Admission Policy
A. Must be 18 years or older by time of admission.
B. Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7.
C. Must have an ACT composite score of 18 or above (or equivalent SAT score).
D. Must complete a TEAS Assessment and submit official scores along with application.
E. Must complete and submit all Veterinary Technology Program application forms.
F. Must complete a sixteen-hour observation of the activities and duties of a
licensed veterinary technician, and a verification form must be signed by a licensed
technician or veterinarian.
G. Must pass a background check and pass a drug screening after tentative acceptance.
Failure to do so before the start of the academic school year will result in disqualification
from the program.
H. Must receive all required immunizations including Human Rabies Prophylaxis and
Tetanus.
I. Must sign and submit a verification form upon complete review of the Veterinary
Technology Program Student Policy Manual.
J. Must attend one online or in-person Pre-Admission Information Session. Dates
may be found on the Program’s website.
Completion of the admission requirements certifies eligibility, but does not guarantee
admission to the program. Admission is limited due to accreditation requirements and
facility constraints.
Promotion and Readmission Policy
- To be eligible for continuation into the following semester, the student must meet
the following requirements:
- Earn a “C” or better in each Veterinary Technology course.
- Maintain an overall GPA of 2.00 or better.
- Student must complete the core Vet Technology courses required for this degree in
sequence as outlined in the curriculum. Failure to do so will result in your dismissal
from the program. You may reapply for the program the following academic year, but
this does not guarantee acceptance.
- Maintain professional conduct in program related settings
- Successfully complete required essential skills testing.
- Readmission will be granted at the discretion of the Veterinary Technology program
faculty based on: professional behavior of the student, GPA, clinical evaluations,
instructors’ evaluations, disciplinary actions, and conduct with fellow students,
etc.
- Readmission Process:
1. Student must submit an Application for Readmission and all required documents
to the Program Director at least 60 days prior to the first day of the semester in
which the student would like to reenroll.
a. Required documents:
i. Application for
Readmission
ii. Recommendation
for Readmission- must be completed by an instructor, school counselor, tutor or success
coach outside the Veterinary Technology Program
iii. Personal Statement
written by the student (not to exceed one page) stating why readmission is warranted.
- Readmission to the Veterinary Technology Program after dismissal is not guaranteed.
- No student will be readmitted after a second dismissal.
- If the student has been out of the program five years or more, the student must repeat
all Veterinary Technology courses.
- Student seeking readmission must have a GPA of 2.0 or better.
Barn and Lab Animal Duty
Dress code for OCTC barn and lab animal duty
Two (2) choices:
- Wear scrubs and boots for barn duty; scrubs and tennis shoes for lab animal duty
- Wear large animal attire and boots for barn duty
- Ten (10) points will be deducted from the student’s final grade for ignoring the above
two choices.
Responsibilities for barn and lab animal duty
- Students will be assigned barn and lab animal duty by Mrs. Jackson or Mrs. Groves.
- Students will not perform duty in between semesters.
- Students are responsible for weekends and holidays during semesters.
- Students late for barn/lab animal duty three times in one semester will have 25 points
deducted from their final grade.
- Students who knowingly cover up the tardiness of a fellow classmate will have their
final grade
deducted by 25 points.
- Students who are absent for barn/lab animal care three times in a semester will have
25 points
deducted from their final grade.
- Students who are extremely late (>15 minutes) must make up missed time by staying
late at their next assignment of duty.
- Students who are absent (with prior authorization) must reschedule another duty to
make up their absence. Duties not made up will result in 25 points being deducted
from their final grade.
- No one may start barn/lab animal duty until everyone who is scheduled for duty is
present and accounted for.
- Students must sign and complete animal care logs each assigned day
Master Schedules
- The barn and lab animal master schedules are posted on the board in the rear hallway
of the teaching hospital.
Steps to take if you are going to be late or absent from barn or lab animal duty
- Barn Duty
- Call and email Mrs. Jackson to let her know you will be late or absent. You must call
at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
- No phone call = 25 point deduction from your final grade.
- Call your partners to let them know you are going to be late or absent.
- Call a classmate to cover your shift.
- Lab Animal Duty
- Call and email Mrs. Groves to let them know you will be late or absent. You must call
at least 30 minutes before you are scheduled to be at school.
- No phone call = 25 point deduction from your final grade.
- Call your partners to let them know you are going to be late or absent.
- Call a classmate to cover your shift
Steps to take if you want to switch barn and lab animal duty with someone
- Switching must occur at least one week in advance.
- Notify Mrs. Jackson (barn); Mrs. Groves (lab animal care).
- Type a note stating day(s) to be switched or day(s) to be covered.
- All students involved signatures and date must be on the note.
