Veterinary Technician Prerequisites

The Veterinary Technician program at Iowa Lakes Community College is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field of veterinary medicine. Given the high demand for this program, certain prerequisites must be met to ensure that students are well-prepared for the comprehensive curriculum. By fulfilling these prerequisites, students position themselves to take full advantage of the program’s hands-on training and diverse learning opportunities, ultimately setting themselves up for a successful career in veterinary technology and successful completion of the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).

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prerequisite requirements

Veterinary Technician Prerequisites

Complete an Iowa Lakes application.
Graduate from an accredited high school with grades of or better:
- Cumulative GPA of 2.80 or higher or
- HiSET of 45 or higher or GED of 550 higher
Submit official transcripts (high school and/or college).
- If High School Cumulative GPA is at or above a 3.20, then no additional testing requirements are needed.
- If High School Cumulative GPA is between 2.80 and 3.20, then the following placement tests are required:
  - ACCUPLACER Next Generation Writing Skills Score of 250 or higher
  - ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading Score of 245 or higher
  - ACCUPLACER Next Generation Algebra (QAS) Score of 250 or higher.

- - ACT English Score of 17 or higher
  - ACT Reading Score of 16 or higher
  - ACT Math Score of 19 or higher
Complete prerequisite coursework with a grade of “C” or better, including:
- - Introductory College Biology or higher (or one year of high school biology)
  - Introduction to College General Chemistry or higher (or one year of high school chemistry)
College Grades (if applicant has taken college courses from an accredited college)
- Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher
Program Visit
Complete a Veterinary Job shadow and complete the required observation forms.
Attend a program orientation if selected for admission (24 students per year).

Immunization Requirements

In accordance with American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee On Veterinary Technician Education And Activities (CVTEA)® Accreditation Standard 4e, Immunization for Rabies will now be REQUIRED to attend the Iowa Lakes Community College Veterinary Technician Program. We will follow the CDC guidelines for pre-exposure vaccination. The full two-dose pre-exposure series must be attained before starting the program your freshman year.