Degrees & Certificates

Upon completion of the two-year Veterinary Technology Program at Yuba College and the additional general education classes, students will receive an Associate of Science degree in Veterinary Technology.

A Registered Veterinary Technician is a licensed individual who provides assistance to veterinarians in primary animal care, surgical nursing, anesthesiology, radiology, and nursing. Registered Veterinary Technicians are able to use their knowledge, skills and abilities to advance the cause of excellent medicine for animals of all species in a variety of settings. Employment is available in small animal hospitals, equine specialty practices, shelter management, education, research, wildlife and laboratory animal facilities.

A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) has completed a two-year program of study at an AVMA Accredited school, passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and received licensure from the California Veterinary Medical Board.

The Yuba College Veterinary Technology Program is a two-year program of study designed to prepare the student for the licensing exam. The Yuba College Veterinary Technology Program is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Acceptance into this program is gained by completion of program prerequisites and submission of a complete application packet. Please refer to the How to Enroll section of this website.

Certificate Objectives:

The Veterinary Assistant course of study is a fully online Certificate of Achievement that provides the course work, direction and work experience necessary to prepare students or augment existing skills to develop knowledge and self confidence working with animals as a veterinary assistant, receptionist, pet shop, kennel, animal control or animal shelter worker. Students learn effective communication techniques, veterinary terminology, procedures for medical records and admitting/discharging patients, animal behavior basics, inventory and ordering techniques, how to deal with difficult clients, book keeping skills, animal restraint, animal grooming, veterinary record keeping, administration of medication and medical assisting.

Valuable members of the veterinary medical team, the veterinary assistant works under the supervision of the Registered Veterinary Technician and veterinarian to facilitate the delivery of quality medical care to their animal patients. Students will learn via the Internet, on-line discussion groups, videotaped presentations and textbooks. This convenient distance learning program is ideal for the working professional and allows for more flexibility than a traditional college curriculum and is designed to allow students to complete the Certificate of Achievement in just one year. In addition to providing the necessary information to upgrade current job skills for those already employed in veterinary facilities, this course of study also provides an excellent preparation for the individual interested in applying to the Yuba College Veterinary Technology Program.

Gainful Employment

The cost for any of our certificate programs is the current cost of tuition at a California Community College. The cost for textbooks is variable, depending upon the class(es) taken; many books may be rented or purchased used. The length of time needed to complete the certificate will depend upon how many courses the student takes each semester. All certificates can be completed in one calendar year.

For questions or enrollment information please contact Certificate Coordinator: