1. Veterinary Technology
Pierce College
Veterinary Technology
And
PRE-VETERINARY
Programs
Pierce College offers two separate A.S. degrees in Veterinary Science: Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Technology. These majors have different end points and the student must carefully consider which degree best suits their career goal.
The Veterinary Technology major prepares students to take the California State Board Examination to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. (RVT) Students who successfully complete an A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology also have the option of transferring to Cal Poly Pomona to obtain a B.S. in Veterinary Technology. Additionally, Pierce college offers academic training for individuals who qualify for R.V.T. certification under the Alternate Route category.
The Veterinary Technology Program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. It has been at Pierce College since 1972 and has evolved to meet the changing needs of veterinary medicine. The Veterinary Technology Program is well-equipped for this specialized education with the equivalent of a small veterinary teaching clinic on the premises. The program is experience oriented, with lecture classes complementing hands-on laboratory work. The practical and theoretical knowledge gained enables students to pass the State Board Exam and is directly applicable to employment in veterinary settings.
Pierce College’s Pre-veterinary program prepares students for direct transfer into a graduate school of Veterinary Medicine saving 2 years of college!

2. Pierce College Registered Veterinary Technician Program
Registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) are educated and trained professionals who practice animal health care alongside veterinarians and scientists. By performing diagnostic procedures, administering treatments and monitoring patients, the RVT allows the veterinarian to provide a higher level of care to all animals. This growing profession offers challenging careers for motivated individuals with an interest in animal medicine and welfare.

3. RVT Coursework Examples of These Include: Small Animal Nursing I & II
Clinical Procedures I & II
Veterinary Clinical Pathology
Topics in Veterinary Technology
Veterinary Radiology
Clinical Experience for Veterinary Technicians
Laboratory Animal Care
Large Animal Nursing
Statistically, most RVTs are employed in private veterinary practices that provide services for companion animals. These individuals work primarily with dogs and cats, but also care for birds, rabbits, and other small animals. The RVT's responsibilities are challenging and varied. They include: critical care nursing, administering medications to patients, applying bandages and splints, collecting and analyzing laboratory samples, producing radiographs, inducing and monitoring anesthesia, providing dental care and assisting in surgery. RVTs are actively involved in counseling clients about health care, nutrition, and the human animal bond.

4. Hands on Training Examples Include: Dental Prophylaxis and Extraction
Anesthetic Protocols, Induction, and Monitoring
Surgical Nursing, Including Instrumentation, Suturing Techniques and Application of Casts and Splints
Radiography and Radiation Safety
Diseases and Nursing of Animals, Including Zoonotic Diseases and Emergency Veterinary Care
RVTs are employed by equine practitioners and provide many of the same medical services for horses that are received by small animals. These individuals often work outdoors, as many of the diagnostic procedures and treatments are administered in the field. More involved treatments and surgeries occur at large, modern equine hospitals. Some RVTs work at racetracks, endurance rides and other equine events.

5. The Pierce College Registered Veterinary Technology Program
Accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association
The program is well equipped for this specialized education with the equivalent of a small veterinary teaching clinic on the premises
The program is experience oriented, with lecture classes complementing hands-on laboratory work
RVTs employed in zoos may work as keepers or assist in medical facilities and nurseries. RVTs may be utilized as research technicians in wildlife breeding centers or natural habitats. Wildlife education and rehabilitation is also an important aspect of this field. This career offers the chance to develop specialized skills and interact with rare and beautiful creatures.

6. Small Animal Medicine
Statistically, most RVTs are employed in private veterinary practices that provide services for companion animals. These individuals work primarily with dogs and cats, but also care for birds, rabbits, and other small animals. The RVT's responsibilities are challenging and varied. They include: critical care nursing, administering medications to patients, applying bandages and splints, collecting and analyzing laboratory samples, producing radiographs, inducing and monitoring anesthesia, providing dental care and assisting in surgery. RVTs are actively involved in counseling clients about health care, nutrition, and the human animal bond.

7. Equine Medicine
RVTs are employed by equine practitioners and provide many of the same medical services for horses that are received by small animals. These individuals often work outdoors, as many of the diagnostic procedures and treatments are administered in the field. More involved treatments and surgeries occur at large, modern equine hospitals. Some RVTs work at racetracks, endurance rides and other equine events.

8. Zoo and/or Wildlife Medicine
RVTs employed in zoos may work as keepers or assist in medical facilities and nurseries. RVTs may be utilized as research technicians in wildlife breeding centers or natural habitats. Wildlife education and rehabilitation is also an important aspect of this field. This career offers the chance to develop specialized skills and interact with rare and beautiful creatures.

9. The Pierce College Farm
Pierce College's Agriculture Department sits on a 200-acre working farm in the middle of a metropolitan area.  Our faculty and staff provide hands-on training to our students.  Each and every student is expected to complete a diversified work experience in food animal, equine, small animal and research animal medicine.  Local veterinary hospitals and clinics have traditionally provided additional training while our students complete their degree. 

10. Veterinary practices that serve farms and ranches employ technicians to collect laboratory samples and administer vaccines for food animal species such as cattle, swine and sheep. RVTs with specialized training are in high demand by the dairy and beef industries to assist with herd health and artificial insemination.

11. Goat quintuplets born April 7, 2010

12. Student Clubs RVT Club: Tuesdays 3:00 - 4:00 pm / AG 4100
Pre-Veterinary Club:
Tuesdays 5:30pm-6:30pm / AG 4100

13. For More Information Please Contact:
Ms. Liz White, RVT Program Director
Dr. Leland Shapiro, Pre-Veterinary Science Program Director