OCTC Celebrates National Veterinary Technician Week with Career Exploration Event and Upcoming Admissions Opportunities

National Veterinary Technician Week, October 18-24, 2026

by Katie Powers

Owensboro, KY (10/19/2026) — Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) is joining veterinary professionals nationwide in celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week, October 18-24, 2026. This year's theme, "Credentialed Veterinary Technicians: Endless Compassion, Expert Care," recognizes the skilled, compassionate professionals who serve as the soul of veterinary medicine.

Organized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), the annual celebration highlights the essential contributions veterinary technicians make to animal healthcare and raises awareness of the education, training, and expertise required in the profession.

Veterinary technicians play a vital role in animal healthcare, working alongside veterinarians to provide medical care for animals of all shapes and sizes. Their responsibilities may include administering and monitoring anesthesia, performing laboratory tests, assisting with diagnostic imaging, providing nursing care, and supporting surgical procedures.

"Veterinary technicians are an essential part of animal healthcare, combining scientific knowledge, technical skills, and compassion to make a difference in the lives of animals every day," said Dr. Laura Neely, OCTC Veterinary Technology Program Coordinator and Department Head for Business, Health, and Public Services. "At OCTC, we're proud to help students develop the skills and confidence they need to enter this rewarding profession."

OCTC's Veterinary Technology program prepares students for careers as licensed veterinary technicians through an Associate in Applied Science degree. Students gain hands-on experience in animal nursing care, laboratory procedures, surgical assisting, diagnostic imaging, and other essential veterinary skills. Graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), an important step toward becoming a credentialed veterinary technician.

As part of the week's celebration, OCTC will host "Beyond the Scrubs," a Veterinary Technology Discover Event, on Wednesday, October 21, from 11 a.m. to noon in Room 8 at OCTC's Downtown Campus, located at 1501 Frederica Street in Owensboro. The panel discussion will give attendees an opportunity to explore careers in veterinary technology, hear from industry professionals, and learn more about educational pathways at OCTC. The event is MERIT approved.

For those interested in pursuing a career in veterinary technology, applications for OCTC's Veterinary Technology program open January 1, 2027.

Prospective students interested in applying must attend a required preadmission conference. Two upcoming preadmission conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, January 26, 2027, and Tuesday, March 23, 2027, both beginning at 5 p.m. in the Veterinary Technology Teaching Hospital (Room 23) on OCTC's Downtown Campus.

During the preadmission conferences, attendees will learn about admission requirements, the application process, program curriculum, clinical experiences, and career opportunities. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the Veterinary Technology Teaching Hospital and see firsthand where students develop their clinical skills.

Those interested in attending a preadmission conference should RSVP at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/1X2PxfbGuF.

OCTC's Veterinary Technology program is now eligible for the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, which may help qualifying students cover tuition costs. Prospective students should first apply for admission to OCTC and then complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if interested in being considered for financial assistance, including the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship. Scholarship eligibility and awards are subject to program requirements.

National Veterinary Technician Week was established by NAVTA in 1993 and is celebrated annually during the third week of October to recognize the contributions of veterinary technicians and educate the public about their role in veterinary medicine.

For more information about OCTC's Veterinary Technology program, visit https://owensboro.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/veterinary-technology.aspx or contact Dr. Laura Neely at laura.neely@kctcs.edu or 270-686-4585.

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