Registered Veterinary Technology (AS Degree S0105)
Natural Sciences Division
Agricultural Sciences Department
The Registered Veterinary Technology Program, which is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, is designed to enable students to prepare for a career in this essential and diverse profession. The program is unique in that most courses provide hands-on experience designed to give the student a combination of practical skills and technical knowledge. This program is intended to prepare students for entry-level employment following graduation. This degree is designed to prepare students for careers as Registered Veterinary Technicians who will work under the supervision of licensed private organizations including veterinary hospitals, research facilities, animal shelters, and other animal care agencies. Students are expected to have mechanical aptitude and fine motor skills to operate specialized equipment and perform medical procedures. Graduates of the program receive an Associate in Science Degree in Registered Veterinary Technology and are eligible to take the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam) leading to licensure as a Registered Veterinary Technician.
Enrollment in the Mt. San Antonio College Registered Veterinary Technology Program is open to persons regardless of sex, age, marital status, disability, ethnic group, religion, or national origin. Beginning Fall 2026, the RVT Program will use a limited admissions process to align with AVMA recommendations, ensure timely progression, and address program capacity.
Note: Students must provide documentation of up-to-date rabies vaccination series or titer prior to being enrolled, as required by BP & AP 5210 and requirements mandated by American Veterinary Medical Association. The cost for two-dose rabies vaccination is approximately $850-$1,050 (prices are subject to change), and both doses are required. Instructions on submitting documentation are available at https://www.mtsac.edu/vettech/immunizations.html. Additional information available at CDC Information and AVMA policies.
This degree requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:
Required Courses
| Course Prefix | Course Name | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ASCI 1 | Animal Science | 3 |
| ASCI 2 | Animal Nutrition | 3 |
| ASCI 51 | Animal Handling and Restraint 1 | 3 |
| AGHE 60 | Medical Nursing and Animal Care 1 | 4 |
| AGHE 61 | Animal Surgical Nursing 1 | 4 |
| AGHE 62A | Clinical Pathology | 3 |
| AGHE 62B | Clinical Pathology B | 2 |
| AGHE 65 | Veterinary Radiography 1 | 2 |
| AGHE 84B | Applied Animal Health Procedures 1 | 1 |
| AGHE 85 | Seminar in Registered Veterinary Technology | 1 |
| AGHE 90A | Work Experience in Registered Veterinary Technology - Shelter Medicine Rotation 1 | 1 |
| AGHE 90B | Work Experience in Registered Veterinary Technology - Specialty Rotation 1 | 1 |
| AGHE 90C | Work Experience in Registered Veterinary Technology - Small Animal Rotation 1 | 1 |
| AGHE 90D | Work Experience in Registered Veterinary Technology - Emergency Medicine Rotation 1 | 1.5 |
| ASCI 96 | Animal Sanitation and Disease Control | 3 |
| AGHE 54 | Veterinary Office Procedures | 3 |
| AGHE 64 | Veterinary Pharmacology | 3 |
| AGHE 79 | Laboratory Animal Medicine and Care | 3 |
| AGHE 86 | Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals | 4 |
| Choose a minimum of three units from the following list: | 3 | |
| Exotic Animal Management | ||
| Swine Production | ||
| Horse Production and Management | ||
| Sheep Production | ||
| Horse Ranch Management | ||
| Horse Hoof Care | ||
| Beef Production | ||
| Pet Shop Management | ||
| Canine Management | ||
| Feline Management | ||
| Tropical and Coldwater Fish Management | ||
| Reptile Management | ||
| Aviculture - Cage and Aviary Birds | ||
| Animal Breeding | ||
| Total Units | 49.5 | |
- 1
Students must provide documentation of up-to-date rabies vaccination series or titer prior to being enrolled, as required by BP & AP 5210 and requirements mandated by American Veterinary Medical Association. The cost for two-dose rabies vaccination is approximately $850-$1,050 (prices are subject to change), and both doses are required. Instructions on submitting documentation are available at https://www.mtsac.edu/vettech/immunizations.html. Additional information available at CDC information and AVMA accreditation policies.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Be able to successfully perform all of the skills on the AVMA Task List.
