Veterinary Technology Application Fall 2027

The following must be completed & submitted by March 1, 2027.

Mount Wachusett Community College seeks to provide equal educational and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Important Application Information

If the application deadline falls on a non-business day, the next business day will be the effective deadline.
Letters of Recommendation are not accepted.
Candidates must submit a completed, printed, signed application and all supporting documents by the application deadline.

Supplemental Documents

Attendance at a mandatory Selective Health Information Session within the 12 months prior to the application deadline. Register: mwcc.edu/info

Submit Resume: Professional resume documenting work history & animal care experience.

Attach copies of any veterinary assistant certifications or other supporting documents.

Submit Official High School Transcript/HiSET/GED Please see the application FAQs for instructions on submitting your transcript.

Students whose native language is not English OR Students who have foreign education credentials: Students whose native language is not English and those who have not completed Grades K-12 in the U.S. must demonstrate English proficiency by having completed ENG101 with a grade of C+ or higher, or have completed a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or score 213 on the computerized version or 550 on the paper version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL scores).

Foreign education credentials, high school and college must be evaluated and translated by a U.S. evaluation company like The Evaluation Company - MWCC Pathway offers discounted services, or students can choose evaluators like the Center for Educational Documentation (CED) or World Education Services (WES). A list of additional evaluation services is available at https://naces.org/members.

Students who wish to attend MWCC as an International Student must complete the International Student Application and meet all of the requirements of that application prior to applying to a selective healthcare program. Students seeking an F-1 visa should contact the Admissions Office to schedule an appointment with a Designated School Official (DSO).

Submit official college transcripts to:
MWCC Registrar's Office, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440
or electronically to: registrar@mwcc.mass.edu

Official College Transcripts/Proof of Minimum Academic Requirements: Please submit official college transcripts from colleges other than MWCC. Photocopies will not be accepted. All transcript requests must be made prior to the application deadline. NOTE: If you have requested your transcript be sent to MWCC, attach a copy of your request confirmation with this printed application.

Submit official college transcripts to:
MWCC Registrar's Office, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440
or electronically to: registrar@mwcc.mass.edu

Special Program Requirements

Please note that the following information must be received before courses begin:

Mandatory Veterinary Technology student release form.
Health examination conducted within the past two years by a licensed healthcare provider.
Immunization Requirements for Veterinary Technology Students: Two (2) doses Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or proof of immunity (please submit lab report). Non-health science students can provide a reliable history verified by a physician (exempt if born in the U.S. before 1980); two (2) doses MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine or proof of immunity (please submit lab reports). Exempt if born in the U.S. before 1957 except for all Health Science students; three (3) doses Hepatitis B vaccine, two doses of Heplisav-B given on or after 18 years of age or proof of immunity via titer (please submit lab report); one (1) TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine and booster every 10 years; one (1) dose Meningococcal vaccine (ages 16-21) or state required waiver (signed by student or guardian if under 18); Additional boosters may be required during the program duration as designated by clinical sites. Contact Robyn Hartin at rhartin@mwcc.mass.edu for more information.
Rabies vaccination will be required before the first day of classes, with titer required every three years from date of initial vaccination to prove immunity (please submit lab report). Contact Robyn Hartin at rhartin@mwcc.mass.edu for more information.
Liability Insurance of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage is required. Students will be covered under the college’s liability insurance policy, which will be billed through student fees.
All veterinary technology students must participate in the Massachusetts Community College Health Insurance or provide current accurate information regarding comparable coverage.
Completion of CORI form may be requested, as it may be required by some internship/externship sites.
Students are required to have a computer or laptop with working camera.
Clinical sites may require the student obtain certain background checks (state/federal criminal or sexual offender), fingerprinting and/or drug testing before participating in the clinical experience. Costs for these reviews will be the responsibility of the student.

Background Checks, Drug Testing, and Licensure Requirements

A Criminal Offender Records Information (CORI) review procedure has been implemented for students whose academic programs includes the potential for unsupervised contact with persons from vulnerable populations (i.e., children, the elderly and the disabled).

As part of the coursework in the Veterinary Technology program, students are required to complete practical hours in clinical facilities working with patients under the supervision of licensed providers. Clinical sites may require the student obtain certain background checks (state/federal criminal or sexual offender), finger printing and/or drug testing before participating in the clinical experience. Costs for these reviews will be the responsibility of the student.

