This curriculum introduces students to the many facets of the animal industry. Students then orient themselves toward a career in livestock, horse and companion animal management; animal science and industry; veterinary health technology; or veterinary medicine by selecting one of the four options available.
The veterinary science option (1128) is designed for students who wish to receive a bachelor of science degree in agriculture and meet the requirements for entrance into many professional schools, and specifically, The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. The production, business and management option (1130) is designed for students most interested in a terminal bachelor of science degree, or for post graduate training in extension, animal management or business. The animal science option (1132) better prepares students for highly technical careers in genetics, nutrition, health, reproduction, and food processing; or post-baccalaureate training in these areas in graduate schools. The veterinary health technology option (1129) is designed to prepare students for a career in veterinary health technology.
The objectives of the veterinary health technology option are to train students to perform essential tasks in veterinary facilities, such as clinics and hospitals (e.g., administer anesthesia, take and develop radiographs, assist with surgical procedures, provide client education, perform lab tests, and dispense medication); Allow student to obtain industry-recognized credentials that will allow them to obtain employment in veterinary facilities throughout the United States; Meet the current and anticipated workforce needs in Tennessee and surrounding areas. There are currently no training opportunities available in West Tennessee for students wishing to become credentialed veterinary technologists. The degree granted upon completion is a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a concentration in animal science and an option in veterinary health technology. The program is designed for the students to be able to complete in nine semesters.
The veterinary health technology option is accredited by the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). Students graduating from an accredited program in veterinary technology must take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam and meet all national and state requirements to become a credentialed veterinary technologist.
A student must be admitted into the Veterinary Health Technology option in order to graduate from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and an option in Veterinary Health Technology.
In order to apply for the program, the student must:
be enrolled as a student at The University of Tennessee at Martin
complete and return the Veterinary Health Technology application
have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.6 have a minimum of 40 hours of observation time with a veterinarian or a licensed veterinary technologist
have a minimum of 45 hours of completed college course work
a “C” or higher in all ANSC and VET courses or courses that transfer as ANSC or VET
have a physical exam by their medical doctor
be up to date on tetanus and rabies vaccinations
Students will be selected yearly based on competitive applications including GPA, experience, and interviews. Upon acceptance into the program students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.6 and a minimum of a “C” in all VET and ANSC courses. Failure to do so will cause the student to be placed on probation. The student will have one year of probation to correct any deficiencies. If deficiencies are not corrected within one year, the student will be removed from the program. Students can reapply when outlined requirements are met. Students must follow all standards of ethical and professional behavior as outlined in this handbook. Failure as determined by the administrators of the veterinary health technology program can lead to dismissal from the program. The most up to date information on program accreditation status and program admission can be found at http://www.utm.edu/departments/agnr/VetTech.php
The option requirements are generally started in the junior year to allow individual flexibility in selecting the degree track best suited for each individual student.
Students may also complete requirements for a minor in business administration, biology or chemistry by completing course requirements as outlined by each of these respective departments.
The animal science concentration is comprehensive and includes training in animal nutrition, physiology, breeding and reproduction, selection and evaluation, management, marketing, animal health, behavior and welfare, and biotechnology. Training is provided through classroom instruction, hands-on experience in lab and field production facilities through the UT Martin Agriculture and Natural Resources Field Teaching/Demonstration Complex, tours to commercial farms, ranches, businesses and marketing and processing facilities. Optional industry-oriented internships and cooperative education experiences allow students to strengthen their training and education in a specific area of animal science and develop contacts with potential employers. Equine and companion animal facilities, a veterinary teaching clinic and beef, swine and sheep units give students interested in animal and veterinary sciences the opportunity to acquire skills associated with modern production practices. The West Tennessee Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory provides additional experiential learning.
Excellent employment opportunities exist in career fields that include: private farming or ranching and commercial farm or ranch management and teaching; research and extension opportunities in both federal and state agencies; and government including the United States Department of Agriculture and University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service. Opportunities also exist in private industry in areas of production, technical services, management and marketing for commodity groups and feed, equipment manufacturing, pharmaceutical and food processing corporations; industry and private consulting; environmental and regulatory monitoring; and agricultural finance and communication. Many animal science graduates may continue their education with graduate and professional training in areas such as law, medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, business administration and advanced degrees leading to careers in teaching, research and extension. Veterinary Health Technologists may seek employment in veterinary practices, zoos and in laboratory animal care facilities associated with major research organizations in addition to some of the career fields mentioned above.