- Be able to successfully obtain an entry level position as a veterinary technician.
- Be able to successfully pass the Veterinary Technician's National Exam (VTNE).
Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.
Beginning Fall 2026, admission for new applicants is limited and based on completion of all requirements and date of application.
Formal Admittance Requirements
In addition to meeting Mt. San Antonio College’s academic standards for admission, applicants must be in good standing and satisfy the following requirements:
- Age and Education
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age upon entrance into the Program and must be a high school graduate or equivalent. - College Application
Complete the steps to apply and enroll at Mt. San Antonio College. - Completion of Requirements
Applicants must complete all General Education (GE) and prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C” or better before submitting an RVT Program application. - Counselor Verification
Once requirements are complete, the student meets with a counselor to verify GE and prerequisite completion. The counselor then forwards the student’s application through the college’s electronic system for Program review. - Program Director Verification
Submit Medical Clearance Form – signed by a licensed healthcare provider verifying ability to meet Essential Functions and rabies immunization/titer documentation. - Department Notification
Verified applications are forwarded to the Agricultural Sciences Department Administrative Assistant, who notifies candidates by email. Candidates must confirm acceptance of their placement within 7 calendar days of the email notification to secure their seat.- If a candidate declines or does not respond, the seat is forfeited.
- Waitlist: If no seats are available, eligible candidates are placed on a waitlist in order of completion and will be notified if a spot opens.
- Orientation
All students who accept a seat must attend the mandatory Program Orientation. Failure to attend will result in forfeiture of their position. - Essential Functions
All applicants must meet the Essential Functions for Veterinary Technology Students. The Essential Functions listed are not exhaustive. Additional requirements may apply in specific settings. A full list is available on the Veterinary Technology Program website.
Essential Functions for Veterinary Technology Students
The field of veterinary technology is both intellectually and physically demanding. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensure that qualified applicants have the opportunity to pursue admission. However, all students must be able to perform the essential skills and technical standards required of veterinary technicians. Every student will be held to the same standards, with or without reasonable accommodations.
(AVMA CVTEA Standards 7d, 10e)
General Physical Requirements
Students must be able to:
- Tolerate walking and standing for at least 10 minutes at a time, multiple times per hour (Standard 10e).
- Lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds from floor to waist level or higher, several times per day (Standard 10e).
- Lift objects up to 50 pounds to a height of one meter or higher and carry them a distance of two meters without assistance (Standard 10e).
- Use hands and arms to handle, install, position, and move equipment, supplies, and animals (Standard 10e).
- Safely restrain and handle both small and large animal species (Standard 10e).
- Work in close contact with multiple animal species without restrictions caused by allergies (Standard 5b).
Cognitive Ability
Students must be able to:
- Function effectively under time constraints and make rapid decisions in urgent situations (Standard 10b).
- Assist with and perform routine medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures, including humane euthanasia, in stressful or unpredictable conditions (Standard 10b).
- Access, interpret, and apply information from reference materials, medical records, and digital systems (Standard 10b).
- Prioritize, organize, and manage time effectively (Standard 10b).
- Evaluate, synthesize, and communicate diagnostic information to veterinarians and staff (Standard 10b).
- Progress toward minimal supervision as they advance through the Program (Standard 10e).
Communication Skills
Students must be able to:
- Read, write, speak, and report accurately in English (Standard 10c).
- Comprehend and carry out complex oral and written instructions in English (Standard 10c).
- Communicate effectively in person and by telephone and produce legible written documentation (Standard 10c).
Professionalism and Interpersonal Skills
Students must:
- Demonstrate professional, ethical, and socially appropriate behavior (Standard 8c).
- Maintain personal grooming and cleanliness consistent with close human and animal contact (Standard 8c).
- Interact appropriately with clients, peers, and members of the veterinary healthcare team (Standard 8c).
- Exercise sound judgment and make appropriate decisions under stressful or emergent conditions (Standard 8c).
Manual Dexterity and Mobility
Students must be able to:
- Move their entire body a distance of three meters within two seconds to avoid danger (Standard 10e).
- Manipulate small instruments, syringes, and surgical tools with precision (Standard 10e).