- The student will be able to switch the same day up to (2) times.
Barn and Lab Animal Management Policy
The student is required to participate in barn and lab animal duty as outlined in
the Veterinary Technology Management Plan. A copy of the Management Plan will be issued
to each student. No exceptions to the times assigned will be allowed.Failure to comply
with barn and lab animal regulations will result in a grade point deduction for each
incidence.
Examples of Grade Deductions for Lab, Class, Barn and Kennel Duty
Safety Policy
The chance of injury is very low in the Veterinary Technology Program; however, students
enrolled in this program must be aware of potential dangers involved in working with
animals and related equipment. The student should always take appropriate precautions
to avoid injury. The student should observe all program safety procedures and those
of clinical affiliates. The student should be familiar with the following guidelines
that help to keep the incidence of injury low:
- Students are advised to carry health insurance during enrollment in the Veterinary
Technology
Program at OCTC.
- Owensboro Community and Technical College and the Veterinary Technology Program will
not be responsible for the cost of emergency room treatment or hospital expense resulting
from injury to a student by an animal while student is performing barn and kennel
duty, participating in lab sessions, or performing clinical rotation assignments.
- Do not wear jewelry (except small rings and/or two pair of stud-type earrings) while
participating in lab sessions or clinical rotations.
- Injury may occur to the student if an animal’s paw, nail or tooth is caught in jewelry.
- Wear a hard hat when working the controls of a large animal chute.
- Work with a partner when restraining or performing procedures on horses
- Do not operate electrical appliances while standing in or near water.
- Wear rubber gloves and eye protection when applying insecticide dips to animals.
- Wear rubber gloves, eye protection, and ear protection (e.g. ear plugs) when cleaning
kennels.
- Wear protective lead shielding (e.g. apron, gloves, and thyroid protector) when performing
radiographic procedures.
- The student’s current film badge must be worn during all exposures.
- The film badge must be attached to the collar of the lab jacket and worn on the outside
of the lead
apron or thyroid protector.
- No student is allowed to make radiographic exposures at OCTC without appropriate faculty
present.
- No student may operate the ultrasound machine at OCTC without appropriate faculty
present.
- Wear gloves and protective eye devices when using acid materials to clean lab animal
cages.
- Students must attend a demonstration of the eye-wash station in the lab and barn area.
- The student must take special precautions when administering prostaglandin products,
certain antibiotics or live vaccines (e.g. brucella vaccine or sore mouth vaccine).
- When electroshock is administered to animal patients in the CPR process, the student
must take
special precautions not to touch the animal or table on which the animal is placed.
- If you are attacked by a large dog and cannot escape or defend against the attack,
cover your throat and lie in a fetal position until help arrives.
- When performing procedures on horses, remain close to the animal to minimize the chance
of injury.
- When grooming or restraining horses, use a halter and lead rope. Do not hold the halter
of a rearing horse.
- Proper protection (e.g. face mask or other eye protection and gloves) is required
when
performing dental prophylaxis.
- Students are required by the Veterinary Technology Program to obtain pre- exposure rabies vaccinations.
Please see the Rabies Notification portion of this document for further details.
1. Only vaccinated students will be allowed to handle unvaccinated animals.
- Students are expected to adhere to the “Policy of Universal Precautions.”
- Students are required to keep a current status for tetanus vaccination.
- If a dog or cat fight occurs in a lab or at clinical sites, do not to attempt to break
up the fight alone. The student is encouraged to:
- Obtain help.
- Use a catch pole if the fight must be broken up.
- Never use your hands to break up a fight.
- Never break up a fight alone.
- If you are pregnant, notify your instructor so appropriate safety measures may be taken. Check with your
doctor about any physical limitations and report those to your instructor.
- The choice to declare a pregnancy is voluntary; however, students who are, or become,
pregnant are encouraged to notify the Program Director. Veterinary medicine has many
inherent dangers for the developing fetus. Hazards such as inhalation of anesthetic
gases, exposure to radiation, toxic chemicals, exposure to chemotherapeutic agents,
trauma by a horse or cow or an animal bite or scratch are just a few that are inherently
more dangerous to the pregnant individual and her fetus. The pregnant student is advised
to seek advice and counsel from her qualified health care provider concerning continuing
involvement in the OCTC Veterinary Technology Program.
Personal Injury
Students incurring a bite or scratch should follow the Management of Animal Bites/Scratches
Policy.
Students who are injured at OCTC or at a clinical site must complete an incident report
for the college or the health care agency within 48 hours. In the event of an injury,
medical expenses are the responsibility of the Veterinary Technology student.
Disposable Needle Policy
Due to the risk factor involved in transmission of blood-borne pathogens and the liability
related to injury from discarded needles, all accidents involving needle sticks must
be reported to the Program faculty/staff.
