Vet Tech Professional Program

Applying to the Veterinary Technology Professional Program

For Current NDSU Students and Transfer Students

The professional portion of the NDSU Veterinary Technology Program is a competitive, limited-enrollment program. Each year, up to 30 students are selected to begin the professional curriculum in the fall semester. Admission is open to current NDSU students and transfer students who have completed at least one semester of college level coursework (minimum of 12 credits).

While any student may take part in pre-professional Veterinary Technology coursework at NDSU, progression into the professional program requires formal application and selection. Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology must be admitted to the professional phase of the program.


Application Process and Deadlines
  • Application Period: Applications are accepted each spring.
  • Application Deadline: All application materials must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. CST on the third Friday in May.
  • Program Start: Admitted students begin professional coursework the following fall semester.
  • Annual Enrollment: Up to 30 qualified applicants are admitted each year.
  • Note: Application requirements are subject to change on an annual basis. Please refer to the most current guidelines when preparing your materials.

Rabies Vaccination Requirement

Students admitted to the Veterinary Technology Professional Program are required to complete a rabies vaccination series in accordance with the program’s Rabies Prevention and Protection Policy.

Proof of completed vaccination must be submitted to the Program Co-Directors by the designated deadline during the fall semester, when students begin working with live animal educators.

Veterinary Technology Professional Program
Application Requirements

To be considered for admission to the NDSU Veterinary Technology Professional Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic Requirements
  1. Completion of at least 12 college credits by the end of the spring semester in which the application is submitted
    • Must include coursework at NDSU or another accredited college or university
    • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher required
  2. Successful completion or current enrollment in VETS 115: Medical Terminology, or an approved equivalent course
    • VETS 115 is offered during both spring and summer semesters
  3. Recommended Prerequisite Courses (offered in Fall Semester only):
    • ANSC 218: Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
    • ANSC 219: Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals Lab
Interview Requirement

A brief personal interview with program faculty is required for all applicants. Interviews are used to assess communication skills, professionalism, and overall preparedness for the program. Please review the Veterinary Technology Application Scoring Rubric prior to your interview.

  • NDSU students: Interviews will be conducted in person on the NDSU campus
  • Transfer students:
    • If located near the NDSU campus, students may opt for an in-person interview
    • If not near campus, interviews will be conducted via Zoom
    • All interviews will be video and audio recorded for evaluation by the admissions committee
  • Students are encouraged to dress professionally. NDSU students may access the NDSU Career Closet for free business attire.
Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following rubric:

Criteria

Points

Cumulative GPA (minimum of 12 completed credits) Up to 50
Completion of VETS 115 (grade of C or better) Required
Interview Up to 30
Wonderlic Exam Score Up to 20
Notification of Acceptance

Final applicant evaluations will be completed after spring semester grades are submitted. All applicants will be notified of their admission status by mid-June via email.

Entrance Examination – Wonderlic Scholastic Entrance Exam (WSEE)

All applicants are required to take the Wonderlic Scholastic Entrance Exam (WSEE).

  • Purpose: Assesses cognitive ability, problem-solving, and information processing—key indicators of academic success in the program
  • Length: 12 minutes
  • Format: Computer-based, proctored exam
  • Cost: $40.00
  • Scoring:
    • Scores are confidential and shared only with the applicant and selection committee
    • Scores will be automatically uploaded into your application file
    • A score report will be emailed to you within 48 hours of completing the exam
    • No additional score reporting is required

Remote Option for Transfer Applicants:
Transfer students may be eligible to take the WSEE remotely, proctored via video call with program faculty. Computer setup and technical requirements must be arranged in advance.
To schedule a remote exam, email: Stacey.ostby@ndsu.edu