Students completing this certificate will gain an understanding of the day-to-day of veterinary practice and basic skills that will make them valuable as a member of the veterinary medical or support team. Skills acquired will include basic animal handling, restraint, laboratory specimen collection and testing, pharmacy skills, nursing care, and client communication. In addition, students will understand and practice sterility and veterinary medical language. This program will also provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for further veterinary education for students hoping to pursue licensure as a registered veterinary technician or veterinary school.

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge, practical skills and abilities in animal handling, restraint, nursing, and treatment.
• Identify and operate equipment and technology commonly used in the veterinary industry, including microscopes, centrifuges, & refractometers.
• Communicate professionally with clients, members of the veterinary community, and the local community in both written and oral formats.
• Describe and develop an understanding of the veterinary community, careers within the profession of veterinary medicine, and skills required to excel within the community and profession.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be prepared for employment in the following jobs: veterinary receptionist, veterinary assistant, veterinary kennel attendant.

Further clinical hours outside the prescribed curriculum may allow students to sit for approved veterinary assistant (AVA) examination or registered veterinary technician (RVT) examination.

Program Requirements 

Course List

Code	Title	Units
REQUIRED CERTIFICATE COURSES		21
AGMT 108	Ag Business Computer Applications	3
ASCI 001	Introduction to Animal Science	3
ASCI 104	Livestock Disease and Sanitation	3
ASCI 113	Farm Animal Biology	3
ASCI 207	Veterinary Terminology	3
VT 109	Introduction to Veterinary Technology	3
VT 216	Veterinary Office Practices	3
+
RESTRICTED ELECTIVES		3
Select one of the following courses:
ASCI 110	Swine Science	3
ASCI 111	Beef Cattle Science	3
ASCI 112	Small Ruminant Science	3
ASCI 118	Introduction to Dairy Science	3
ASCI 119	Breeding and Selection of Dairy Cattle	3
ASCI 123	Horse Production	3
=
TOTAL		24

The Certificate of Achievement requirements include completion of the certificate courses with a “C” or better grade in each course. Required and support courses may be substituted with the approval of the Agriculture Division Chair.