Refusing to participate in these background checks or drug testing will result in the inability to progress in the program. A positive background check or drug test may also result in the inability to progress in the program.

The prospective student is encouraged to discuss any concerns with the program director prior to acceptance into the Veterinary Technology program. All screenings and background checks are completed AFTER admission/acceptance into the program.

By signing this application, the prospective student understands his/her responsibility to participate in and pay for these background checks/drug tests, if required by the clinical site and also understands the consequences of refusing to test, or refusing to undergo the background checks.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

In compliance with the Clery Act (20 U.S.C. 1092(a) and (f), all prospective students are entitled to review the MWCC Annual Security Report. This report may be accessed online at mwcc.mass.edu or by request through the Office of Admissions. Mount Wachusett Community College seeks to provide equal educational and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, physical or mental disability, sex, national origin or ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information or veteran status.

Candidates for selective programs at MWCC should read and understand the Good Moral Character requirements for many healthcare licensures in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In keeping with this licensure standard, the Good Moral Character requirement also applies to several selective programs at Mount Wachusett Community College.

For more information on student rights & responsibilities, college services, policies & procedures, please visit our catalog: catalog.mwcc.edu

Technical Standards

In response to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Dental Hygiene Program at Mount Wachusett Community College has identified physical competencies as essential for a veterinary technology student to function safely and effectively in a variety of clinical settings. While a physical disability should not preclude a student from consideration for admission to the program, the disability must not prevent the student, while enrolled in the program and upon graduation, from performing essential functions as a veterinary technologist. Students must possess the following:

Students entering this program must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

Comprehend textbook material at a college level.
Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
Stand for a minimum of two hours.
Walk for a minimum of six hours, not necessarily consecutively.
Stoop, bend, and twist for a minimum of 30 minutes at a time and be able to repeat this activity at frequent intervals.
Differentiate colors as assessed by standard color blindness evaluation.
Differentiate by touch hotness/coldness, wetness/dryness, and hardness/softness.
Use the small muscle dexterity necessary to do such tasks as gloving, gowning, and operating controls on laboratory instrumentation.
Respond to spoken words, monitor signals, and instrument alarms.
Identify behaviors that would endanger a person or animal’s life or safety and intervene quickly in a crisis situation with an appropriate solution.
Remain calm, rational, decisive, and in control at all times, especially during emergency situations.
Lift a 50-pound animal or assist with a larger animal and transfer the animal from one location to another.
Exhibit social skills appropriate to professional interactions.
Maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with close personal contact.
Function without causing harm to self or animals or others if under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Independently respond to spoken words, monitor signals and instrument alarms
Independently rely on the sensory skills of sight, touch and hearing in order to maintain environmental safety and awareness.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation from this program, students shall have demonstrated the ability to successfully carry out and complete each individual task as described within the Essential Skills List developed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

This list includes, but is not limited to the following skills:

Successfully carry out and complete each individual task as described within the Essential Skills List developed and owned by the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) List.
Effectively and accurately auscultate the heart and lungs of multiple species seen in large and small animal veterinary medicine.
Accurately compute mathematical calculations as necessary during the treatment and care of patients.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the roles of the veterinary technician in the practice of their choice.
Recognize the common vaccines used in domestic animals, describe the vaccine reactions seen in domesticated species, and analyze the types of drugs and their mechanisms of action.
Accurately handle controlled substances in accordance with the local, state, and federal laws.
Demonstrate understanding of patient care before, during and after a surgical procedure.
Effectively and accurately communicate with veterinary professionals and clients.
Within the veterinary setting, evaluate the concept of medical records and record keeping, explain inventory and bookkeeping, and assess veterinary sanitation protocols.
Correctly operate laboratory analyzers and practice safe and ethical laboratory procedures.
Describe and demonstrate the procedures used to diagnose parasitic infections in domestic animals.