Do not take syringes or needles out of the Vet Tech Lab or large animal lab areas.
Dispose of used needles and syringes in the red biohazard container. It is the student’s
responsibility to keep all potentially hazardous skill testing items in a safe and
secure place.
Disability Accommodations
Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustment and/or
auxiliary aids or services) for this program must contact the Disability Services
Office in the Counseling Center, Campus Center Building, Room 102B. The DSO telephone
number is (270) 686-4528. Dial 711 for TDD protocol. Please DO NOT request accommodations
directly from the instructor without a letter of accommodation from the Disability
Services Office.
In compliance with federal law, including the provisions of Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the
Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC)
does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic
origin, age, disability, or military service in its programs or activities: its admissions
policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic and other College-administered programs;
or employment. In addition, the College does not discriminate on the basis of sexual
orientation consistent with KCTCS nondiscrimination policy. Inquiries or comments
regarding these issues should be directed to the Disability Services Officer/504/ADA
Compliance, OCTC, 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303. Telephone (270) 686-4528,
Fax (270) 686-4648.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets
if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central
nervous system. If a person does not receive the appropriate medical are after a potential
rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in
death. According to the CDC, most veterinarians and veterinary technicians fall into
Risk Category 3 (out of 5). Recommended protective measures include a 2-dose pre-exposure
immunization spaced 7 days apart, followed by routine titer checks.
Upon admittance into the program, students are required to receive the Human Rabies
Pre-exposure Vaccination. Documentation of this vaccine must be provided to the Program
Director and will be kept on file for the duration of the student’s enrollment in
the program and for a minimum of 5 years beyond the last date of attendance.
Students that with a documented medical disability or sincerely held religious beliefs,
practices, or observances may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. Students
should contact the appropriate college representative to request an accommodation
and begin the interactive process. Students who do not receive the rabies vaccine
due to medical or religious reasons must understand their increased risk of contracting
rabies. These students are required to abide by the Comprehensive Rabies Mitigation
Policy put in place by the Program to help decrease the risk.
1. Only vaccinated students will be allowed to handle unvaccinated animals.
For additional information regarding zoonotic disease and rabies protection visit
https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/.
Unvaccinated students should only touch vaccinated animals. If they do touch unvaccinated
animals, PPE (gloves, mask, long sleeves, long pants, closed toed shoes) is required.
Eye protection is highly encouraged.
Clinical Practicum sites will be notified of a student’s Rabies vaccination status
to establish proper safety guidelines. Students should discuss these precautions with
their clinical site supervisor before starting the practicum. Students and Clinical
Practicum sites are required to abide by the policies outlined in the Comprehensive
Rabies Mitigation Policy.
General Information
Computer Equipment Use
The computer equipment available in the OCTC Veterinary Technology Program is for
educational purposes only. Using computers for recreational purposes during class/lab
time will result in the students’ dismissal from the class/lab. Students must agree
to abide by OCTC Veterinary Technology Program guidelines utilizing laptops, computer
tablets, and cell phones.
Counseling
Academic questions should be directed to the appropriate instructor or academic advisor.
If additional assistance is required please contact the student affairs specialist,
and then the program director. General counseling services are available for assistance
with personal issues at no charge. Contact the student affairs specialist or the Counseling
Center for information on these services.
Vet Tech Club
Vet Tech Club officers are to be elected annually during the January meeting. Offices
elected: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations, and Student
Representative for the Advisory Board. If an officer position becomes vacant prior
to the end of their term, elections may be held at faculty discretion. Meetings are
to be conducted outside of class time with at least one faculty member present.
Sharing the Downtown Campus Building
We share the building with other programs. We ask you to use courtesy and good manners
when you are in the building.
E-Mail
Students are advised to check their e-mail daily, as various messages from your instructors
may be sent. Students without e-mail capability at home are encouraged to use the
computers here at the college.
Student Study Sessions
We ask that group study sessions be held at a location other than DT 23, VT Teaching
Hospital; unless prior faculty approval has been obtained or given.
VT Teaching Hospital
The Veterinary Technology Teaching Hospital consists of areas where laboratories are
held. In accordance with OSHA standards, students are not allowed to eat or drink
in these areas.
Withdrawing from the Veterinary Technology Program
Students wishing to withdraw from the Veterinary Technology Program, or any course
needed to obtain this degree, must meet with their advisor and the Program Director
prior to withdrawing.
Illness of Personal Pets
If the student’s animal is severely ill, and the illness has occurred within the past
48 hours (strictly emergency cases – or if the animal is scheduled to see a specialist
for a severe illness), the student can be excused from class with proper documentation
(written documentation from the clinic). Explanation of all absences must be given
to the instructor in advance.
