What is a Registered Veterinary Technician? An individual who has graduated from an AVMA accredited program in Veterinary Technology AND… has passed the state licensing exam given by the Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine

What does an RVT do? The RVT provides assistance to veterinarians in primary animal care and also provides client education on general pet care to the public An RVT can do anything within the veterinary setting that the veterinarian does except prescribe medication, diagnose illness, and perform surgery

For example…  Surgical assisting  Anesthesia  X-rays  Laboratory work  Medical nursing  Dentistry  Physical therapy  Client education  And so on…

Surgical Nursing The students are responsible for all the pre- and post- operative care of the animals seen in our labs.

Anesthesiology

Radiology Taking and developing diagnostic quality radiographs are essential skills the RVT must possess.

Clinical Pathology Complete blood counts are performed on all surgical patients seen in our lab.

Pre-operative and diagnostic blood testing IDEXX blood chemistry analyzer used to determine the chemical constituents of a patient’s blood. – Example: cholesterol

Endoscopy A technique that allows the trained individual to visualize a patient’s internal structures WITHOUT surgery.

What is the work environment like? Veterinary Hospitals Research Education Industry Military Wildlife E M E R G E N C Y V E T S Main Meet the Vets Study the Cases Watch the Action Fan Forum Send Vets on TV ANIMAL PLANET Show the world your love for animals with this great Animal Planet T-Shirt. MainStudy the Cases Watch the ActionFan Forum Send Vets on TV ANIMAL PLANET Animal Planet T-Shirt Pictures: DCI | Copyright © 2000 Discovery Communications Inc. Copyright ©

How much does the career pay? State and National Wages % 25% Median 75% 90% United States Yearly$17,600 $20,700 $25,400 $31,100 $35,300 California Yearly$21,200$25,200 $30,300 $35,400 $42,500 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey;Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey California Employment Development Department, Labor Market Information

Do I really need that license??? Four tasks are set aside specifically for the California RVT: – Suturing of existing skin incisions – Application of casts and splints – Dental extractions – Anesthesia induction by inhalation or IV injection – Job versus Career “Job” versus “Career’”

Can I specialize? Yes! Two areas of specialty have been recognized for the RVT and after obtaining the veterinary technology license the individual may then pursue specialized training by contacting these two organizations. More specialty areas are being developed. – Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists. – Academy of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Technicians.

What kind of preparation do I need? You will need a high school diploma and an enthusiasm for working with animals. Complete an AVMA approved veterinary technician training program. Pass the state licensing exam. Points to ponder: Can you handle math and science? Do you like medicine?

OK, I’m sold…what do I do now?

Enroll at Yuba College The Yuba College Veterinary Technology Program is a two year program that will teach you the concepts and skills needed to become a registered veterinary technician

Math and Science Division Building 800 We’re back by the library, football field and gym.

Yuba College Veterinary Technology Program Classroom, room 810 – Office, room 817A This is where all the really cool stuff goes on such as…

A surgery taking place in the classroom surgical suite.

Our x-ray machine stands ready …

as does the state-of-the-art processor.

This kennel area is for our larger canine patients and…

“Bridgette” models the deluxe accommodations available in our small animal ward.

What about transferring to UC Davis? This is only if you want to continue your education. A registered veterinary technician is employable after completion of the two year, AS degree program and passing of the state licensing exam. Upon completion of the two year Veterinary Technology Program you will graduate with an AS degree and will be eligible to transfer to a four year college. 2-3 more years of study there, will qualify you for graduation with a Bachelors Degree. THEN application may be made to veterinary school which is another four years of coursework and training.

In summary… A DVM is an individual who has completed 8-9 years of specialty training and education and has passed the licensing exam for veterinarians. An RVT is an individual who has completed 2 years of specialty training and education and has passed the licensing exam for veterinary technicians. A DVM can perform surgery, diagnose and prescribe medications. An RVT can do everything else!