Veterinary Technology

Become a Veterinary Technician or Assistant

At Foothill College, we have career training for both veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. What's the difference between the two programs?

Veterinary Technician

• Admission by application
• Prerequisites of about a year of school
• Accredited by the AVMA-CVTEA
• Earn an Associate in Science degree leading to license

Learn more about the Vet Tech program, including cost of program

Veterinary Assistant

• Open enrollment
• No prerequisites
• No degree or license
• Training not recognized by the AVMA.

Learn more about the Veterinary Assisting program

Career Opportunities

As a veterinary technician, you'll serve primarily as a professional assistant to veterinarians, biomedical researchers, and other scientists, and as such are an integral part of the veterinary health care team.

To work in the field, you must possess a unique combination of knowledge and skill involving basic science, animals, and people.

As the complexity of veterinary medicine increases, and as the public demand for state-of the-art care for their animals increases, the veterinary technician will play an ever increasing role in the delivery of excellent health care for animals.

The greatest demand for veterinary technicians is in a private veterinary practice working along side the veterinarian caring for companion animals. However, the demand for veterinary technicians in other fields is increasing.

Degree & Program Types

Check out this list for a quick view of our veterinary technology programs. For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.

Associate in Science Degree Veterinary Technology

Career Certificate Veterinary Assisting (Online Program)

 

Learn More!

If you are interested in joining this field, learn more about our Vet Tech program at Foothill.