Bringing personal pets to clinical rotations is prohibited.
Program Requirements
Failure to meet all program requirements will result in exclusion from the program.
All students are required to have student liability insurance, clear background check,
and provide documentation of completion of all required immunizations. Failure to
do so will result in exclusion from the program.
Student Liability Insurance: Required every semester
Clear Background Check: Upon initial enrollment and prior to VTNE if more than two years since last completed.
Drug Screen: Required upon initial enrollment. A failed drug screen will result in exclusion from
the program.
History & Physical: Required upon initial enrollment; must be completed and signed by a physician or
APRN
TB test: Provide written evidence of negative skin test or blood test within last 12 months;
results written in 0mm or if a history of positive skin tests, provide documentation
of a chest x-ray report showing no active disease.
Tetanus: Provide documentation of booster shot within the last 10 years
Rabies: Provide documentation of rabies vaccination and/or recent titer. Review CDC website
for latest guidelines.
Skill Testing
Students will be allowed three (3) attempts of those skills deemed critical according
to the CVTEA Essential Skills list. If the third attempt is Unmet (UM) the student
must immediately withdraw from the OCTC Veterinary Technology Program. Clinical skills
competency may be tested either in the campus laboratory setting or in the clinical
setting. Individual course instructors will choose the form of competency testing
to be utilized.
One VT faculty member will observe the student during skill testing. If a student
fails their first attempt, they will be informed which critical requirements were
Unmet (UM). It is the student’s responsibility to schedule practice time with a VT
faculty member prior to the re-skill date as determined by the course instructor.
During the subsequent re-skill performance, the student will be observed by two (2)
VT faculty members. If the third re-skill attempt is Unmet (UM), the student must
immediately withdraw from the program and a “W” will be assigned. A minimum of one
week and a maximum of two weeks will lapse between re-skill attempts. All re-skill
attempts must be completed one week prior to final exams.
Expenses
In addition to regular college tuition, fees and cost of books, OCTC Veterinary Technology
students in the program will incur additional expenses for the following:
National Standardized Testing: VTNE
Criminal Background checks and Drug screen
Professional liability insurance
Lab tests and immunizations required by health agencies
Student Veterinary Technician uniforms and equipment (includes radiology badge, wristwatch
with second hand, stethoscope, scissors, etc.)
Transportation to all clinical sites, large animal facility, field trips, and off-campus
laboratories.
Campus Security
Be safe at OCTC and take care of yourself and your valuables by locking your car,
taking your keys, not leaving valuables in view, especially purses and book bags.
If using the VT Teaching hospital lab after hours or on the weekend, please keep the
doors closed and locked. For an escort to your car, call (270) 688-5040 from any campus
phone or cell phone.
Gift Policy
No gifts are to be accepted from clients. Gifts or acknowledgements for classmates
and faculty will be at the discretion of the OCTC Vet Tech Club.
Building Policies: Smoking
OCTC is a tobacco-free campus. Smoking and tobacco use is prohibited at all clinical
agencies. E-cigarettes are also prohibited. Students found out of compliance either
on campus or at a clinical facility may be assigned an Unsatisfactory (U) evaluation/absence.
Students who smoke are encouraged to enroll in smoking cessation. Self-help groups
are available at the local hospitals and the American Cancer Society.
Assignments
It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of the schedule and to be aware of
regularly scheduled exams, lab practicals, and assignments. 10 Points will be deducted
from ALL late papers or assignments for every day it is late (this includes weekends
and holidays) and they will not be accepted after one week from the due date.
Weather Related Class Cancellation/Delay Policy
SNAP (Safety Notification Alert Process) will alert students via e-mail, phone call
or text message of school closing, delays or dangerous conditions including security
threats.
If you are unable to attend clinical due to inclement weather, please notify the instructor
at least 30 minutes in advance of the scheduled class or activity. In the event of
threat of severe weather, the instructor will make a determination to continue with
clinical or to dismiss students.
COVID‐19 Statement
OCTC must remain flexible to meet challenges that may include epidemics, pandemics,
natural disasters, human-influenced disasters, and any and all threats to the College
campus, students, employees, and surrounding communities. To ensure the safety and
well-being of our constituencies, the College maintains the right to move classes
temporarily or permanently to online, remote platforms; to a hybrid section that includes
some face-to-face learning and some remote learning; or to a different campus, location,
building, or time. Additionally, the College reserves the right to institute plans
or practices in the physical classroom/lab/activity spaces and common areas to protect
students and employees. The College will attempt to make these changes as minimally
disruptive as possible, but the College reserves the sole right to alter the particular
type, place, and/or time for their classes. Students will be notified of any necessary
modifications as quickly as possible.