Care for Animals. Support Their People.
Turn your passion for animals into a purpose-driven career.
Save lives alongside dedicated veterinary teams with Owens’ Pre-Veterinary Technician Certificate. A foundational program, this certificate will turn you into a skilled healthcare professional who can calm frightened animals, support a worried pet owner and assist in life-saving procedures. Every injection you administer, every diagnostic test you perform and every anxious owner you reassure add up to a career that matters. You’ll get to work with animals while protecting the bond between pets and the families who love them.
This certificate positions you perfectly for the next step: transferring into Colby Community College’s Distance Learning Veterinary Technician/Nursing, AAS program to become a licensed veterinary technician—a career where your love for animals becomes your life’s work.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Certificate
Department
Department of Life and Natural Sciences
Required Credit Hours
20-22
Real Results
30
Hours of observation or work experience in a veterinary hospital
10.4%
Projected growth in employment of veterinary technicians (Ohio Bureau of Labor Market)
>$34K
Average annual salary for veterinary technicians (Indeed)
From Theory to Wagging Tails & Gentle Purrs
Through this two-semester program, you’ll be able to excel in dynamic veterinary environments. Your coursework combines comprehensive biology and chemistry training with critical skills in communication and analytical thinking. You’ll delve into the science of health and behavior and medical terminology while developing the confidence to interact professionally with clients, colleagues and the animals under your care.
Each course is designed to advance your career goals—whether you plan to continue into a veterinary technology program or pursue specialized studies in animal health. Build the knowledge, expertise and professional confidence needed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and their devoted owners.
Planning to continue into Colby Community College’s Distance Learning Veterinary Nursing, AAS program? You’ll gain real-world experience through 30 hours of observation or hands-on work in a veterinary hospital—a prerequisite for entry into the program that builds the skills and confidence to set you apart in your career.
Career Outcomes
This program will prepare you for roles as a veterinary assistant or laboratory animal caretaker. You’ll also be well-positioned to continue your education and pursue certification as a veterinary technician—a career with strong growth potential.
You can pair this certificate with Owens’ Associate of Science in General Science or combine it with Colby’s Veterinary Nursing, AAS program, giving you flexible pathways to advance your education and career.
Upon graduation and completion of additional veterinary technician education, you must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination and register with the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board to practice as a veterinary technician.
A career as a veterinary assistant or technician offers lifelong learning, professional growth, and the satisfaction of helping animals thrive—whether in a clinic, hospital or specialized veterinary setting.
Explore the employment data to understand trends in our area.
In Their Words
“I am thankful to Owens for providing me with a strong foundation that will help set me apart from my peers as I continue on my academic journey.”
Caitlin Jones, Life and Natural Sciences grad
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.
Special Admission Requirements
All prerequisite and program-specific courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher to satisfy prerequisite, co-requisite and graduation requirements. The following prerequisites are not offered at Owens Community College but may be completed online through Colby Community College: AG149 Principles of Animal Science (3 credit hours) and VN115 Introduction to Veterinary Nursing (1 credit hour).
In addition, you must complete 30 hours of observation or work experience in a veterinary hospital to meet the selective admission requirements for the Distance Learning Veterinary Nursing Program at Colby Community College.