Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology Ventura County Community College District - Ventura College, USA

Program Description:
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. Veterinary technicians are highly skilled assistants to veterinarians and researchers, and are critical to the veterinary field.

The Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assistant prepares students for careers within the veterinary and animal healthcare industry as veterinary assistants, animal health technicians, and other allied animal health positions. Through hands-on experiential learning and curriculum designed to engage students in various aspects of veterinary assisting and technology, students 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 Certificate in Veterinary Assistant can be applied to the first year of study towards completion of the Associate in Science degree in Veterinary Technology, allowing for graduates to sit for national and state board exams to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).

Veterinary Assistants and Registered Veterinary Technicians are integral to the animal health care team that works 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. Students will be trained in highly sought-after skills critical to the veterinary assisting field.