Why Study Animal Science - Veterinary Technology?

Major | Animal Science/​Science/​Agriculture | CAFES

A five-year program designed for students interested in working in the veterinary healthcare field but not becoming veterinarians, the animal science – veterinary technology major provides the necessary skills for becoming a vet tech. By spending three years at UW-River Falls for animal science and two years in the veterinary technology program at the Madison Area Technical College (or another accredited veterinary technician program), you’ll earn both a bachelor of science and associate of applied science degrees.

67%

Of Students Received Financial Aid in 2022-2023

20+

Countries Represented in the Student Body

99%

Of Grads are Employed or Attending Grad School

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My favorite course was Animal Science 100. I really enjoyed it because I got to experience working with a different animal every week in our lab. This gave me experience handling animals, which can help you decide if the program is a good fit. We got to do a lot of cool things, such as lamb ultrasounds, during our freshman year, something most students wouldn’t get until junior or senior year.
Olivia Remm

Animal Science - Veterinary Technology

cafes@uwrf.edu // 715-425-3535

Your Degree:

Undergraduate

Area of Study:

Animal Science/​Science/​Agriculture

Two Veterinary Technology students conduct an experiment in class

Skills and Learning Outcomes

  • Apply science-based knowledge to a broad spectrum of animal species, including dogs, cats and farm animals.
  • Understand the biology, care, management and health of animals.
  • Proficiently handle and work with a variety of animals.
  • Effectively communicate about animal health and disease issues to animal owners and a variety of wider audiences.
  • Understand and apply knowledge of animal welfare and the role of animals in society.

Types of Courses

  • Ag Microbiology
  • Animal Physiology
  • Animal Science Careers
  • Biometrics
  • Cell & Molecular Biology
  • Domestic Animal Nutrition
  • Genetics
  • Physiology of Reproduction
  • Zoology
A mother horse tends to their baby at the campus farm
Veterinary Technology student feeds milk to a baby goat

Potential Careers

With a degree in animal science – vet tech, you’ll be prepared for a wide variety of future roles, including:

  • Animal Control or Welfare Officer
  • Certified Veterinary Technician
  • Humane Society Employee
  • Laboratory Animal Technician
  • Nutrition or Pharmaceutical Research, Sales or Marketing
  • Veterinary Hospital Manager

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