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Dr. George McCommon, Department Chair
102 O’Neal Building
Telephone: 478-825-6424

The Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health provides specialized educational opportunities for the underserved segment of the population within the state, nation and international community. Veterinary Science prepares students for careers as veterinary technicians for job opportunities with practicing veterinarians and animal scientists working with animals in research labs, food and feed companies, pharmaceutical firms, microbiological labs, zoos, colleges and universities and various city, state and federal animal welfare and regulatory agencies. The department also provides opportunities for students to prepare for advanced education and to seek admission to colleges of veterinary medicine or pursue graduate programs in a variety of biomedical disciplines.

Veterinary Science deals with the art and science of veterinary technology, management, disease control and providing for optimal comfort and nursing care of animals. Opportunities are provided for students to earn the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Veterinary and for the completion of a Pre- Veterinary Medicine program. Departmental exit examination is required and students must complete it at least one semester prior to enrolling in Clinical Rotation Courses. Courses offered by the Department are designated as VETY.

B. S. Degree in Veterinary Technology

Students who plan to compete for supervisory positions in animal and veterinary establishments, seek admission to colleges of veterinary medicine or pursue graduate programs in a variety of biomedical disciplines will follow this degree program. This program gives students a general education and a broad background in basic sciences and veterinary medical disciplines. A wide range of electives allows students to obtain strong pre-professional preparation and thus enhance their chances for acceptance to veterinary school and other career oriented professional and biomedical programs. This program also provides the option to students enrolled in the A.A.S. degree program to continue their education if they so desire. In addition to being employed as a veterinary technician, opportunities may also be available in the Cooperative Education Program with the Department of Veterinary Services of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-APHIS-VS) and in other state and federal agencies. One-hundred twenty-three credit hours (including two hours of physical education) are required to complete this program. The B.S. degree program is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Assessment of the Veterinary Science Major

In addition to other specified requirements for graduation, students must participate in all assessment activities for the major program which include, but may not be limited to: (1) course embedded assessments, (2) external or standardized tests, (3) the Sophomore/Junior Diagnostic Project and (4) the Senior Integrated Assessment.

Clinical Rotations

B.S. degree students are only required to complete a clinical rotation at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens, Georgia. Students must pass a departmental exit examination before enrolling in a clinical rotation. All courses must be completed before registering for the clinical rotation.

General Information: Statement of Policy

1. Rabies Vaccination 

      All students entering the Veterinary Technology programs at FVSU must complete a series of three prophylactic rabies immunizations by the end of the first semester of enrollment in order to continue in the program.  All 

      medical costs associated with the prophylactic immunization are the responsibility of the student.

2.  Pregnancy 

      Any student who is pregnant at the time Radiology VETY 2873 is scheduled, as matter of extreme health importance, should not enroll in the course for that semester. Any student, who learns that they are pregnant  

      prior to the Mid-Term date for the in-progress course, should drop the course immediately, and take the course at a later date.  

      Students, who learn that they are pregnant after Mid-Term, are obligated to immediately notify the instructor of their pregnancy, will be restricted from the radiology suite laboratory exercises during the remainder of the  

      term.

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