Associate in Science in Veterinary Technology (RVT)

The Associate in Science in Veterinary Technology prepares students for careers within the veterinary and animal healthcare industry as veterinary technicians, and qualifies them to site for both national and state board exams to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). Through the integration of hands-on experiential learning and curriculum designed to meet all American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) standards, students will be engaged in various aspects of veterinary medicine and technology. Graduates will be prepared to enter the expanding animal healthcare industry as part of a team of individuals dedicated to the care of domestic animals, small and large. The first year of courses within the Veterinary Technology degree program can be applied towards earning a Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assistant, allowing students to seek initial, entry level employment in the field of veterinary technology while completing the Associate degree requirements.

Registered Veterinary Technicians are integral to the animal health care team that work under the supervision of veterinarians to perform various types of tasks including veterinary laboratory procedures, surgical and anesthesia assisting, digital imaging (including x-ray technology), dental procedures, medical nursing, emergency care, and veterinary office procedures. Potential career options include employment in private veterinary facilities, bio-medical research institutions, regulatory agencies, livestock operations, pharmaceutical companies, zoological parks, and the animal nutrition industry.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

By the completion of the degree program the student will be able to:

1. Describe and implement the steps necessary to maintain hospital records including medical, drug, surgery, laboratory, and radiology logs.
2. Demonstrate effective and professional communication skills in the performance of veterinary office procedures.
3. Demonstrate proper restraint techniques on various animal species commonly seen in veterinary medicine.
4. Perform basic veterinary laboratory procedures used in veterinary medicine and clinical settings.
5. Perform appropriate steps to acquire vital signs in various species seen in veterinary medicine, accurately record the results of a physical exam using appropriate medical terminology and assist the veterinarian in the performance of veterinary procedures and surgery.
6. Demonstrate appropriate sanitation and sterility practices necessary in a veterinary hospital.
7. Recognize essential components of preventative care plans for domestic species of animals.
8. Apply the principles of pharmacology, radiology, and dentistry to the practice of veterinary medicine.
9. Perform all of the skills on the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) Task List.
10.  Apply the knowledge, skills and abilities gained to successfully pass state and national board exams for veterinary technology.

The Associate in Science in Veterinary Technology prepares students for careers within the veterinary and animal healthcare industry as veterinary technicians, and qualifies them to site for both national and state board exams to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). Through the integration of hands-on experiential learning and curriculum designed to meet all American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) standards, students will be engaged in various aspects of veterinary medicine and technology. Graduates will be prepared to enter the expanding animal healthcare industry as part of a team of individuals dedicated to the care of domestic animals, small and large. The first year of courses within the Veterinary Technology degree program can be applied towards earning a Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assistant, allowing students to seek initial, entry level employment in the field of veterinary technology while completing the Associate degree requirements.

Registered Veterinary Technicians are integral to the animal health care team that work under the supervision of veterinarians to perform various types of tasks including veterinary laboratory procedures, surgical and anesthesia assisting, digital imaging (including x-ray technology), dental procedures, medical nursing, emergency care, and veterinary office procedures.

Veterinary technicians are highly skilled assistants to veterinarians and researchers, and are critical to the veterinary field, with access to career opportunities that continue to experience high demand and strong growth.

Students who complete this degree will be prepared for careers as veterinary technicians, and will be qualified to sit for both national and state board exams to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).  Potential career options include employment in private veterinary facilities, bio-medical research institutions,regulatory agencies, livestock operations, pharmaceutical companies, zoological parks, and the animal nutrition industry.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

By the completion of the degree program the student will be able to:

1. Describe and implement the steps necessary to maintain hospital records including medical, drug, surgery, laboratory, and radiology logs.
2. Demonstrate effective and professional communication skills in the performance of veterinary office procedures.
3. Demonstrate proper restraint techniques on various animal species commonly seen in veterinary medicine.
4. Perform basic veterinary laboratory procedures used in veterinary medicine and clinical settings.
5. Perform appropriate steps to acquire vital signs in various species seen in veterinary medicine, accurately record the results of a physical exam using appropriate medical terminology and assist the veterinarian in the performance of veterinary procedures and surgery.
6. Demonstrate appropriate sanitation and sterility practices necessary in a veterinary hospital.
7. Recognize essential components of preventative care plans for domestic species of animals.
8. Apply the principles of pharmacology, radiology, and dentistry to the practice of veterinary medicine.
9. Perform all of the skills on the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) Task List.
10.  Apply the knowledge, skills and abilities gained to successfully pass state and national board exams for veterinary technology.

Pre-Requisites Total: 9 units

Required Core Total: 53 units

TOTAL UNITS: 62 units

Proposed Sequence: 

• Semester 1, Fall = 15 units
  • MATH V44 (GE D2)
  • CHEM V01A (GE A2)
  • CHEM V01AL
  • AG V61
  • AG V62
  • AG V63
• Semester 2, Spring = 14 Units
  • BIO V01(GE A1)
  • BIO V01L
  • AG V64
  • AG V65
  • AG V66
• Semester 3, Fall = 16 units
  • ENG V01A (GE D1)
  • MICR V01
  • AG V67
  • AG V68
  • AG V69
• Semester 4, Spring = 15 Units
  • GE (B, C or E1)
  • GE (B, C or E1)
  • AG V70
  • AG V71
  • AG V75
• Semester 5, Summer = 12 units
  • GE (B, C or E1)
  • GE (B, C or E1)
  • AG V76
• Semester 6, Fall = 13 units
  • GE (B, C or E1)
  • GE (E2)
  • AG V72
  • AG V73
  • AG V74

Pre-Requisites Total:       9 units

Required Core Total:      53 units

Required GE Total:          19 units (Excludes double counted GE units)         

TOTAL UNITS:                   81 units