About the Program
Put your passion for animals into practice by working side-by-side with veterinarians, helping with surgeries and taking x-rays of animals big and small. These dreams come true here, at the only school on the West Coast with a 4-year Veterinary Technician program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Graduate prepared to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in order to become a licensed registered veterinary technologist (RVTg).
The Polytechnic Experience
Learn hands-on with animals ranging from pets to horses and livestock on our 1,500-acre campus or shadow veterinary professionals off-campus in vet clinics and hospitals. Keep animals healthy and happy by performing dental exams and administering vaccines. Teach the community about animals, from life cycles to nutritional care and beyond, to reinforce your knowledge and explore what’s possible with your degree.
Career Outcomes
Courses
The Animal Health Science program is a four-year curriculum, which is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). You will choose a business or science emphasis for your major. Coursework includes biology, chemistry, animal anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition, reproduction and computer training with specialized training in radiography, pharmacology, anesthesiology and surgical assisting. The care, nutritional requirements and diseases of companion animals and food animals is covered as well as the care and management of laboratory animals, exotics and animal facilities.
Veterinary Technician National Exam Passing Rates
Effective March 1, 2014, all veterinary technician applicants are required to take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) to be licensed in the state of California. In April 2019, the California Veterinary Medical Board discontinued the California State RVT exam as a requirement for licensure.
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Exam Data |
July 15, 2022- |
|---|---|
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Number of first-time candidates that have taken the VTNE |
41 |
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Three-Year VTNE Pass Percentage (%) |
90% |
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Three-Year VTNE Pass Percentage (%) National Average |
68% |
Featured Faculty
"I grew up in Seoul, Korea and earned my degree in animal nutrition ... I teach classes including animal nutrition, animal physiology, endocrinology and animal genetics, as well as graduate courses."Hyungchul Han Associate Professor and Chair of Department of Animal & Veterinary Science
What's the Difference?
Animal Science vs. Animal Health Science
The Don B. Huntley College of Agriculture offers both Animal Science and Animal Health Science as separate degrees. Each degree has advantages for different careers within the animal care industry. If you’re not sure which is right for you, we’ll explain the difference.
