Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What campus is this program located on?

The Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood.

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When can students enter the program?

Students can enter in the fall only. Courses are offered during the day. Accepted students transferring into the program are strongly encouraged to have their transfer credits entered before the next registration period.

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What are the admission requirements?

High School Applicants: High school math and science (biology and chemistry with laboratories) average of 75. Minimum grade of 70% on both Biology and Chemistry Regents. Algebra2/Trig or equivalent successfully completed. Applicants requiring placement testing must place out of all remedial courses. All requirements for admission should be completed within five years.

College Applicants: Minimum grade of C in each of the prerequisite courses (CHE 100, BIO 101 and MAT 007). Applicants requiring placement testing must place out of all remedial courses. All requirements for admission should be completed within ten years.

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What is the deadline for applications?

January 15^th, of the year of entry. Complete applications (inclusive of supportive documentation e.g. high school and/or college transcripts) will be given priority consideration.

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What is the VTNE test score data for the Suffolk Veterinary Science Technician Program Graduates?

Statistics for the three-year reporting period of July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024:
Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE = 85
Three-year pass percentage on VTNE = 64%

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If students from this program can gain employment immediately upon graduation, what can they do?

Graduates can work veterinary assistants until they pass their licensing exam, after which they can be employed as a licensed veterinary technician in a variety of facilities that work with animals. Employment includes work in veterinary hospitals (general, specialty and emergency), laboratory facilities (diagnostic and research), USDA or other (local/state or federal) government agencies and animal rescue organizations.

The animal care industry (retail and product development), education, practice management, and similar careers commonly require additional education (B.S., M.S., etc.).

Additional training/certification is available for licensed veterinary technicians in the area of dentistry, anesthesia, internal medicine, rehabilitation, and other areas; such training usually involves a number of training hours and another certificate/certification exam.

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What are the expected salaries for these positions?

Salary varies depending on the job; typically technicians working in general practice make about 15-18 dollars an hour plus medical and other benefits. Current salary information for veterinary technicians is available on the Bureau of Labor and Statistics website: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm

Benefits also vary widely depending on the employer type and location. Those working in specialty/referral practices, research laboratories, and the animal care industry are paid higher salaries and given more benefits.

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If this program provides opportunities for students to transfer to a four-year college or university, where can they go, and into what specific programs would they transfer?

Some VST students transfer to Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. COMPLETION OF THE VET SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM DOES NOT GUARANTEE TRANSFER- YOU MUST MEET ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS. Additional information about transfer to Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences can be found on the left-side menu under the listing "Transfer Applicants". On this page, required course work for transfer by major can be found under "Transfer Requirements". Course equivalents for transfer from Suffolk County Community College can be found under the heading "Transfer Agreements" using the link associated with the "Suffolk County Community College" link on the bottom of the page.

Regarding Transfers to a 4-year school (Undergraduate)
Students that have an interest in transferring to a four-year college must take additional courses at Suffolk County Community College (in addition to the Vet Science Curriculum) to meet the transfer requirements. Students in the VST program may need up to one additional year to meet transfer requirements and up to an additional year or so to meet the prerequisites for veterinary schools. Students interested in transferring to Cornell or any other 4-year college/university should check with the admissions officer of their transfer college of choice to see what courses at Suffolk County Community College will best meet transfer and end-goal requirements.

Veterinary Colleges (Graduate Studies)
A listing of accredited veterinary colleges by state can be found at the American Veterinary Medical Association website. Contact the Office of Admissions of the target school of your choice for admissions requirements.

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Are internships available in this program?

Yes--Students must complete the required 240 hours of internship over two semesters (120 hours in each internship course) in two totally different contracted sites. Visit Veterinary Science Internship Site for more information.

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Are students paid during the internships?

No. Also, students cannot participate at an internship site if they work there.

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What are the internship/externship or fieldwork locations?

Large animal, small animal hospitals (general, emergency and specialty practices.

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Why should a student consider this program?

For the love of: technology, math, science, reading, learning, and animals of course (in that order).

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What makes the VST program unique?

The VST program offers hands-on experience with farm animals at the Suffolk County Farm. The degree and its associated license have unlimited possibilities for use other than the traditional uses listed above; some jobs are yet to be created.

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Additional Information:

Potential students should be strong in math and sciences (at least a 75 average or better)

Animal hospital experience is a plus; it definitely makes the learning process easier.

Meeting pre-requisites does not guarantee entry into the program.

The candidate must also commit to lifelong continuing education to maintain current in the field.

A grade of C minimum is mandatory for all VST courses; any VST course can only be repeated one time.

The accrediting body is the American Veterinary Medical Association which dictates what students must master (Essential and Recommended Skills List) before graduating from an accredited program. An updated tetanus vaccine is required for entry into the program. The student must be able to complete all of the essential tasks set forth by the AVMA to graduate from the program. The “Veterinary Technology Student Essential and Recommended Skills List”. Additional tasks are set forth by each VST class as indicated in the respective course outlines.

The VST program adheres to the Suffolk County Community College attendance policy: Missing more than a one week equivalent of class meetings during any given semester will result in a failing course grade. Excused absences are counted as an absence. Students anticipating excessive absences should speak to their professors to determine the best course of action.

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