The Associate in Science in Veterinary Technology prepares students for careers within the veterinary and animal healthcare industry as veterinary technicians. Through the integration of hands-on experiential learning and curriculum designed to meet the highest veterinary industry 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 integral to the animal health care teams 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, biomedical research institutions, regulatory agencies, livestock operations, pharmaceutical companies, zoological parks, and the animal nutrition industry.

Prior to being permitted to advance and enroll in second-year courses of the Veterinary Technology AS program, students must complete all prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better and submit a prerequisite verification form to the Veterinary Technology Program Director.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:  The Veterinary Technology program at Ventura College is committed to providing equal access to the college’s academic programs and services to qualified individuals with disabilities through reasonable accommodation. Students who believe they are in need of accommodations should contact the Educational Assistance Center (EAC) / Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSP&S) by phone at (805) 289-6300 or by e-mail at vceac@vcccd.edu or in person at 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003. The student should provide the EAC with a current comprehensive evaluation of a specific disability from a qualified diagnostician that identifies the type of disability and lists recommended accommodations. All documentation will be reviewed by the designated EAC Faculty member in a timely manner, and appropriate reasonable accommodations will be provided based on the individual student’s needs.

Please see the Essential Functions in the AVTE Disabilities Task Force Report. ​ ​

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Describe and implement the steps necessary to maintain hospital records including medical, drug, surgery, laboratory, and radiology logs.
• Demonstrate effective and professional communication skills in the performance of veterinary office procedures.
• Demonstrate proper restraint techniques on various animal species commonly seen in veterinary medicine.
• Perform basic veterinary laboratory procedures used in veterinary medicine and clinical settings.
• 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.
• Demonstrate appropriate sanitation and sterility practices necessary in a veterinary hospital.
• Recognize essential components of preventative care plans for domestic species of animals.
• Apply the principles of pharmacology, radiology, and dentistry to the practice of veterinary medicine.
• Perform all of the skills on the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) Task List.
• Apply the knowledge, skills and abilities gained to successfully pass state and/or national board exams for veterinary technology.