Turn your love for animals into a great career. At EICC, learn how to support all aspects of animal care from expert instructors in state-of-the-art veterinary facilities. Be skilled and ready to enter the job market in as little as two years. Iowa's Last-Dollar Scholarship may even cover your tuition.
What You Learn in the Veterinary Technician Program
In our classrooms and labs, learn the latest technologies in anesthesia, lab equipment, diagnostic testing, and medical treatment. Complete this program and you are eligible to sit for State Boards and the National Veterinary Technician exams.
What Can I do With a Veterinary Technician Degree?
Join the care team at a private or specialty practice. Work at a zoo or wildlife facility. Launch a career at a biomedical facility or in veterinary supply sales. Your skills are also valuable to feed manufacturing facilities, in food safety and inspection, and diagnostic labs.
A Solid Foundation
Canine & Feline Behavior
Retain control
Canine & Feline Behavior
Typical dog and cat behavior. Techniques to prevent and resolve problems.
Large Animal Care
This is big
Large Animal Care
Study diseases and common clinical procedures including restraint, testing, bandaging, and surgery.
Diagnostic Imaging
Bring it to light
Diagnostic Imaging
Learn techniques, positioning, standard procedures, and radiation safety.
Surgical Nursing
Your role
Surgical Nursing
Methods and mechanics of sterilization. Patient prep and care. ID instruments used.
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Ready to go?
Before applying for the program, take and pass General Biology and Intro to Chemistry with at least a C.
See the job up close. We need you to complete a short job shadow at a local clinic before you are accepted into the program.
There's a few extra supplies you will need:
- Scrub jacket or lab coat
- Scrub top
- Starter stethoscope
Complete the two-shot rabies vaccination. Make an appointment with a medical provider to get the required vaccination and explore insurance options to cover the cost.
Complete the EICC Online Application and download and complete the Veterinary Technician application packet, then meet with our program Veterinarian Dr. Dan.
Iowa's Last-Dollar Scholarship
You may be eligible to earn a degree in this high-demand field for zero tuition costs! You file for financial aid, and if your Expected Family Contribution is at or below $20,000, the state covers the remaining balance beyond the aid for which you are eligible. More than two dozen career programs qualify, including this one. File your FAFSA by July 15.
Learn More
Teach and do
At EICC, our instructors teach from real experience. That’s why our Vet Tech students love Dr. Dan, i.e., Dr. Dan Drahos, DMV. He’s directed the program since 2010, while at the same time, operated his own practice, Riverside Animal Hospital, in Muscatine, Iowa. He also serves as president and executive director of the Animal Emergency Center of the Quad Cities – which he helped establish in 1999.
SCNAVTA
Join the Student Chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (SCNAVTA). Enjoy professional resources, networking, educational materials, and participate in some community activities, too. Leadership and teamwork are integral to your future career. Hone each of those skills through SCNAVTA.
Hands on with Dogs and Cats
We work closely with the Muscatine Humane Society and other local organizations so you can be hands-on, working and honing your skills on live animals.
Your Degree = Success
Complete your education in two years. Qualify for better jobs. Earn a higher salary. Enjoy a better quality of life. The benefits of an associate's degree are impressive and wide-ranging.
Explore the value of an associate’s degreeEmployment and Wage Outlook
We'll Help Make It Easy
Whether you are working toward a short-term certificate or a two-year associate’s degree, know we are here to help. EICC is present and available to you throughout your education.
Contact Admissions
Contact the admissions representative from the college you plan to attend. If you’re not sure, you may contact any rep. Each can answer questions about any college or program.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Request Info
Veterinary Technician: Locations
Ag Learning Center
3200 Lucas Street
Muscatine, IA 52761
Map and Directions
The Veterinary Technician Oath
I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health.
I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession’s Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.
Mission Statement
To provide education, training, and learning opportunities from a dedicated and professional faculty team so that students may gain the knowledge and skills to become certified veterinary technicians and become valuable members of the veterinary profession.
Three-Year Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) Pass Rate:
2020 - 2023 Pass Rate is 60%
July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2023
- Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE: 35
- Three-year VTNE pass percentage: 60%