Veterinary Nursing (AAS)

Nature of Work

A licensed veterinary nurse's duties are those of a veterinary nurse, nurse-anesthetist, operation room technician, dental hygienist, medical laboratory technician, and radiology technician. A graduate of this program may sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and Nevada Veterinary Technician exam.

Veterinary nurses provide professional support services to veterinarians. A licensed veterinary nurse's duties are those of a veterinary nurse, nurse-anesthetist, operating room technician, dental hygienist, medical laboratory technician, and radiology technician. The veterinary technician also performs administrative duties pertaining to the practice's management. Career fields for a licensed veterinary technician may include:

  • Private Animal Clinical Practice (small, mixed, or large animals)
  • Specialty Practice (ophthalmology, oncology, etc.)
  • Zoo Medicine
  • Food Production (herd health management)
  • Government (USDA)
  • Industry Sales
  • Wildlife Rehabilitation
  • Military
  • Research (lab animal health management)
  • Education (Instruction of professional veterinary students and technicians students)
  • Clinical Laboratory (Biological sample analysis)

Program Description

The College of Southern Nevada's Veterinary Nursing Program is 18 months (4 semesters) in length and leads to an Associate of Applied Science. The curriculum consists of 27 credits of general education courses, 47 credits of professional lecture and laboratory, and two courses of supervised clinical practice. A graduate of this AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) CVTEA accredited program may sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and have nationally recognized credentials. This will allow them to sit for the Nevada Veterinary Technician Exam and other state licensing examinations if so desired.

Students will work with a wide variety of animals including horses, cows, dogs, cats, and exotic animals. Included in the program will be clinical rotations within the new CSN Veterinary Clinic.

Accreditation

This post secondary education program is the first in Nevada to be fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and as such is recognized nationally.

Program Outcomes

ANNUAL VTNE PASS PERCENTAGE

(July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2023)

Number of eligible first-time test takers

44

Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE

35

Three-Year VTNE Pass Percentages

80%

Veterinary Nursing (AAS) Requirements

Licensing as a Veterinary Nursing

Veterinary Nurse in Training Information

For further licensing information contact the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

Admission Requirements

This is a Limited Entry Program.  Therefore, an application for admission must be submitted by the application deadline and all prerequisite requirements must be completed by the completion deadline in order to be eligible for consideration.  This material is reviewed using selection criteria set by the program.  Applicants are notified of their standing by the Limited Entry office.

Find out how to apply to this program through the Limited Entry Office.

Student's First Checklist

New students planning to register for courses at CSN must follow the steps outlined on the Getting Started page. This page provides information on the registration process for new students seeking a Limited Entry Health Science Degree or Certificate.

Find out how to Transfer Credits to CSN from other colleges.

If you have any questions regarding these programs, please contact one of our Health Programs Advisement Offices.

  • Charleston Campus: (702) 651-5885, Building K Lobby
  • North Las Vegas Campus: (702) 651-4415, Main Building Room E204
  • Henderson Campus: (702) 651-3563, Building H Room 234
  • or email us at HealthPrograms@csn.edu.

If you have any questions regarding these programs, please contact one of our Health Programs Advisement Offices.

  • Charleston Campus: (702) 651-5885, Building K Lobby
  • North Las Vegas Campus: (702) 651-4415, Main Building Room E204
  • Henderson Campus: (702) 651-3563, Building H Room 234
  • or email us at HealthPrograms@csn.edu.