July 25, 2024

VINCENNES, Ind. - Vincennes University offers eligible Hoosiers the opportunity to earn a tuition-free certificate in Pre-Veterinary Technology through the state of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs program.

The certificate provides valuable career advancement opportunities in an in-demand field without financial barriers. The one-year Pre-Vet Technology certificate also meets Purdue University’s requirements for applying to its Veterinary Nursing bachelor’s degree program.

A Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant covers full tuition costs and regularly assessed fees for eligible Hoosiers pursuing a certificate in one of Indiana's high-growth sectors, including Health & Life Sciences, which includes Pre-Veterinary Technology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in this field to grow 21 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, driven by rising numbers of households with pets and increased spending on pet care.

2014 VU graduate Brenna Edmiston (pictured above on the left) firmly attests that VU’s Pre-Vet Technology program provided her with a robust foundation that propelled her into becoming a registered veterinary technician.

Edmiston said, “The VU Science Department helped me the most in my knowledge and skills when it came to transferring to my Veterinary Technology program at Harrison College. My VU chemistry and biology teachers made learning fun and that was not something that I experienced in high school. I also took an animal agriculture class while at VU, and that helped me a lot going into tech school by learning some medical terminology.”

Veterinary technologists and vet nurses play essential roles on a veterinary healthcare team. Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. They receive education in animal care, normal and abnormal life processes, and lab and clinical procedures. They contribute significantly in various settings such as private practices, biomedical research, diagnostic laboratories, zoos, wildlife facilities, food safety inspection, veterinary supply sales, and drug and feed manufacturing.

College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Dean Curt Coffman said, "Vet techs play a crucial role in animal healthcare. With the state of Indiana paying for the full tuition towards VU’s Certificate of Graduation for Pre-Veterinary Technician, students will have a much lower cost toward their goal of a Vet Tech degree."

Coffman added, “This one-year certificate meets Purdue University’s requirements to apply to their Veterinary Nursing bachelor’s degree program. It makes a lot of sense to complete the first year at VU and have that first year’s tuition completely covered.”

By providing a solid educational foundation, VU ensures that graduates are well-prepared to transfer to other higher education institutions and succeed in this high-demand field. Approximately 14,800 openings for veterinary technologists and technicians are projected by 2032. The annual mean wage in Indiana is $41,280, reflecting their growing demand and vital contributions.

The VU Pre-Veterinary Technology certificate provides the first-year courses necessary to apply to a Veterinary Technology clinical program. However, the application process is competitive, and completing these prerequisites does not guarantee acceptance.

To qualify for a Workforce Ready Grant, an individual must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Must be an Indiana Resident and a U.S. Citizen (or eligible resident)
• Must possess a high school diploma (or equivalent)
• Must not possess a college degree
• Maintain SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
• Must file a Free Application for FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) for your desired academic year [Only for Credit Bearing Programs]
• Must enroll in one of the approved grant-qualifying programs

Are you interested in furthering your education? Apply to VU today at www.vinu.edu/apply

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