Veterinary Technology

• Description: Provides enrichment of the core curriculum of the Veterinary Technology Program. Students will participate in a service learning activity of their choosing within the veterinary field. Students will have lectures on service learning activities and opportunities. Students will explore different ways of being leaders, in preparation for success in a professional environment. Students will reflect over their school year and create summer study guides to increase student success. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:1 hours lecture per week. (12 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Provides enrichment of the core curriculum of the Veterinary Technology Program. Content consists of relevant topics related to concurrent coursework. Lectures, lecture-demonstrations, multimedia presentations, live demonstrations, or hands-on workshops presented on a weekly basis. Students will identify the path that their career will take them and will research what avenues they should take to get there. Students will also work in group settings to further strengthen their interpersonal communication skills. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:1 hours lecture per week. (12 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Introduction to principles of husbandry and veterinary nursing care of common domestic large animal species. The economics of production medicine will be stressed. Breed identification. Common diseases as relate to husbandry. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite: V T 54A.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:2 hours lecture per week. (24 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Basic understanding of the care, husbandry, clinical procedures, and medical concerns of rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, chinchillas, small rodents, birds, snakes, lizards, turtles. Emphasis on clinically relevant materials and activities. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite: V T 54B.
• Advisory: One of the following: ENGL 1A, 1AH, or 1S 1T or equivalent.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:2 hours lecture per week. (24 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Veterinary Assisting or Veterinary Technology beyond the classroom by working in a clinical setting to achieve specific goals agreed upon by the student, Foothill faculty, and internship supervisor. The student is required to contract with the Foothill faculty to determine the scope of assignment. This course offers the student credit for 3 hours of work in a veterinary practice setting, under supervision of a veterinarian or RVT. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
• Advisory: Student should have completed at least one quarter of the Veterinary Technology program, or V T 52A and 52B online, and have the permission of the faculty instructor.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:3 hours lab per week. (36 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Veterinary Assisting or Veterinary Technology beyond the classroom by working in a clinical setting to achieve specific goals agreed upon by the student, Foothill faculty, and internship supervisor. The student is required to contract with the Foothill faculty to determine the scope of assignment. This course offers the student credit for 6 hours of work in a veterinary practice setting, under supervision of a veterinarian or RVT. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
• Advisory: Student should have completed at least one quarter of the Veterinary Technology program, or V T 52A and 52B online, and have the permission of the faculty instructor.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:6 hours lab per week. (72 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Veterinary Assisting or Veterinary Technology beyond the classroom by working in a clinical setting to achieve specific goals agreed upon by the student, Foothill faculty, and internship supervisor. The student is required to contract with the Foothill faculty to determine the scope of assignment. This course offers the student credit for 9 hours of work in a veterinary practice setting, under supervision of a veterinarian or RVT. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
• Advisory: Student should have completed at least one quarter of the Veterinary Technology program, or V T 52A and 52B online, and have the permission of the faculty instructor.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:9 hours lab per week. (108 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Veterinary Assisting or Veterinary Technology beyond the classroom by working in a clinical setting to achieve specific goals agreed upon by the student, Foothill faculty, and internship supervisor. The student is required to contract with the Foothill faculty to determine the scope of assignment. This course offers the student credit for 12 hours of work in a veterinary practice setting, under supervision of a veterinarian or RVT. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
• Advisory: Student should have completed at least one quarter of the Veterinary Technology program, or V T 52A and 52B online, and have the permission of the faculty instructor.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:12 hours lab per week. (144 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Third in a series of courses on animal care and handling. Focus on large animal species evaluation and nursing care. Physical examination, common procedures, and specialized equipment. Restraint, behavior, and handling of large domestic animals. Opportunity to perform skills on live animals during field trips and on campus. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite: V T 75B.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:3 hours lab per week. (36 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Fundamental studies of laboratory techniques and procedures involved in evaluating veterinary clinical samples. Areas of study include hematology, urinalysis, coagulation assessment, blood biochemistry and immunological testing, serology, clinical parasitology, and cytology. The veterinary technician's role in sample collection, sample storage and handling, and performance of analytic procedures will be emphasized. Skills are developed in the use of laboratory equipment, laboratory safety and management, and quality control and quality assurance. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite: BIOL 41.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:4 hours lecture per week, 3 hours lab per week. (84 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Principles and practice of veterinary anesthesia for the veterinary technician. Anatomy and physiology of the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems relevant to anesthesia. Pharmacology, indications, contraindications and adverse effects of common pre-anesthetic and anesthetic agents. The veterinary technician's role in patient assessment, preparation, induction, monitoring, maintenance, and recovery of anesthesia. Sedation, analgesia, general anesthesia, and local anesthesia techniques will be discussed. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program, or by special permission of the instructor.
