Will I have to take the rabies vaccine?

The Rabies Vaccine is required.  Students preferring not to take the Rabies Vaccine will be required to sign a waiver releasing the college from liability should the student be bitten or scratched by an animal during the course of school activities. 

Do I have to take courses as they appear in the curriculum sequence?

All of the courses that have the "VET" prefix must be taken in the semester in which they appear. It is recommended that the student take all other courses in the semester in which they appear, unless the specific course in question is being transferred in from another college, making the student ahead of schedule instead of behind schedule.
 
The "VET" course sequence is designed to assure the student of graduation in a two year period, provided the sequence is not broken. If the sequence is broken, the student will not be able to continue in the program without returning to the point at which the sequence was broken and continuing from there.

What will the Vet Tech program prepare me to do?

The Veterinary Technology Curriculum prepares the graduate to assist the veterinarian in small and large animal practices by obtaining and recording information about cases; preparing animals, instruments, equipment and medication for examinations; applying bandages and splints; and feeding animals and maintaining proper sanitation of animals and their environment. Students also learn skills in office management, record keeping and communications.
 
How long will it take me to complete the program? Will I have to come full-time?

Trident offers a Full-Time and Part-Time Veterinary Technology program.  The full-time sequence will take two years to complete which spans five semesters. The part-time curriculum spans nine semesters.

Students who have had related courses prior to entering the program (or who are transferring courses in from another institution) will not have to repeat these courses unless the grade received was lower than a "C". The number of courses taken ahead of time may decrease the amount of time spent in classes each semester, but will not decrease the overall span of the curriculum.

Can I take the courses at night?

Currently the "VET" courses are not taught at night. Any course that does not have the "VET" prefix can be taken at night if the course is offered at night. All "VET" courses are taught during the daytime.
 
When will I actually begin working with animals in class?

The first "hands-on" skills in Veterinary Technology will be taught in the first semester of starting the program.

Will I get to work in a Veterinarian's clinic before I graduate?

Yes, each student will participate in a preceptorship and externship. The externship rotation is during the last semester of the program. A student may be assigned to a veterinarian's clinic near his/her hometown. The preceptorship and externship is a non-paid, supervised experience which will afford the student the opportunity to apply the skills learned in the program prior to graduation. 
 
Do we wear special clothing in this program?

Yes, students will begin wearing uniforms and laboratory apparel in the second semester of the program and will continue to do so throughout the program.
 
What kind of job can I get with this degree?

Graduates may work in private veterinarians' offices, diagnostic and research laboratories, veterinary pharmaceutical and supply businesses, and other areas dealing with animal health care.

Will I have to have a license to practice as a Veterinary Technician? What is an "AHT"?

In South Carolina, you graduate an AHT (Animal Health Technician).

You must graduate from an AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) Accredited program and complete both the national and state competency exam.

If I decide to go on to school after I graduate from the Veterinary Technician program, will I be able to use any of these courses?

Some of the courses within the Veterinary Technology Curriculum will transfer to four year colleges. Only courses with a letter grade of "C" or higher can be transferred to another institution.

Will I be paid during my externship?

The externship veterinarian is not required to provide pay to the extern student. The externship id designed to provide all students with the opportunity to enhance their skills in a supervised setting as they make the final transition from student to entry level professional.

Can I do my externship in my hometown? Can I select my externship site?

It is possible for a student to participate in the externship rotation in his/her hometown. The student may suggest a facility to the externship coordinator. The facility will then be visited by the externship coordinator to determine interest and readiness of the facility to serve as an externship affiliate.

Is work/volunteer experience in a veterinary practice required for entry into the program?

No, but such experience contributes significantly to the applicant's admission score.