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Veterinary Technology

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Associate Degree

A.S. in Veterinary Technology

CRC's Veterinary Technology program is designed to provide the student with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career as a Registered Veterinary Technician. The program offers a rigorous yet rewarding academic curriculum while simultaneously providing ample hands-on experience. The student will gain a working knowledge of animal behavior, restraint, nutrition and nursing. The curriculum will include, but not be restricted to, the performance of emergency care, anesthesia, dental care, surgical assistance and laboratory procedures.

Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) (previously known as Animal Health Technicians) are trained professionals who work as highly skilled assistants to veterinarians and researchers. Their knowledge and skills have led to their being desirable employees in a variety of related fields.

Most states (including California) require official licensing or certification of RVTs. In California, certification is accomplished by:
• completion of an educational curriculum, and
• achievement of a passing score on a state board exam

Highlights include:
* One of only six programs in California that has earned accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association
* Acceptance of degree by examining boards in states other than California
* High-quality training recognized by local employers
* Excellent record of students passing state board exams
* On-the-job training and future job placement opportunities

Requirements for Pre-enrollment to the Program
A grade of "C" or better in the following courses is required:
BIOL 400
CHEM 400 or CHEM 305
BIOL 440
Forms are available from the Careers and Technology Division office or apply on-line at http://crc.losrios.edu/~vettech/app.htm. Only completed application packets will be considered. Completed applications must include all official college transcripts. Transcripts must be submitted as soon as they are available. For the latest admission requirements refer to: http://crc.losrios.edu/Areas_of_Study/Careers_and_Technology/Veterinary_Technology.htm
Note: The AVMA requires that all applicants for enrollment must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.

Only students who meet the pre-enrollment requirements and follow the pre-enrollment procedures will be considered for the program. Applications must be received for the following fall semester by April 1st.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO STUDENTS
In order to ensure that prerequisites for subsequent courses are met and to allow completion of course work in four semesters, the student must adhere to the following schedule. NOTE: Each VT course is offered only once per year in either the spring or fall semester, as shown in the Required Program section.

* SEMESTER 1 (Fall): VT 100, VT 111
* SEMESTER 2 (Spring): VT 110, VT 113, VT 152, VT 298**
* SEMESTER 3 (Fall): VT 120, VT 122, VT 126, VT 298
* SEMESTER 4 (Spring): VT123, VT 130, VT 131, VT 134, VT 298

With the exception of VT 110, all courses are pre- or co-requisites for the subsequent semester's courses. Failure to complete a course successfully will therefore delay progress through the program.

**VT 298, Work Experience, can only be taken after successful completion of VT 100 and VT 111. Per AVMA requirements, a minimum of 300 hours is required. At least one unit of VT 298 must be completed prior to beginning the third semester courses.

Additional Program Notes:
All students enrolled in any of the following courses will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays and semester break: VT 100; VT 111; VT 113; VT 120; VT 126; VT 130; VT 131; VT 152

Failure to complete all required courses for the A.S. degree will make you ineligible to sit for the State Board examination under the AVMA accredited program eligibility guidelines.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2023

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
VT 100 Introduction to Veterinary Technology 31
VT 111 Anatomy-Physiology of Animals 42
First Year (Spring):
VT 152 Introduction to Laboratory Animals and Caged Birds 23
VT 110 Veterinary Office Practice 3
VT 113 Clinical Laboratory Techniques for Veterinary Technicians 44
Second Year (Fall):
VT 120 Pharmacology and Anesthesiology for the Veterinary Technician 45
VT 122 Animal Disease: Pathology 3
VT 126 Dentistry for the Veterinary Technician 1.56
Second Year (Spring):
VT 123 Large Animal Disease: Pathology 3
VT 130 Advanced Veterinary Technology 47
VT 131 Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging 38
VT 134 Large Animal Nursing 1.5
VT 298 Work Experience in Veterinary Technology 0.5 -49
Total Units: 36.5 - 40

1Students enrolled in VT 100 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

2Students enrolled in VT 111 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

3Students enrolled in VT 152 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

4Students enrolled in VT 113 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

5Students enrolled in VT 120 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

6Students enrolled in VT 126 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

7Students enrolled in VT 130 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

8Students enrolled in VT 131 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

9Beginning with the entering class of 2010-11, students must complete a minimum of 300 hours of internship/work experience. Students in a paid work experience earn one unit for a minimum of 75 hours. Students in an unpaid work experience earn one unit for a minimum of 60 hours. Work Experience is repeatable when there is new or expanded learning on the job.