• Prerequisite: V T 83; students may also satisfy the prerequisite with at least three years of experience in a veterinary clinic or laboratory animal setting, and/or a RVT or LAT or higher.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:4 hours lecture per week. (48 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: The veterinary technician's role in patient assessment, preparation, induction, monitoring, maintenance, and recovery of anesthesia. Sedation, analgesia, general anesthesia, and local anesthesia techniques will be practiced and/or demonstrated. Practical applications of pharmacology, including indications, contraindications and effects of common pre-anesthetic and anesthetic agents. Skills pertaining to anesthesia will be practiced. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisites: V T 58L, and
  discussion and demonstration of ability to set up an anesthesia machine.
• Corequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in V T 84.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:6 hours lab per week. (72 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Study of the husbandry, management, and nursing care of rabbits and rodents kept as both research and companion animals. Orientation to the humane and ethical use of animals in research. Discussion of the veterinary technician as an animal advocate and nurse in a biomedical research animal facility. Regulations affecting the use of animals in research are discussed. Proper methods of restraint and handling; husbandry and housing; feeding and nutrition; medical and surgical nursing techniques for the common species of laboratory animals. Introduction to diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and common diseases of laboratory animals. Appropriate anesthesia, analgesia and euthanasia methods will be discussed. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite: V T 55.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:4 hours lecture per week. (48 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Formal, structured off-campus clinical experience in licensed veterinary facilities, which serve as a means of instructing the student in practical, hands-on, clinical skills in all aspects of veterinary assisting as specified by the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators. The student is under the direct supervision of one or more licensed veterinarians and/or credentialed veterinary technicians. The site of the preceptorship is approved by the Veterinary Technology Program, in consultation with the student and the veterinary professionals. Opportunity for learning and practical application of the knowledge, skills and attitudes required of a veterinary assistant. Exposure to varied methodologies and practice philosophies in a variety of clinical settings. Emphasis is on the role of the veterinary assistant in the veterinary health care team.
• Prerequisites: V T 52A and 52B.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:7.5 hours lab per week (This is a clinical laboratory course.). (90 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Off-campus practical clinical work experience in veterinary facilities supervised by licensed veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians. Integration into a veterinary health care team and exposure to varied methodologies and practice philosophies in a variety of clinical settings. Practical application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired in the first year program course work: clinical application of anatomy and physiology; medical terminology and medical math; chemistry and microbiology; interpersonal skills and office practices. Supervised hands-on training in basic medical and surgical nursing. Opportunity to practice and attain entry-level competency in essential clinical skills. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisites: V T 55 and 56.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:10 hours lab per week (This is a clinical laboratory course.). (120 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Off-campus practical clinical work experience in veterinary facilities supervised by licensed veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians. High-level practical application of knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired in the concurrent second year program course work. In addition to competently performing all essential clinical skills and duties delegated to the veterinary technician, the student will begin to take responsibility for client education, development of patient care plans, providing nursing care to critical care and emergency patients, performing advanced sampling techniques, conducting special diagnostic studies and performing more complex therapeutics. This course meets the 115 hours of practical work experience in a veterinary medical clinical setting required for the students. Intended for students in the last quarter of the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite: V T 92.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:10 hours lab per week (This is a clinical laboratory course.). (120 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Review of AVMA domains in preparation for the Veterinary Technician National Examination. Guided review and discussion of exam application process. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours:2 hours lecture per week. (24 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).