COCC is preparing to offer a new degree program, veterinarian technician, beginning fall 2012. The program has been proposed for approval to COCC’s curriculum committee and the Oregon Department of Education. The associate of applied science degree in veterinary technician is a two-year program that will prepare students to successfully pass the National Veterinary Technician Board Examination to become a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT).
After Jan. 1, 2013, on-the-job training experience (grandfathering) will no longer qualify an applicant to sit for state exams to become a CVT. The new requirement that only students who graduate from an accredited program will be able to take the exam to become certified in Oregon will increase the need for training programs. Currently, only Portland Community College trains CVTs in Oregon.
Of the 35 veterinarian clinics in Central Oregon who responded to a survey in 2008, 98 percent recommended that COCC offer a veterinarian technician degree. Locally, 68 percent of surveyed veterinarians indicated that they currently employ CVTs, and 80 percent said they would either hire a CVT for the first time or increase the number of CVTs they employ if they had qualified candidates. Eighty-five percent agreed that CVTs increase clinic profits.
The median salaries for a CVT are $31,350 in Oregon and $32,259 regionally. This matches the survey data, which indicated local hourly wages ranging from $12 to $21 (average $15.52). In addition, employers were willing to offer benefits to CVTs.
For information, call COCC Admissions and Records at 541-383-7500 or visit http://alliedhealth.cocc.edu/programs_classes/vet+tech/Default.aspx