The Veterinary Technology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Completion of BIOL 400 with a grade of "C" or better.*
  • Completion of CHEM 400 or CHEM 305 with a grade of "C" or better.
  • Completion of BIOL 440 with a grade of "C" or better.
  • Completion of a pre-enrollment form including official copies of all college transcripts.
  • AVMA requires that all applicants for enrollment must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • *Students are advised to check prerequisites for courses when registering.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Admission to the program is based on a random lottery process from among the qualified applicants. Only students who meet the educational and pre-veterinary technology requirements, and follow the pre-enrollment procedures will be considered for the program. Meeting all the requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • SLO 1: Apply the principles of pharmacology to the practice of veterinary medicine
  • Interpret written orders, calculate doses, and correctly fill prescriptions in a veterinary pharmacy.
  • Identify the indications and contraindications to the utilization of pharmaceuticals in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.
  • Administer medications including but not limited to anesthetics, tranquilizers, pain medications, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, hormones, chemotherapy agents, and other specialty medications to animals using appropriate techniques.
  • SLO 2: Assist the veterinarian in the performance of veterinary medicine and surgery.
  • List and identify instrumentation used in a veterinary hospital
  • Demonstrate the ability to sterilize instrumentation and maintain equipment in a veterinary hospital.
  • Demonstrate correct tissue handling and suturing techniques in a surgical setting.
  • Correctly restrain animals for treatment including companion, non-domestic, and large animals.
  • Perform nursing functions to include, but not limited to: physical examination, intravenous catheter care, basic life support (BLS), Urinary catheter care, bandaging, and homeostatic maintenance for animals within a veterinary hospital.
  • SLO 3: Apply the principles of radiography to the practice of veterinary medicine.
  • Take radiographs of small and large animals using correct radiographic technique.
  • Demonstrate the ability to develop, critique, radiographs, and correct errors in the performance of veterinary radiography.
  • Compare and contrast imaging modalities such as CAT, MRI, and ultrasound with respect to indications and applications of these techniques.
  • SLO 4: Perform clinical laboratory duties within a veterinary hospital
  • Identify common parasite ova and larvae of domestic animals in fecal and blood samples.
  • Perform common laboratory tests utilized to formulate a minimum data base for an animal including, but not limited to the performance of clinical hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, and fecal analysis tests.
  • Formulate a quality control and maintenance program schedule for a clinical in house veterinary laboratory.
  • SLO 5: Utilize the principles of dentistry in the practice of veterinary medicine.
  • Demonstrate proper technique in the utilization of dental instruments.
  • Perform non-surgical dental extractions in animals.
  • Communicate to clients techniques utilized in home dental care.
  • Perform a dental prophylaxis procedure in small animals.
  • SLO 6: Perform clerical hospital/office duties within a veterinary hospital.
  • Maintain financial and patient records.
  • Operate a veterinary office computer system.
  • Maintain logs required by law including radiographic, laboratory, surgical, anesthesia, and controlled substance logs.
  • Organize and maintain an appointment schedule.
  • Perform an inventory of hospital supplies and medications.
  • Demonstrate telephone answering skills such as greeting clients, answering questions and proper telephone etiquette.
  • SLO 7: Provide safe, humane, and effective care for common laboratory animals used in animal research.
  • Administer medications by oral or injectable methods to laboratory animals.
  • Identify common laboratory animal species.
  • Collect laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces.
  • Determine the sex of common laboratory species.
  • Perform and/or supervise basic husbandry practices for common laboratory animal species.
  • SLO 8: Provide safe, humane, and effective care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, and ferrets.
  • Demonstrate restraint techniques.
  • Administer medications by oral and injectable methods.
  • Perform and/or supervise basic husbandry practices.
  • Collect laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces.

