Vet Tech Schools in Chicago, IL

About the School

Vet Tech Institute at Fox College in Tinley Park is one of the four Vet Tech Institute campuses in the country.

They take pride in their dedicated faculty and staff who have diverse backgrounds and years and years of experience in veterinary medicine.

They want to promote “learning by doing” so they provide many opportunities for hands-on opportunities.

Their classrooms, clinical laboratories, surgical suites, radiography suites, and kennels create an environment that prepares students for the responsibilities of veterinary technicians.

Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), they are committed to delivering the highest standard for veterinary medical education.

Their 3 other campuses are located in Houston, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis.

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Technology Program is an 18-month program that teaches the core skills needed to enter the veterinary care field.

Its curriculum focuses on building knowledge and skills to start a career as a veterinary technician through instruction and training methods that comply with the standards of the AVMA-CVTEA.

Examples of courses featured are:

• Veterinary Clinical Pathology
• Animal Behavior
• Animal Husbandry
• Pharmacology
• Veterinary Nursing
• Veterinary Medical Terminology
• Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology
• Veterinary Nutrition
• Surgical Nursing
• Anesthesia
• Radiology

Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam and can work for veterinary hospitals, clinics, research facilities, and more.

About the School

Joliet Junior College is recognized as the first community college in the U.S.

Founded in 1901, they are located in the south Chicago suburbs and made up of six campuses and education centers.

Every year, they serve approximately 27,000 students, providing them with affordable, quality education and student learning.

They offer 180+ degree and certificate programs in the following academic pathways:

• Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Technology
• Architecture, Manufacturing, and Automotive
• Business, Finance, and Information Technology
• Culinary, Hospitality, and Tourism
• Health, Public Safety, and Human Services
• Liberal and Fine Arts
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
• Workforce and Training

They are committed to providing many options that will help their students achieve their educational goals and succeed in life.

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Technology Program is for individuals who want to work in the veterinary healthcare field as a vet tech.

There are two program options available: Certified Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Technician Assistant.

Certified Veterinary Technician (Veterinary Medical Technology, A.A.S.)

• This is for students who want to become certified veterinary technicians.
• It offers full-time and part-time options and day and evening sessions.
• It has to be completed within four years of the date of entry into the program.
• Major Core Courses covered include Small and Large Animal Nursing, Diagnostic Imaging, Applied Pharmacology, Anesthesia and Surgical Assisting, Animal Anatomy, Zoological Medicine, and Physiology and Disease.

Veterinary Technician Assistant (Veterinary Technician Assistant, Certificate of Completion)

• To enroll, students need to have completed at least 8 grade levels of schooling, be at least 16 years old, be in good health — physically, mentally, and emotionally, and speak and understand English.
• It requires 250 hours, including a 100-hour clinical externship.
• Major Core Courses covered are Veterinary Medical Terminology, Animal Care and Management, Veterinary Nursing and Surgical Assisting, and Practicum.

Both programs open numerous career opportunities, including:

• Veterinary hospitals and private practices
• Humane societies and animal control facilities
• Wildlife rehabilitation and zoological institutions
• Medical research and biomedical facilities
• Veterinary supply and pet food manufacturers

About the School

Parkland College is a public community college in the Illinois Community College System.

Located in Champaign, they were established in 1966 and serve Community College District 505.

Every year, they enroll approximately 9,000 students in their 130+ degree and certificate programs in the following areas of study:

• Business and Computer Science
• Health and Human Services
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
• Technology and Agriculture
• Visual and Performing Arts

They are committed to engaging the community in learning and serving students by providing high-quality and responsive educational programs and supportive services.

They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Technology Program trains students to become Certified Veterinary Technicians.

It teaches how to perform all aspects of veterinary medicine except diagnosing, prescribing, and surgery, and how to become an integral part of the veterinary health delivery team.

Through a training agreement with the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, it provides opportunities to rotate through the various service areas at the university’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital to expose students to the state-of-the-art methods and techniques in use.

Fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, the curriculum features the following course sequence:

1st Semester Fall

• Small Animal Nursing I
• Introduction to Veterinary Technology
• Clinical Pathology I
• Large Animal Nursing
• Pharmacology I

2nd Semester Spring

• Small Animal Nursing II
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Clinical Pathology II
• Surgical Technology I
• Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology

Summer

• Veterinary Clinical Practicum

3rd Semester Fall

• Clinical Rotations I
• Surgical Technology II
• Laboratory Animals

4th Semester Spring

• Clinical Rotations II
• Animal Management
• Pharmacology II
• Transitioning to Practice

It also includes some General Education Courses, such as Composition, Basic Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology.

The full program requires 62 total semester credit hours.

About the School

Rockford Career College is a higher education institution that provides instruction and training to help people advance in their chosen fields.

Founded 150 years ago, they continue to foster a friendly, small-class environment where students from Rockford and the surroundings can gather and learn.

They have 20+ program offerings and are in the following career fields: Animal Sciences, Business and Legal, Healthcare, Nursing, Cannabis, and Skilled Trades.

Through one-on-one sessions with highly qualified and dedicated instructors, they deliver many hands-on opportunities and real-world experiences that help prepare students for the workforce.

They are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Technician Associate’s Degree Program teaches students the skills and procedures involved in ensuring the health and well-being of veterinary patients.

It primarily prepares for employment in a small animal clinic setting and introduces large animal and research information.

It covers the many typical duties of a vet tech, under the supervision of a veterinarian, such as:

• Performing patient exams and collecting data on vital signs
• Calculating, preparing, and administering medications
• Preparing pharmaceuticals as prescribed by a veterinarian
• Preparing anesthetic delivery systems, inducing anesthesia, monitoring patients under anesthesia, managing complications, and recovering anesthesia
• Performing dental prophylactic procedures on cats and dogs
• Collecting and processing samples for blood chemistries, differentials, EKGs, and other diagnostic tests
• Recognizing and assessing behavioral signs of animals
• Educating clients on pet health, nutrition, treatment, prevention, and euthanasia
• Performing nursing care for small, large, and exotic species

The main subjects covered include:

Anesthesia

• Principles and techniques of administering anesthesia to animals
• Ways to ensure safety and comfort during surgical procedures

Emergency Medicine/Critical Care

• Expertise in handling emergencies
• Providing critical care to animals in need of immediate medical attention

Pharmacy and Pharmacology

• Fundamentals of Veterinary Pharmacy
• Appropriate usage for different animal species

Pain Management/Analgesia

• Techniques and protocols for effective pain management in animals

Dentistry

• Importance of dental health in animals
• Skills in dental procedures, such as extractions, cleaning, and oral exams

Laboratory Procedures

• Proficiency in performing lab tests and procedures
• Assisting in the diagnoses and monitoring of the health of animals

Diagnostic Imaging

• Diagnostic imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and X-rays

Veterinary Medical Nursing

• Nursing skills and techniques for providing comprehensive care to animals under the supervision of a veterinarian

With classes offered on-campus and online, the full program requires 114.5 credits and takes 24 months to complete.

Career options for graduates include veterinary hospitals, animal hospitals and shelters, and on-site veterinary services.