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Submitter's Information
Heather Townsend
Curriculum Process Specialist
Central/Mother Lode
Modesto Junior College
CTE Dean
Troy Gravatt
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Program Details
Veterinary Assistant & Animal Care
New Program
Veterinary Technician (Licensed) (010210)
08/24/26
The veterinary assistant program is designed to give students the knowledge and learning experiences necessary to be efficient and effective in a veterinary setting as a non-licensed veterinary assistant. Students that successfully complete this program will be able to perform assistant duties for large, small and exotic medicine veterinarians in a clinical setting.
| COURSE | TITLE | UNITS | YEAR 1 | YEAR 1 | YEAR 2 | YEAR 2 |
| Annual Section | Annual Enrollment | Annual Sections | Annual Enrollment | |||
| ANSC 55 | Introduction to Veterinary Technology | 3 | 3 | 120 | 6 | 240 |
| ANSC 200 | Introduction to Animal Science | 3 | 4 | 160 | 6 | 240 |
| ANSC 215 | Animal Health and Sanitation | 3 | 1 | 40 | 3 | 120 |
| AG 259A | Agricultural Work Experience | 1 | 3 | 150 | 5 | 250 |
| ANSC 246 | Veterinary Clinical Procedures for Companion Animals | 3 | 1 | 40 | 3 | 120 |
| ANSC 201 | Beef Cattle Science | 3 | 1 | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| ANSC 202 | Swine Science | 3 | 1 | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| ANSC 203 | Sheep and Goat Science | 3 | 1 | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| ANSC 207 | Equine Science | 3 | 2 | 50 | 3 | 75 |
| ANSC 220 | Dairy Industry/Dairy Science | 3 | 1 | 25 | 1 | 25 |
| ANSC 230 | Poultry Science | 3 | 1 | 25 | 1 | 25 |
Program Proposal Attributes
- Certificate of Achievement: 16 or greater semester (or 24 or greater quarter) units (C)
The goal of the Veterinary Assistant & Animal Care Certificate of Achievement is to provide a program to students that are interested in a career in the veterinary industry but are not pursuing a registered technician degree. The goal of providing educational information, experience and skills that are required in an entry level position in a veterinary facility. 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 3 million and the average owner spending between $4-600.00 dollars per year on each animal, the need for qualified veterinary assistants 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 veterinary 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 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.
Course Units and Hours
19
n/a
n/a
Course Report
To earn a certificate of achievement in this area students must complete all 19 required units listed in the award.
Veterinary Assistant & Animal Care Certificate of Achievement:
Major Required Courses (Complete 13 Units)
COURSE TITLE (CB02) | UNITS (CB06) | SEQUENCE | |
ANSC 55 | Introduction to Veterinary Technology | 3 | Yr 1 Fall |
ANSC 200 | Introduction to Animal Science | 3 | Yr 1 Fall |
ANSC 215 | Animal Health & Sanitation | 3 | Yr 1 Spring |
ANSC 246 | Veterinary Clinical Procedures for Companion Animals | 3 | Yr 1 Spring |
AG 259A | Agriculture Work Experience | 1 | Yr 1 Spring |
Required Elective Courses (Complete 6 Units)
DEPT/NUMBER (CB01) | COURSE TITLE (CB02) | UNITS (CB06) | SEQUENCE |
ANSC 201 | Beef Science | 3 | Yr 1, Fall or Spring |
ANSC 202 | Swine Science | 3 | Yr 1, Fall or Spring |
ANSC 203 | Sheep Science | 3 | Yr 1, Fall or Spring |
ANSC 207 | Equine Science | 3 | Yr 1, Fall or Spring |
ANSC 220 | Dairy Science | 3 | Yr 1, Fall or Spring |
ANSC 230 | Poultry Science | 3 | Yr 1, Fall or Spring |
TOTAL UNITS | 19 |
Supporting Documents
Central/Mother Lode Regional Questions
Submission Details
10/29/25 - 09:33 AM
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Please list the reason(s) for returning "Veterinary Assistant & Animal Care". to Heather Townsend's drafts. This message will be sent to townsendh@mjc.edu
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