Career Information

Private Veterinary Practice; Zoos/Wild Animal Parks; Pharmaceutical Industry; Veterinary Supplies Sales; Diagnostic Laboratories; Military Service; Education; Biomedical Research; Humane Societies/Animal Control; Regulatory Veterinary Medicine; Livestock Health Management

Certificate of Achievement

Veterinary Technology Certificate

This certificate is designed for students with three years of verifiable full-time experience working as an unregistered veterinary assistant. Upon completion of this certificate program, and three years clinical experience, the student will be fully eligible to take the State Board examination to become registered as a Veterinary Technician.

CRC's Veterinary Technology program is designed to provide the student with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career as a Registered Veterinary Technician. The program offers a rigorous yet rewarding academic curriculum while simultaneously providing ample hands-on experience. The student will gain a working knowledge of animal behavior, restraint, nutrition and nursing. The curriculum will include, but not be restricted to, the performance of emergency care, anesthesia, dental care, surgical assistance and laboratory procedures.

Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) (previously known as Animal Health Technicians) are trained professionals who work as highly skilled assistants to veterinarians and researchers. Their knowledge and skills have led to their being desirable employees in a variety of related fields.

Most states (including California) require official licensing or certification of RVTs. In California certification is accomplished by:
• completion of an educational curriculum
• achievement of a passing score on a state board exam

Highlights include:
* One of only six programs in California that has earned accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association
* Acceptance of degree by examining boards in states other than California
* High-quality training recognized by local employers
* Excellent record of students passing state board exams
* On-the-job training and future job placement opportunities

Requirements for Pre-enrollment to the Program
A grade of "C" or better in the following courses is required:
BIOL 400
CHEM 400 or CHEM 305
BIOL 440
Forms are available from the Careers and Technology Division office or apply on-line at http://crc.losrios.edu/~vettech/app.htm. Only completed application packets will be considered. Completed applications must include all official college transcripts. Transcripts must be submitted as soon as they are available. For the latest admission requirements refer to: http://crc.losrios.edu/Areas_of_Study/Careers_and_Technology/Veterinary_Technology.htm
Note: The AVMA requires that all applicants for enrollment must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.

Only students who meet the pre-enrollment requirements and follow the pre-enrollment procedures will be considered for the program. Applications must be received for the following fall semester by April 1st. Selection will be based on a random selection process, should the number of qualified applicants exceed available spaces in the program.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO STUDENTS
In order to ensure that prerequisites for subsequent courses are met and to allow completion of course work in four semesters, the student must adhere to the following schedule. NOTE: VT courses are offered only once per year - spring or fall semester.

* SEMESTER 1 (Fall): VT 100, VT 111
* SEMESTER 2 (Spring): VT 110, VT 113, VT 152
* SEMESTER 3 (Fall): VT 120, VT 122, VT 126
* SEMESTER 4 (Spring): VT 123, VT 130, VT 131, VT134

With the exception of VT 110, all courses are pre- or co-requisites for the subsequent semester's courses. Failure to complete a course successfully will therefore delay progress through the program.

Additional Program Notes:
All students enrolled in any of the following courses will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals. Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays and semester break: VT 100; VT 111; VT 113; VT 120; VT 126; VT 130; VT 131; VT 152

Catalog Date: January 1, 2023

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
VT 100 Introduction to Veterinary Technology 31
VT 111 Anatomy-Physiology of Animals 42
VT 110 Veterinary Office Practice 3
VT 113 Clinical Laboratory Techniques for Veterinary Technicians 43
VT 152 Introduction to Laboratory Animals and Caged Birds 24
VT 120 Pharmacology and Anesthesiology for the Veterinary Technician 45
VT 122 Animal Disease: Pathology 3
VT 126 Dentistry for the Veterinary Technician 1.56
VT 123 Large Animal Disease: Pathology 3
VT 130 Advanced Veterinary Technology 47
VT 131 Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging 38
VT 134 Large Animal Nursing 1.5
Total Units: 36

1Students enrolled in VT 100 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

2Students enrolled in VT 111 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

3Students enrolled in VT 113 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

4Students enrolled in VT 152 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

5Students enrolled in VT 120 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

6Students enrolled in VT 126 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

7Students enrolled in VT 130 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

