Admission Requirements
The Veterinary Technician program at Central Oregon Community College is a closed admission program. We accept applications annually in the spring for a fall start. For detailed admission guidelines, please refer to the Admissions Handbook. The application deadline for Fall 2025 has been extended to June 6, 2025 for qualified applicants. For more information, please contact Beth Palmer at bpalmer@cocc.edu.
Questions? Attend an information session or talk with the program director.
How to Apply to the Veterinary Technician Program
Step 1: Apply to COCC
If you are not a current COCC student, you must first apply to the college as a degree-seeking credit student. On the application, select Associate of General Studies as your major. Your major will be updated if you are admitted to the Veterinary Technician program. For more details, visit COCC's Apply Now web page.
Step 2: Complete the Required Prerequisites
To be eligible to apply, you must have either completed or be enrolled in all prerequisite courses during spring term of the year you are applying.
If you have completed any of these courses at another college, your transcripts must be evaluated by COCC before submitting your application.
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- Prerequisite Courses
- Interpersonal Communication (COMM 218Z)
- Academic Composition (WR 121Z)
- Biological Science (BI 101 or BI 221)
- Chemistry (CH 104 or CH 221)
- Math Requirement:
- Minimum placement into Math Level 18, or
- Completion of Intermediate Algebra (MTH 95, or 111Z, or higher)
- Prerequisite Courses
Step 3: Complete Observation Hours & Discussion Questions
Applicants must complete a minimum of 40 observation hours in a veterinary clinic and submit both the observation form and responses to the discussion questions with their application.
Step 4: Submit High School Transcripts or GED Scores
Official High School Transcripts or GED Equivalency Transcripts must be ordered and emailed to Beth Palmer at bpalmer@cocc.edu.
Step 5: Submit the Veterinary Technician Program Application
Apply to the Veterinary Technician Program by completing and submitting the application by June 6, 2025.
- If you are enrolled in prerequisite courses during spring term, you must upload midterm grade reports to your application.
- During the online application process, you will have the opportunity to document any additional animal experience and coursework in science.
Step 6: Interview
Qualified applicants will receive an email invitation to attend an interview within one to two weeks after the application deadline.
Step 7: Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccination
Accepted students must either receive a pre-exposure rabies vaccination or provide proof of adequate protection through a rabies titer check before the start of Fall term. This is a mandatory requirement for program enrollment.
Application Evaluation
Applicants are evaluated using a point system. Points may be earned in the following areas:
- Academics (50%)
- Prerequisite Course Grades
- College Education (additional college classes in sciences)
- Prior College Degree or Certificate
- Overall College GPA
- High School GPA (only considered for those without college education points)
- Applicant Interview (34%)
- The interview allows the Admissions Committee to assess the student's knowledge of veterinary technology, academic and professional goals, preparedness, commitment, team skills, and values. It also provides the committee the opportunity to obtain specific information about the student's animal experience. All applicant interviews will be scored using a grading rubric.
- Optional Veterinary/Animal Experience (16%)
- Students who have experience in the veterinary medical field or with animal handling will be awarded points based on the type of animal experience. Students must provide verification of volunteer/work hours. NOTE: The 40 hours observation requirement does not count here.