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. 

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. 

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) granted initial accreditation to the Ventura College veterinary technology program.  The accreditation is effective on August 25, 2022.  

The CVTEA requires that program graduates demonstrate competency in over 300 essential skills and that programs produce practice-ready graduates.  The accreditation of the Ventura College veterinary technology program is a recognition of the program's rigor.  Furthermore, it will allow graduates to be able to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam. 

ADMISSION:  Students applying to the Veterinary Assistant program must submit an admissions application before applying to the certificate program.  Admission to the certificate program is based on a random lottery process.  To be considered for the certificate program, students must meet the educational requirements and follow the pre-enrollment procedures, which includes the completion of pre-requisite courses. Meeting all the requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. In order to continue into the Veterinary Technology degree program, all Veterinary Technology coursework must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Note: The American Veterinary Medical Association requires that all applicants for enrollment in the Veterinary Technology program must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. 

This program is specifically for students wishing to become Registered Veterinary Technicians. It is not intended for students that wish pursue a career as a Veterinarian. For more information about undergraduate course work needed to prepare for Veterinary school, please see the Animal Science ADT Program.  

Students are encouraged to follow the catalog requirements for their specific certificate or degree and to adhere as closely as possible to the recommended plans of study to ensure timely and successful program completion.