The School of Veterinary Medicine at U.C., Davis, was ranked second out of 28 veterinary schools in North America by U.S. News & World Report. It is the only school in the University of California system that is authorized to confer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Its courses are divided into programs focusing on animal health, public health and environmental health. Classroom education includes studies in anatomy, medicine and epidemiology, microbiology and immunology, and pathology, among others.
Carrington College California offers associate degrees in veterinary technology at its campuses in Citrus Heights, Pleasant Hill, Pomona, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro and Stockton. The program provides hands-on training and is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Graduates of the program may take the State Board Examination to become a registered veterinary technician (R.V.T.). The Veterinary Technology program prepares students to work in many areas of animal care including surgical nursing, laboratory procedures and office administration. The program consists of classroom instruction, laboratory practice on live animals and animal simulators and clinical experience in the veterinary field.
The SJVC Veterinary Technology program is located in Fresno and offers training in animal patient care, lab tests, radiology procedures and surgical assisting, among others. Graduates of the program receive an Associate of Science degree and are eligible to work as veterinary assistants. Career opportunities are varied and include animal shelters, zoo and wild animal parks, pet nutrition educations and much more. The program also offers students an opportunity to learn through real-world experience by performing externships in animal care environments across California.
The Veterinary Technician Training Program at Western Career College provides practical training to help you start your career as an entry-level skilled employee in the veterinary medical field. The program is available at Western Career College campuses in Citrus Heights, Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro and Stockton. A balance between classroom education and field experience is developed through studies in chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, and clinical rotations and externships. The program aims to equip all graduates with the necessary knowledge to pass the California Registered Veterinary Technician State Board Examination.
The Veterinary Technology program at Foothill College is located in Middlefield and is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. One aspect that makes this program unique is that students learn in an animal facility that is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, meaning that students receive hands-on training while in the classroom. Graduates of the program receive an associate degree and are eligible to be licensed by the State of California as a registered veterinary technician (R.V.T.).
The Veterinary Technician Associate Degree at Penn Foster College can be obtained through online correspondence and is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Students of the program take courses in animal anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition, reproduction, genetics, aging and much more. Some employment opportunities for graduates include employment in private veterinary practices, animal hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and humane societies. Penn Foster provides the tools for distance learning, including books, lessons, equipment, DVDs and anatomy charts as well as support from instructors, and access to an online library and student support services by website, phone and mail.