Program Requirements

Prerequisites

Applicants must complete the following college courses with a letter grade of “C” or better:

• SDV-101 Orientation to Veterinary Technology or SDV-100
• ENG-111 College Composition I
• CHM-101 Introductory Chemistry or CHM-111 General Chemistry
  • Note: For program admissions purposes, we focus primarily on your academic performance in one of these two CHM courses; however, if you are considering a bachelor’s degree in the future, be sure to talk with an academic advisor about which of these CHM courses would work best for your goals.
• MTH-133 Mathematics for Health Professionals
  • Note: For program admissions purposes, we can accept a different NOVA math course; however, there’s a chance you may still be required to take MTH-133 if the formal course substitution request you submit with your VET faculty advisor is denied.
• VET-111 Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
  • Note: VET-111 is available only at the Loudoun Campus and can be completed on campus or online. There are no transferable substitutions for this course.

Employment Requirements

Students must be working at a veterinary facility and have a veterinarian or Licensed Veterinary Technician mentor at the time of their application. Students are responsible for finding their own employment; we highly recommend making use of the career resources NOVA provides, including Career Connection and the Career Services office.

The 2024 application period is now closed.

Please check back in early spring for our updated 2025 Application Guide and Admissions Checklist. The next application period will open on April 15, 2025.

Application Resources

• Veterinary Technology Admissions Checklist — Use this checklist to keep track of application requirements and review program expectations.
• Veterinary Technology Application Guide — Use this guide to prepare application materials for the admissions committee.
• Required Mentor Forms
  • Clinical Externship Affiliation Agreement
  • Clinical Task List — Mentor Reference
  • Equipment List — Mentor Reference
  • Mentor Acknowledgment Form

In addition to the standard college tuition and fees, vet tech students should be prepared to cover the following financial responsibilities once enrolled.

• Rabies Vaccination: As part of our program’s accreditation, all Veterinary Technology students are required by the AVMA to be vaccinated against the rabies virus. Consequently, students must provide documented proof of either (1) pre-exposure rabies vaccination series completion or (2) a current protective rabies titer before starting the program. More information will be provided to students upon acceptance into the program.
• Program and lab supplies, including (but not limited to):
  • Stethoscope: 3M’s Littmann Classic III model recommended for its quality and acoustic performance
  • White lab coat
  • Appropriate tennis shoes (note: white tennis shoes are required for on-campus anesthesia labs)
  • NOVA Veterinary Technology student nametag
• Round trip travel for field trips in and around Northern Virginia

Financial Resources

In addition to financial aid opportunities open to all NOVA students, the following resources are also available exclusively for students accepted into the Veterinary Technology program.

• G3 Initiative—The Veterinary Technology program is an approved G3 career path. If you are a Virginia resident with low or modest income, please contact the G3 Initiative Office to see if you qualify.
• LVT-related scholarships — Enrolled Veterinary Technology students will receive information about grants, scholarships and other opportunities.