What is a Registered Veterinary Technician?
A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is an individual that has completed an accredited two or four year program in veterinary technology and has passed a state board examination. An RVT plays an important role on the veterinary team by assisting veterinarians in the care and health of animals. Job responsibilities range from technical duties such as nursing care, collection and processing of lab samples, induction and monitoring anesthesia, and radiography, to managerial duties such as ordering and inventory, personnel management, record keeping and client education. There are many different employment opportunities available to an RVT. These include small animal hospitals, equine hospitals, specialty practices, zoos, biomedical research facilities, business and industry, and many others. Currently, the veterinary profession is experiencing a tremendous shortage of RVT's. The job market is wide open, even for new graduates.
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of PageHow long does it take to get a degree in Veterinary Technology?
The Veterinary Technology degree was originally designed as a two year program. However, very few people can actually finish all the course work in only two years. Most students require anywhere from four to twelve or more semesters to finish, depending on how many units they can take per semester. Outside obligations such as work, family, and finances, just to mention a few, play heavily in your decision of how many units to take. Another important consideration is how many applicable units you have from another two or four year college. It is always advisable to check with the Graduation Office to find out if previous college work may be applied towards your degree in veterinary technology. And, don't forget, that for every hour you spend in class learning, you must plan to spend an hour out of class studying.
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of PageHow much will my education cost?
If you have been a California resident for 1 year, your tuition will cost $13.00 per unit. If you have not established residency by the time you are ready to take classes, then your tuition will cost $110.00 per unit. Books generally run about $150.00 - $300.00 per semester, and lab fees may cost up to $50.00 per lab class. The senior veterinary technology classes ("AG 400" classes) require special uniforms and equipment which is the student's responsibility to obtain. Despite all these fees, community college remains one of California's best educational buys. And, there are numerous scholarships, grants and loans available from the Financial Aid Office.
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of PageI haven't been to school in many years, will I be at a disadvantage?
Our typical student is a 30 something year old female who has been away from school for ten years. Many of these returning students are displaced homemakers or workers, or people who have been working jobs that they hate, and want to finally do something that they feel is worthwhile. Coming back to college level classes after a long hiatus can indeed be difficult at first, but most students are highly motivated to succeed, and are willing to do what it takes to get good grades. Pierce College provides an excellent support system for returning students in the form of writing and math labs, tutorial centers, discussion groups, child care, financial help and academic counseling.
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of PageAre any of the Veterinary Technology classes offered at night?
Many of the classes required for the degree are offered at night, such as English, Math and other general education classes. However, only a small number of AG classes are offered at night, and may not be offered each semester as a night class. In addition, the advanced veterinary technology classes are only offered during the day, and not every semester. Many of our students are able to maintain a full time school load (12 units or more) and work at least 20 -30 hours. However, it takes time and forethought to coordinate school, work and family schedules.
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of PageDoes Pierce offer classes in the summer?
Yes, but the schedule is significantly reduced during the summer semester. Most of the classes offered are high demand classes, such as Math, English, Biology, etc., and are often difficult for new students to enroll in. The only agriculture classes available during the summer are work experience or project classes.
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of PageIn what sequence should I take the course work? Do I have to start in the Fall semester?
The veterinary technology program is designed to accommodate the needs of the students without compromising the integrity of the degree. You may start your classes in any semester, but there are a few prerequisites that must be completed before you will be allowed to take advanced veterinary technology classes. The brochure (and this website) will help to explain these prerequisites, or an appointment can be made with a faculty member to help you plan your academic schedule.
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of PageIs there a specific cutoff date by which Pierce must receive my application to the vet tech program?
Applications for the advanced classes of the RVT program must be received before the last day of instruction of the semester prior to when you intend to begin. For example, if you are ready to take advanced classes in the fall semester, your application should be in by the last day of instruction of the previous spring semester.
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of PageIs it difficult to get into the program? Are there a limited number of slots per year?
Anyone can begin the program by applying to Pierce College and taking prerequisite and general education courses. The prerequisite coursework is rigorous, and includes higher math and science. Students must sucessfully complete all the prerequisite classes before they can apply to take advanced coursework. The program will accept up to 15 new students per semester for advanced coursework.
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of PageIs there only one start time per year for new vet tech students or are there multipe entry points per year?
Students may start the program in any semester. Bear in mind that some classes are sequential, like math, chemistry and microbiology, or Clinical Procedures I and II.
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of PageWhat happens after I graduate?
After you have finished all the necessary course work to obtain your AS degree in veterinary technology, you must apply to the State Board to sit for the state board exam. This test is offered twice a year, usually in August and March. Once you pass this exam, you then become a Registered Veterinary Technician in the state of California. As such you will have fulfilled all the educational, practical and legal requirements to find employment in a variety of professional venues.
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of PageWhat will I do as a Veterinary Technician?
A veterinary technician is knowledgeable in the care and handling of animals, in the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in routine laboratory and clinical procedures. The technician is primarily an assistant to veterinarians, biological research workers, and other scientists.
As an AVMA accredited veterinary technician assisting a practicing veterinarian, you might:
- Obtain and record information about cases.
- Prepare patients, instruments, and equipment for surgery.
- Collect specimens and perform certain laboratory procedures.
- Dress wounds.
- Assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures.
- Expose and develop diagnostic radiographs.
- Communicate with animal owners.
In general, the duties of a veterinary technician in a veterinary practice may include any part of the practice that does not involve diagnosis, prescription, surgery, or any activities prohibited by the veterinary practice act of the state in which a technician is employed. All functions of a veterinary technician are performed under the supervision of a veterinarian.
The first job for about 85% of graduate veterinary technicians is in private practice, with companion animal practice leading the list. However, the demand for veterinary technicians in other fields is rapidly growing. Opportunities exist in the following areas:
- Teaching
- Military Service
- Humane Societies
- Herd Health Managers
- Industry
- Biomedical Research
- Diagnostic Laboratories
- Zoo/Wildlife Medicine
- Veterinary Supplies Sale
In these fields your responsibilities might include:
- Record keeping.
- Animal care and feeding.
- Laboratory procedures.
- Equipment and product maintenance.
- Product or carcass inspection.
These tasks would be performed under the supervision of a scientist or a senior technologist.
College placement officers can help you find job opportunities, prepare your resume, and schedule intervies with prospective employers.
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