- Perform palpation, administer medications, insert/remove tubes, collect samples, and provide wound care (Standard 10e).
- Interpret physical findings and respond appropriately (Standard 10e).
- Assist in surgical procedures by properly holding and using instruments (Standard 10e).
Auditory, Olfactory, and Visual Skills
Students must be able to:
- Distinguish small details, color variations, and body fluid characteristics (Standard 10e).
- Recognize physical status and behavior of animals from varying distances (Standard 10e).
- Hear and respond to health status indicators and equipment alarms (Standard 10e).
- Detect odors relevant to safety and patient care (Standard 10e).
- Use microscopes effectively and differentiate stained objects (Standard 10e).
- Observe animal movement and detect subtle physical changes (Standard 10e).
- Localize sound sources and perceive natural or amplified voices (Standard 10e).
Reasonable Disability Accommodations
Requests for accommodations must be initiated by the student and supported by documentation from licensed professionals. Accommodations must not compromise safety, curriculum integrity, or create undue hardship for the College (Standard 7d). Examples include:
- Amplified stethoscope
- Portable speech amplifier
- Hearing aids or clear surgical masks
- Magnifying headsets or microscope monitors
- Non-allergenic gloves
English Language Skills
Although English proficiency is not a criterion for admission, students must be able to speak, read, and write in English to ensure patient safety and successfully complete program requirements.
9. Other Requirements
- Medical Clearance Form – signed by a licensed healthcare provider verifying the ability to meet Essential Functions. Rabies vaccination/titer documentation must be submitted via the online portal (Immunizations page). The Medical Clearance Form is available on the Veterinary Technology Program website.
- A background check and/or drug screening may be required prior to clinical placement. Results are reviewed by the California Veterinary Medical Board (per Business and Professions Code §§475–499) and may affect licensure eligibility.
- Rabies Immunization or Titer – documentation of an up-to-date two-dose rabies vaccination series or titer is required prior to enrollment (BP & AP 5210; AVMA policy). Estimated cost: $850–$1,050 (subject to change).
- Instructions for submitting documentation: RVT Rabies Immunization Page
- Additional information: CDC Rabies Guidance | AVMA Accreditation Policies
A.S. Degree Requirement
All students must complete the required major courses and all general education requirements necessary to earn the Associate in Science degree before a Certificate of Completion in Registered Veterinary Technology will be issued.
An Associate in Science in Registered Veterinary Technology is required to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
Special Information
To remain in the program, students must maintain a grade of "C" or better in all courses.
Selection Procedure
Beginning Fall 2026, admission is limited and based on completion of all requirements and date of application. When possible, applicants will be notified of admission decisions at least one month before the Program start date.
Re-admission Policy
Students who are dropped, fail, or withdraw from the Program may request re-admission one time only.
- Re-entry: Students may re-enter in the same semester where enrollment ended, provided they complete a new physical exam to demonstrate cognitive and psychomotor readiness.
- Restart: Students may restart the Program form the beginning in a future cohort.
- Conditions: All re-admission requests require a remediation plan developed with the Program Director and are subject to space availability.
Students dismissed for violations of the College’s Standards of Conduct (BP 5500), the NAVTA Code of Ethics, or the Veterinary Technician Oath are not eligible for re-admission.
This policy supports student progression and compliance with AVMA CVTEA Standards.
Regarding Licensure
The California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) regulates licensure for Registered Veterinary Technicians. The VMB’s mission is to protect consumers and animals by regulating licensees, promoting professional standards, and enforcing the California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act.
- The VMB licenses veterinarians, RVTs, veterinary assistant controlled substances permit holders (VACSPs), and veterinary premises.
- The VMB may deny applications if an applicant has been found guilty of dishonesty, fraud, felony child abuse, sex offender crimes, narcotics or dangerous drugs violations, assault, battery, or other serious crimes.
- Applicants with questions about licensure limitations should contact the VMB at (916) 515-5220 or visit www.vmb.ca.gov.
Accreditation
The Registered Veterinary Technology Program is accredited by:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA)
1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360
Phone: 800-248-2862
AVMA Accreditation for Veterinary Technicians