8Students enrolled in VT 131 will be required to spend 2-6 hours per week in the care of colony animals, Shifts will be assigned and will include weekends, holidays, and semester break.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Completion of BIOL 400 with a grade of "C" or better.*
  • Completion of CHEM 400 or CHEM 305 with a grade of "C" or better.
  • Completion of BIOL 440 with a grade of "C" or better.
  • Completion of a pre-enrollment form (includes official copies of all college transcripts) received by April 1st for the following Fall Semester.
  • AVMA requires that all applicants for enrollment must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • * Students are advised to check prerequisites for courses when registering.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Only students who meet the pre-enrollment requirements will be considered for the program.
  • Selection will be based on a random selection process, should the number of qualified applicants exceed available spaces in the program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • SLO 1: Apply the principles of pharmacology to the practice of veterinary medicine
  • Interpret written orders, calculate doses, and correctly fill prescriptions in a veterinary pharmacy.
  • Identify the indications and contraindications to the utilization of pharmaceuticals in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.
  • Administer medications including but not limited to anesthetics, tranquilizers, pain medications, antibiotics, anti-inflammations, hormones, chemotherapy agents, and other specialty medications to animals using appropriate techniques.
  • SLO 2: Assist the veterinarian in the performance of veterinary medicine and surgery.
  • List and identify instrumentation used in a veterinary hospital
  • Demonstrate the ability to sterilize instrumentation and maintain equipment in a veterinary hospital.
  • Demonstrate correct tissue handling and suturing techniques in a surgical setting.
  • Correctly restrain animals for treatment including companion, non-domestic, and large animals.
  • Perform nursing functions to include, but not limited to: physical examination, intravenous catheter care, basic life support (BLS), Urinary catheter care, bandaging, and homeostatic maintenance for animals within a veterinary hospital.
  • SLO 3: Apply the principles of radiography to the practice of veterinary medicine.
  • Take radiographs of small and large animals using correct radiographic technique.
  • Demonstrate the ability to develop and critique radiographs, and correct errors in the performance of veterinary radiography.
  • Compare and contrast imaging modalities such as CAT, MRI, and ultrasound with respect to indications and applications of these techniques
  • SLO 4: Perform clinical laboratory duties within a veterinary hospital
  • Identify common parasite ova and larvae of domestic animals in fecal and blood samples.
  • Perform common laboratory tests utilized to formulate a minimum database for an animal including, but not limited to the performance of clinical hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, and fecal analysis tests.
  • Formulate a quality control and maintenance program schedule for a clinical in house veterinary laboratory.
  • SLO 5: Utilize the principles of dentistry in the practice of veterinary medicine.
  • Demonstrate proper technique in the utilization of dental instruments.
  • Perform non-surgical extractions in animals.
  • Communicate to clients home dental care techniques
  • Perform a dental prophylaxis procedure in small animals.
  • SLO 6: Perform clerical hospital/office duties within a veterinary hospital.
  • Maintain financial and patient records.
  • Operate a veterinary office computer system.
  • Maintain logs required by law including radiographic, laboratory, surgical, anesthesia, and controlled substance logs.
  • Organize and maintain an appointment schedule.
  • Perform an inventory of hospital supplies and medications.
  • Demonstrate telephone answering skills such as greeting clients, answering questions and proper telephone etiquette.
  • SLO 7: Provide safe, humane, and effective care for common laboratory animals used in animal research.
  • Administer medications by oral or injectable methods to laboratory animals.
  • Identify common laboratory animal species.
  • Collect laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces.
  • Determine the sex of common laboratory species.
  • Perform and/or supervise basic husbandry practices for common laboratory animal species.
  • SLO 8: Provide safe, humane, and effective care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, and ferrets.
  • Demonstrate restraint techniques.
  • Administer medications by oral and injectable methods.
  • Perform and/or supervise basic husbandry practices.
  • Collect laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and feces.

Career Information

Private Veterinary Practice; Zoos/Wild Animal Parks; Pharmaceutical Industry; Veterinary Supplies Sales; Diagnostic Laboratories; Military Service; Education; Biomedical Research; Humane Societies/Animal Control; Regulatory Veterinary Medicine; Livestock Health Management

More About the Program

Learn about eligibility requirements, how to apply, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Veterinary Technology Dept.

Career Education

This major is part of CRC's Career Education (CE) Program. Request assistance from Career Education by dropping us a line!

Request CE Services

Scholarships

Apply for scholarships for Veterinary Technology students:

  • CRC Ann and Sadie J. Memorial Vet Tech Scholarship ($500)

Applications open spring semester.

Scholarships

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