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Admission Requirements

The Central Oregon Community College Veterinary Technician program is a closed admission program. The program accepts students annually.

  • The next opportunity to apply will be for Fall of 2025 enrollment.
  • Please refer to the Admissions Handbook for detailed admission guidelines.

COCC Vet tech student kissing an alpaca

 

Minimum Application Eligibility Requirements

Applicants are eligible to apply to the Veterinary Technician program if they meet all of the following requirements:

  • Current COCC Student
  • Apply to COCC as a degree-seeking credit student. On the application, applicants should choose Associate of General Studies for the major. The major will be updated if the applicant is admitted to the program. See COCC Getting Started.
  • Completion of the required prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better (the most competitive candidates will have earned a B or higher).
  • Meet the Expectations of Abilities requirements.
  • Students may apply to the program if they are currently enrolled in prerequisite courses Spring term in the year they are applying, but priority for admission will be given to applicants with completed prerequisites prior to application for admission.

    Prerequisite Courses
Subject Class Number Credits
Interpersonal Communication COMM 218Z 3
Biological Science BI 101 or BI 221 4 or 5
Academic Composition WR 121Z 4
Chemistry CH 104 or CH 221 5
Math Skill level: Minimum placement Math Level 18 or complete Intermediate Algebra  MTH 95 or MTH 111Z or higher 4
  • Official high school transcripts confirming graduation or GED equivalency.
  • Completion of 40 hours of observation in a veterinary clinic and discussion questions.
  • Completion of the Veterinary Technician Admission Application.
  • Applicants completing prerequisite courses Spring term must submit a mid-term grade report with their application.
  • The most competitive candidates will have completed all prerequisite courses Winter term and taken additional science courses earning a B or higher.
  • Recommended science courses: BI 231, BI 232, BI 233, BI 234, and AH 111.
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to begin the program.

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.