Adaptability drives success of veterinary technology program at OSU-OKC

Adaptability drives success of veterinary technology program at OSU-OKC

Monday, March 9, 2026

Constant adaptation is one of the reasons the Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City veterinary technology program has remained successful. In December 2025, the program reported a 100% first-time pass rate for the Veterinary Technician National Examination.

Jen Miser - registered veterinary technician, compliance officer and interim department head for the veterinary technology program at OSU-OKC - said each year, the program instructors can respond to what students' scores reveal.

"We're constantly adapting," Miser said. "When we see patterns where students aren't being as successful, we look at ways to change our programming, whether through course sequencing or modifying a class."

The report from the American Association of Veterinary State Boards marks the fourth consecutive year that the program has achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the VTNE, ahead of the reported national average first-time pass rate for all accredited veterinary technology programs of about 75%.

"Each year when the report comes out, it gives us an idea of what our students may have struggled with on the exam," Miser said. "Each year we evaluate that, make adjustments to the program and specific classes, and try to make sure we're updating as our students' needs dictate."

Every student is put through the paces during their preceptorship. Students complete intensive, supervised clinical placements where they gain hands-on experience working alongside technicians to develop and refine practical clinical skills.

"During their final semester, during their preceptorship, we incorporate an online vet tech prep course," Miser said. "It gets students used to the types of questions the VTNE will ask and gets them into that test-taking mode."

"By the time they sit for the exam - usually August or September - the formatting and the experience aren't stressful. We try to decrease anxiety and prepare them as best we can."

But exams aren't the only things students are prepared for at OSU-OKC. The veterinary technology program has a clinical space where students learn skills that translate to the field.

"We have a great partnership with the Mustang Animal Shelter. They bring pets to us for routine exams, vaccinations or spay-neuter, which allows our students to get hands-on clinical skills," Miser said. "We also have excellent partnerships in the community where students can observe or participate in clinical skills for specific courses."

Most students start in clinical practice - small animal or large animal - once they graduate and pass their VTNE, Miser said. Still, there are job opportunities in many capacities: general practice, emergency rooms, urgent care, large-animal practice, and even zoo work. In fact, a recent OSU-OKC graduate will soon be practicing at the Dallas Zoo.

"As part of our wildlife and zoo class, second-year students get to take a behind-the-scenes tour at the zoo," Miser said. "The zoo is very kind and takes us back into their veterinary hospital so students can see the facilities and learn about their operations."

"Zoo medicine is really hard to get into - it's a small pond - but we're proud that our students can pursue those opportunities."

And some students move from working in a clinical setting to other related fields.

"Some RVTs move into sales for veterinary supplies or work with companies like IDEXX Laboratories to assist in the implementation and usage of veterinary equipment. Some go into research because they're passionate about it. Others go into academia," Miser said.

"There are a lot of different avenues once they graduate and earn their credentialing."

Miser encouraged potential students to mentally prepare for a rigorous program, to ask questions and build good study habits.

"Two years feels long, but once you're through it, it goes by in a blink," she said. "The payoff is exponential - you're so much more prepared to enter the workforce and be a strong technician."

Meanwhile, Miser encourages those who have already obtained their licensure to reach out - there might be an opportunity to give back as an adjunct, teaching assistant, or guest lecturer.

"If anyone is interested in partnering with us, we're always open to discussing what works best," Miser said.