Veterinary Technology

Veterinary technicians work with veterinarians in private practice as well as in zoos, animal shelters, wildlife facilities, and in research labs. Some technicians have careers with pharmaceutical companies, pet food companies or in diagnostic laboratories.

Why GCC?

The Veterinary Technology Program at GCC is a selective curriculum that requires two years of full-time study.  Courses include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Pharmacy and Pharmacology
• Nutrition
• Techniques for Laboratory Animals
• Small and Large Animal Pathology and Nursing
• Surgical Nursing and Anesthesia
• Radiology and Dentistry
• Clinical Laboratory Techniques 

You will complete three externships with hands-on training in veterinary practices alongside licensed veterinary technicians and veterinarians. Small class sizes will allow you to work closely with helpful faculty who work in the field and stay up to date on the latest developments in veterinary medicine. Students are also required to complete general education courses including English, psychology, history, and math, in order to receive an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide our students with a quality education, teaching them knowledge of the field of veterinary medicine, practical hands-on skills, compassionate patient care, the enrichment of the human-animal bond and the complexity of issues related to environmental and public health.

Information Sessions

Please register for an information session.

Career Opportunities

After getting your GCC degree, some occupations you may consider are:

• Clinical Practice
• Animal Shelters
• Diagnostic Labs
• Pharmaceutical and Research Labs
• Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
• State and Federal Agencies
• Farm Industry

Transfer Opportunities

Starting at GCC saves many students and their families thousands of dollars in tuition. With an A.S. or A.A. degree you will be able to seamlessly transfer within the SUNY network of 64 college and universities as well as to many 4-year private institutions. GCC's A.S. and A.A. programs were developed as part of the SUNY seamless transfer initiative allowing students to complete the first two years of a bachelor's degree as a freshman and a sophomore at a community college, then seamlessly transfer to a SUNY four-year institution to earn a bachelor's degree. Please reference the SUNY Transfer Pathways for degree programs to learn about any campus specific requirements. Visit the SUNY Core Course Finder to plan out the courses you should complete to transfer to a 4-year SUNY School.

If you are planning to transfer to a 4-year private institution you should work with our Transfer Services office to learn about possible articulation agreements and pathways that exist for many or our degree programs. Some GCC A.A.S. programs also have transfer opportunities.

To learn more about these opportunities and agreements contact the Transfer Services Office, we are more than happy to work with you and answer any questions you may have on building your own personalized transfer plan.

Transfer opportunities include, but are not limited to:

• Medaille College
• SUNY College at Canton*
• SUNY Delhi*
• SUNY Morrisville State College

*GCC has current transfer agreements with the above noted institutions.