Vet Tech Schools in Tampa, FL

About the School

Hillsborough Community College is a public community college in Tampa, Florida.

They trace their roots back to 1968 when they were established as part of Florida’s community college system.

With a commitment to accessible education and community enrichment, they have grown into a renowned institution serving over 45,000 students across their several campuses.

They offer a diverse range of courses in a variety of disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, health sciences, and technology.

Their programs cater to both traditional and non-traditional students, with options for career advancement, associate degrees, workforce training, and university transfer opportunities.

Their mission is to foster learning, inspire success, and create a supportive environment for students to achieve their goals.

They emphasize inclusivity, innovation, and engagement, aiming to empower students through quality education and personalized support services.

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), their campuses are located in Brandon, Dale Mabry, Plant City, Ybor City, and South Shore.

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Technology AS Degree Program is a hands-on training program with full accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

It takes five consecutive terms or two years to complete and is offered via an articulation agreement with St. Petersburg College.

The curriculum features the following Required Courses:

Year I First Semester (9 credits)

• Animal Anatomy Lab
• Veterinary Office Procedures Lab
• Veterinary Clinical Practice Lab
• Small Animal Breeds and Behavior
• Animal Clinical Pathology I
• Animal Clinical Pathology I Lab

Year I Second Semester (12 credits)

• Veterinary Work Experience I
• Large Animal Nursing and Clinical Skills
• Veterinary Clinical Practice Lab II
• Large Animal Diseases
• Animal Clinical Pathology II
• Animal Clinical Pathology II Lab

Year I Third Semester (10 credits)

• Applied Mathematics for Veterinary Technicians
• Veterinary Work Experience II
• Medicine of Laboratory Animals
• Animal Medicine I
• Humanities and General Education CORE

Year II First Semester (12 credits)

• Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians
• Animal Medicine II
• Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine
• Small Animal Nursing I
• Small Animal Nursing Lab
• Veterinary Work Experience III

Year II Second Semester (12 credits)

• Modern American History or American Government
• Contemporary Clinical Issues
• Small Animal Nursing II
• Animal Emergency Medicine
• Veterinary Work Experience IV

Career opportunities for graduates include vet tech positions in private vet practices, specialty veterinary medicine, humane societies, biomedical research, agriculture, and zoo/wildlife medicine.

About the School

St. Petersburg College, located in Pinellas County, is a public college in the Florida College System.

Founded in 1927, they hold a rich legacy as Florida’s first two-year institution of higher education.

Originally known as St. Petersburg Junior College, it caters to the educational needs of over 65,000 students annually.

They offer a broad spectrum of courses in the following areas of interest: arts and humanities, STEM fields, health sciences, business, education, and technology.

With a focus on innovation and relevance, they provide programs tailored to career development, workforce training, associate degrees, and seamless university transfer pathways.

At the core, their mission focuses on student success, community engagement, and academic excellence.

They aim to empower learners through accessible, high-quality education, fostering critical thinking, and preparing individuals for meaningful contributions to society.

They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Technology Program helps those who want to put their love of animals to work.

It offers a world-class veterinary technology center that features 32,000 square feet of space housing state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, surgery and x-ray suites, kennels, and offices.

Offered face-to-face or online, the Recommended Academic Pathway has three Pathway Sequence options:

• Clinical
• Hospital Management
• Combined Clinical and Hospital Management

Examples of courses featured are:

• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Small Animal Nutrition
• Advanced Veterinary Behavior
• Veterinary Hospital Management
• Companion Animal Diseases
• Leadership in Veterinary Technology
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Veterinary Technology
• Veterinary Technology Capstone Practicum

Graduates of the program may take the Veterinary Technician National Exam to obtain their credentials.

They may seek employment as vet techs in animal hospitals, private practices, wildlife facilities, research labs, academic institutions, animal shelters, and others.