Purdue News
Purdue NewsThe state Commission on Higher Education recently approved the new curriculum. It will be available in both a traditional four-year format for incoming freshman and as a two-year curriculum for alumni of Purdue's associate degree veterinary technology program or alumni of any of the other 61 accredited two-year programs nationwide. The new curriculum is the 11th bachelor's degree program in veterinary technology in the country to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Program director Roger Lukens said graduates will be able to perform a wide range of veterinary nursing, imaging, anesthesia and diagnostic laboratory procedures as well as supervise staff in veterinary hospitals, animal facilities and research centers. They also will be qualified for teaching positions in veterinary education institutions.
The existing associate degree program has a placement rate of 97 percent and very low attrition. One hundred and eighty positions were listed with the program office for its 28 graduates last year. Starting salaries in January 1996 averaged about $21,000.
"We expect the successful four-year graduate to average several thousand dollars more and have more upward mobility in the profession," Lukens said.
Admission to the program is selective and limited because of extensive hands-on clinical training and animal nursing in Purdue's Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Thirty new students will be accepted each academic year.
"Student selection will be based on academic attainment, experience and motivation for a career in veterinary technology, and communication and leadership skills," Lukens explained. "The admission process will include a personal interview."
The application deadline for both the two-year associate degree technician program and the new four-year technologist curriculum is Dec. 15. Applications for graduate veterinary technicians returning to earn a bachelor's degree must be received 60 days before the semester begins.
CONTACT: Lukens, (765) 494-7619; e-mail, rll@vet.purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
