CRC's Veterinary Technology Associate of Science Degree program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). The program offers a rigorous and rewarding academic curriculum along with ample hands-on experience.

Veterinary Technicians work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian assisting in a variety of tasks including collection of laboratory specimens and performing laboratory procedures; providing specialized nursing care; preparing animals, instruments, and equipment for surgery; assisting in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures; exposing and developing radiographs (X-rays); advising and educating animal owners; supervising and training practice personnel; and performing dental prophylaxes. Most veterinary technicians work in private veterinary practices, but they may also work in biomedical research, military service, food safety inspection, teaching, zoo animal and wildlife care, diagnostic laboratory support, veterinary supply sales, animal control and humane society animal care, and drug and feed company technical service and sales. (source: AVMA.org) RVTs are trained professionals who have passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and who have subsequently obtained licensure. The CRC Veterinary Technology program is not intended to be a pre-veterinary program for students who want to pursue a doctorate degree to become a veterinarian. CRC counselors are available to help students navigate their choice of program.

CRC's Veterinary Technology program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and upon earning an A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology, graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).

Most states, including California, require official licensing or certification of veterinary technicians. To become a licensed RVT in California, graduates earning the A.S. degree must:

🗸 Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination
🗸 Obtain fingerprint clearance (Live scan) and pass a background check
🗸 Pay licensing fees to the California Veterinary Medical Board. (More information can be found at vmb.ca.gov)

Program highlights include:

🗸 Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association for over 50 years.
🗸 Long-tenured, approachable, and knowledgeable faculty and staff
🗸 Affordable community college program
🗸 Well-equipped facilities
🗸 Diversity of animal species available for instruction
🗸 Collaboration with UC Davis for large animal instruction
🗸 Outdoor exercise and enrichment area for dogs
🗸 Enthusiastic and supportive student body
🗸 Excellent pass rates on the VTNE

Student Learning Outcomes

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

🗸 PSLO 1: Use the principles of pharmacology to assist the veterinarian in a clinical setting.

🗸 PSLO 2: Provide veterinary nursing care and surgical assistance in a clinical setting.

🗸 PSLO 3: Use the principles of radiology to assist the veterinarian in a clinical setting.

🗸 PSLO 4: Perform clinical laboratory duties within a veterinary hospital.

🗸 PSLO 5: Use the principles of veterinary dentistry to assist the veterinarian in a clinical setting.

🗸 PSLO 6: Perform clerical duties within a veterinary hospital.

🗸 PSLO 7: Provide safe, humane, and effective care for common laboratory animals used in animal research.

🗸 PSLO 8: Provide safe, humane, and effective care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

Career Information

Most veterinary technicians are employed in private practice, but the demand for technicians is rapidly expanding and includes new employment opportunities in human and animal health-related areas and specialties such as biomedical research, military service, food safety inspection, teaching, zoo animal and wildlife care, diagnostic laboratory support, veterinary supply sales, animal control and humane society animal care, and drug and feed company technical service and sales. (source: AVMA.org)