SJVC Ontario Now Offering Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology

We are proud to announce that SJVC Ontario campus is now offering an Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology. The Veterinary Technology program at SJVC Ontario will provide students will hands-on training and the opportunity to participate in externship rotations within various animal care environments to give students real-world experience.

“We are pleased to see the successful Veterinary Technology program expand beyond the SJVC Fresno campus,” said Campus President at SJVC Ontario, Shannon Koh. “In offering the program to the SJVC Ontario campus, we will be in a better position to help our local community embrace the opportunities of a growing veterinary field,” added Koh. “We are serving and supporting these communities by helping them meet the demand for well-educated veterinary assistants and various veterinary professionals.”

As part of the program students will learn how to successfully implement anesthetic plans to facilitate diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical procedures. They will also be able to perform laboratory tests and procedures as well as calculate dosages, prepare, and dispense medications in compliance with a veterinarian’s orders. Students will learn how to apply the concepts of animal care and nursing while evaluating patients who may require urgent or emergency care. Soft skills relating to concepts of communication, critical analysis, ethical behavior, and appropriate interpersonal interaction to various situations will also be taught as part of the program.

“Veterinary technicians play an important role on every veterinary healthcare team. They are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices and are vital to preserving animal health and welfare,” said Koh. “At SJVC Ontario we recognize the value of credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants to help alleviate everything from client wait times to doctor workloads, which in turn, helps veterinarians and their hospitals provide the best results,” added Koh.

Graduates of the Veterinary Technology program earn an Associate of Science degree and are immediately eligible to work as a veterinary assistant. This program holds full accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), qualifying students to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) after graduation. Upon successful completion of the VTNE, graduates are eligible to obtain state licensure and work as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams and be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.

The employment of veterinary technicians is expected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment is expected to grow as veterinarians continue to use technicians and technologists to do general care and lab work on household pets.

Learn more about SJVC’s Veterinary Technology program at SJVC Ontario.