Registered Veterinary Technician

The Registered Veterinary Technician A.S. Degree will provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to qualify for the Veterinary Technician National Exam(VTNE). Training and skill development include; the study of anatomy and physiology, disease management and prevention, animal nutrition, animal restraint and behavior recognition, equipment and facility maintenance and operation, pharmacy and laboratory training, biosecurity and client relations. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to sit for the VTNE in order to obtain their nationally recognized Registered Veterinary License. Contact the school office in the Agriculture Building for advising assistance.

The goal of the RVT program is to provide an accredited program to students that are admitted with the goal of providing educational, experience and skills that are required to qualify for the Registered Veterinary Technician exam. RVTs who are prepared for veterinary industry management, clinical efficiency, and animal care in the veterinary industry are a vital part of this areas success in the workplace. RVT students will work closely with industry experts to identify technology and critical skills that are needed in the field. The veterinary industry contributes approximately 11.92 Billion dollars in direct economic impact to the US industry with a projected 19% increase in the next 15 years (source: American Veterinary Medical Association, 2023). The veterinary industry provides economic vitality to the Valley and is a foundation component of the majority of pets owners in our area. With the number of pets and production animals in our state at an estimated at 3 million and the average owner spending between $4-600.00 dollars per year on each animal, the need for qualified registered veterinary technicians and health care providers is rising (source: American Veterinary Medical Association, 2023). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) RVT’s and veterinary assistants; production animal operation managers have a median wage of $60,000, putting our veterinary graduates into an income category that meets or exceeds current employability within the agriculture field.

The veterinary industry is heavily reliant on experience and employee skills to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Over the last several years, evolving technology has changed the way industries that use diagnostic and therapeutic tools, thereby impacting skill requirements of students in the RVT field. They must be able to deliver effective patient care where and when it is needed. To address the education and skill needs of the industry, two specific objectives are developed to achieve the project goal of preparing students: 1) Develop and deliver standardized curriculum that advances the knowledge and skill level of our graduates. 2) Create a pipeline of skilled, registered graduates that meet current local, state and national requirements.

Skill development and knowledge embedded in this new program enables graduates to become a valued and vital role in the veterinary industry, in addition to contributing to this multi-billion dollar industry.

To earn an Associate in Science Degree in this major, the student must complete the MJC Associate Degree Requirements which include completion of the major requirements below.

Agriculture Career Courses (Complete 1 unit)

Program Prerequisites – Choose one mathematics course from the list below (Complete 4-6 units)

Program Prerequisites – Choose both courses (Complete 6 units)

Program Prerequisites – Choose one from the list below (Complete 3-5 units)

Program Prerequisites – Choose one from the list below (Complete 4-5 units)

Agriculture Science Breadth (Complete 3 units)

Agriculture Major Required Courses (Complete 46 Units)