Readmission

Mount Wachusett Community College reserves the right to limit the number of readmissions each academic year.
Readmission to the Veterinary Technology program is not guaranteed and is on a space available basis.
Students are limited to two admissions to the Veterinary Technology program.
Emergency medical conditions will be considered on an individual basis and will require documentation from a physician.
Admission to the Veterinary Technology program is selective, and the admissions committee reserves the right to deny readmission to any applicant.
The respective program reserves the right to refuse readmission based on, but not limited to, unprofessional behavior, unethical conduct, and client safety issues.
To be considered for readmission, applicants must schedule a meeting with Admissions to review eligibility for readmission.
If approved to reapply, students must submit a Veterinary Technology application and all supporting documents by the application deadline.

Accreditation

MWCC’s Veterinary Technology program was granted initial accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Education and Activities (CVTEA) effective September 13, 2019. Students who graduate from this program are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Upon obtaining a successful passing score on the VTNE, an individual will be eligible to apply for credentialing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria are reviewed for admission?

• Minimum academic requirements (see page 4)

• Official High School Diploma or HiSET (GED) completion and/or overall GPA

• Education background (prior college courses, degrees, GPA)

• Official CLEP Test Scores & AP Scores

• Previous work/volunteer experience in the veterinary field

• Information Session attendance

What happens if I don’t turn in all of my credentials by the deadline?

The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application file is complete and that all items are received by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be

reviewed.

When will I hear about my admission decision?

Admission is competitive, space is limited and not all applicants are accepted. Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be notified of the admission decision by mail approximately 60 days after the deadline.

If I am not accepted this year, will I automatically be accepted next year?

No, you are not guaranteed acceptance. All applicants must reapply and should attend an information session after the application is released for the next admission cycle.

I was accepted but cannot take my seat in the program, can I defer my acceptance to next year?

No, MWCC does not defer selective applications nor hold waitlists for any selective programs.

If I am not accepted into the Veterinary Technology program, will I automatically be enrolled into a general studies program at MWCC?

No. If you would like to apply to another program at MWCC, you must complete the general application.

How do I get started in the Veterinary Technology program?

Students are encouraged to enter the college as an Interdisciplinary Studies - Allied Health (IDSH) student. With this major, you will be identified as a potential Veterinary Technology applicant and will be assigned an advisor that will assist you in establishing an educational plan. As an IDSH student, you may complete any of your non-veterinary technology courses (i.e., English, mathematics, sciences, etc.) then apply to the program when you have met the requirements for consideration. Current high school students are welcome to complete dual enrollment courses to meet admissions requirements.

How do I submit my High School Transcript/HiSET/GED?

Official copies of your high school transcript or HiSET/GED scores must be sent directly to the college from your high school or testing center. Records can be sent electronically to admissions@mwcc.mass.edu, via fax to 978-630-9554 or by mail to MWCC Admissions Office, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440.

How do I make an appointment to complete my placement testing?

If you have not yet completed college level English and Math, your next step is to take the placement exam. Students may take the placement exam on our Gardner or Leominster campuses and options at each of those campuses vary. For more information, please check mwcc.edu/testing or contact Testing Services at 978-630-9244. An MWCC Student ID number is required for testing. If you have completed placement testing in the past three years, these scores can be used if they meet the program requirements. Students using placement testing for application requirements will still be required to take all courses for degree completion.

Can I speak with an advisor about the Veterinary Technology program?

Yes, all students are first required to attend an information session and you can schedule your session by visiting mwcc.edu/info. Transcript reviews are not conducted at these sessions, however many questions about the program are answered. After attending an information session, if you have additional questions, please schedule a one on one appointment by visiting: mwcc.edu/admissions/ or contacting the Admissions Office - Phone: 978-630-9447 Email: admissions@mwcc.mass.edu

Transferring Credits to MWCC

All transfer courses must have been taken at an accredited college and must be approved for transfer credit through the Registrar's Office prior to enrollment into the semester in which they are required. Transfer credit is not guaranteed.

Where are the Veterinary Technology classes held?

Veterinary Technology classes will be held on the Gardner campus and clinicals will be held in the surrounding area.

Where do I attend a clinical setting or placement, and how do I get there?

Students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical sites. Clinical sites are determined annually.

Can the Technical Standards impact my ability to complete the program?

All applicants should review the Technical Standards for their program of choice. It is the responsibility of the applicant to discuss any accommodation that they may need by contacting Disability Services at 978-630-9330.

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