Welcome to the YCCD Veterinary Technology Web Site

The Veterinary Technology Program teaches the knowledge, skills and abilities needed by the individual who desires to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. An individual interested in this career should possess the ability to deal successfully with a variety of people, enjoy working with animals, have an interest in science and medicine and be able to self-direct and work in an organized manner.
Upon completion of the 2 year, American Veterinary Medical Association accredited program, the student will have completed the requirements for an Associate in Science Degree with many units transferable towards a higher degree. The student will also be eligible to take the California State Board Exam for Veterinary Technicians.
Licensure/certification as a Registered Veterinary Technician provides for employment opportunities primarily in veterinary hospitals and clinics, private industry and universities however many other opportunities are available, depending upon the students’ area of interest. The job tasks of the veterinary assistant, registered veterinary technician, registered veterinary technologist and veterinarian are delineated on the Veterinary Team Chart.

Employment Outlook:
Employment of veterinary technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Pet owners are becoming more affluent and more willing to pay for advanced care because many of them consider their pet to be part of the family, spurring employment growth for veterinary technicians. The number of dogs as pets, which also drives employment growth, is expected to increase more slowly during the projection period than in the previous decade. However, the rapidly growing number of cats as pets is expected to boost the demand for feline medicine, offsetting any reduced demand for veterinary care for dogs. The availability of advanced veterinary services, such as preventive dental care and surgical procedures may provide opportunities for workers specializing in those areas. Biomedical facilities, diagnostic laboratories, wildlife facilities, humane societies, animal control facilities, drug or food manufacturing companies, and food safety inspection facilities will provide more jobs for veterinary technicians. Furthermore, demand for these workers will stem from the desire to replace veterinary assistants with more highly skilled technicians in animal clinics and hospitals, shelters, kennels, and humane societies.

Associated fields:

• Laboratory Technician
• Equine Facility Management
• Laboratory Animal Medicine
• Exotic/Zoo/Wildlife Animal Medicine
• Hospital Management
• Shelter Medicine and Management
• Equipment Sales/Service
• Food Animal/Dairy Management
• Avian Medicine
• Pharmaceutical/Sales/Technical Representative
• Biomedical Research and Development
• Federal and State Agency Employment
• College and University Employment