Veterinary Technology: Prospective Students FAQs

A: If possible, getting your pre-requisites completed would be of tremendous benefit. This includes - Chemistry V20/L, Math V44, and Biology V01/L.  Many students find that it helps to get these courses finished prior to starting the program so they can focus their efforts on the vet tech courses.  It is however, not required that you complete these pre-requisites prior to entry into the program. Please note that you must pass all pre-requisite courses with a “C” grade or better by the end of the first year of the program or you will not be allowed entry into second year of courses or the Associate’s Degree program.

A: This program is academically challenging, but it is also very exciting and engaging.  The typical semester course load is 12-15 units – which is extensive considering the majority of courses are science based. There is a lot of information presented in each course where good study habits and work ethic are essential.

A:  Yes, all students admitted to the program are guaranteed enrollment into the required vet tech courses each semester.

A:  Application to for entry to the Veterinary Technology program opens early in the spring semester.  All prospective students must attend a mandatory information session in order to apply.  Information sessions are recorded if you are unable to attend in person.  At these sessions the program faculty and administration present important detailed information about the program curriculum and application requirements.  Requirements for entry into the Vet Tech program include a High School Diploma and admission to Ventura College.  In addition, all prospective students must attend an academic counseling session with one of our program counselors.  After the application deadline has passed, admission into the program is based on a random lottery system up to 30 in the cohort.  Students that do not gain entry through the initial lottery will be placed on the wait list. Late applications will be accepted with those prospective students added to the wait list.

A:  A cohort is a group of students that advance through the duration of the program all together.  Each fall semester a new cohort starts with anticipation that they will all graduate together at the completion of the program. The small class size of no more than 30 students per cohort allows students to build lasting friendships as they work together and lean on each other.  In addition, the faculty to student ratio is 1:8 when working with animals which promotes safety and allows student individualized attention from faculty.

No, you do not need extensive experience working with animals or working in the veterinary field to apply to the Veterinary Technology program. It is, however, beneficial if you have experience – even volunteer work – working with animals in some capacity. There is now the requirement of an 8 hour observation period at a Veterinary Hospital in which you spend time with a practice to observe what happens during a typical day to ensure you have a basic understanding of the field of Veterinary Medicine.

A: This program covers an introduction to veterinary nursing care for domestic animal species such as dogs, cats, rabbits, small mammals (guinea pigs, rats), cows, horses, small ruminants (goats/sheep), Laminoids (Alpacas), and exotic pet species such as reptiles and birds.  This program is not geared toward wildlife management or conservation.  You will work hands-on with all of the above-mentioned species.

A: The program is located at Ventura College’s East Campus in Santa Paula.  For some live animal lab courses, students are required to take field trips to local area shelters, ranches, and farms. Transportation is not provided to or from east campus to field trip locations but students can arrange to carpool with each other.

A: Prior to the start of classes in the fall semester, all program students are required to attend a mandatory welcome orientation the week prior to the start of classes.  In addition, by that time, all students are required to complete mandatory health screenings – including getting a physical exam, a TB test, and updating required vaccinations. Failure to either attend the mandatory orientation or complete the health screenings may result being dropped from the program. If you are unable to attend the mandatory orientation and/or complete the health screening on time, we expect that you will notify the program faculty with as much advanced notice as possible.  We hold students responsible to communicate with program faculty in a timely and professional manner.

A: It depends on how comfortable you are with balancing work and a full academic course load.  The typical semester course load is 12-15 units.  This program is academically challenging and requires a significant amount of time dedicated to attending classes, studying, and completing assignments.  There are many vet tech students that work during the school year but typically only on a part-time basis.

A:  At its November 3-6, 2022 meeting, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) granted initial accreditation to the Ventura College veterinary technology program.  The accreditation is effective on August 25, 2022. 

The CVTEA requires that program graduates demonstrate competency in over 300 essential skills and that programs produce practice-ready graduates.  The accreditation of the Ventura College veterinary technology program is a recognition of the program's rigor.  Furthermore, it will allow graduates to be able to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam. 

A:  No, this program is specifically for students wishing to become Registered Veterinary Technicians. It is not intended for students that wish pursue a career as a Veterinarian. For more information about undergraduate course work needed to prepare for Veterinary school, please contact the counseling department. Additional information about a career as a Veterinarian and Veterinary School can be found at https://www.aavmc.org/becoming-a-veterinarian/, https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/admissions/so-you-want-be-veterinarian, and https://iwanttobeaveterinarian.org/