Welcome to the Veterinary Technology Web Site

The Veterinary Technology curriculum consists of two years of concurrent veterinary technology classroom training and internship at an approved clinical site. Upon successful completion of all required courses, the student will receive an Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology and is eligible to the take the required the California Board Examination for Registered Veterinary Technicians.

This program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Licensure/certification as a Registered Veterinary Technician provides for employment opportunities primarily in veterinary hospitals and clinics, private industry and universities.

With experience and/or additional academic preparation, many graduates have attained positions in the following areas:

• Veterinary Hospital Administration
• Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine and Surgery Service
• US Army Veterinary Corps
• Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery Service Coordinator
• Small Animal Anesthesia Specialist

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
• Laboratory Animal Medicine
• Hospital Management
• Equipment Sales/Service
• Technical Representative

Wages (varies with area and type of facility)

• $15-18/hour to start
• $19-21/hour with experience