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Thousands of students get their start at Mt. SAC every year. Take the path to your future career one step further by enrolling in our program. Apply NowNatural 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
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
SOC Career Code: 29-2056.00Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.
Typical Hourly Salary$24.32The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$59,712.30Annual Job Openings1,409Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages - Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
SOC Career Code: 31-9096.00Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.
Typical Hourly Salary$18.99The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent.
All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SACTop Entry-Level EducationChart Legend- Doctoral Degree Or More
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some College
- Certificate
- High School Diploma Or Less
Median Salary Earnings$46,060.53Annual Job Openings3,219Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC
Historical Wages
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Certificate & Degree Details
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Office Contact
Hours: M-F 8:00 AM - 3:30 PMLocation: Building 80-2301Phone: (909)-274-4540Mt. San Antonio College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, ethnic group identification, immigration status, religion, gender, gender identification, gender expression, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in its programs or activities. Inquiries about Title IX, Title II, or Section 504 may be referred to Ryan Wilson, Building 4 (Human Resources), (909) 274-5249, and eeo.titleix@mtsac.edu, or the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.
Mt. San Antonio College offers classes in career and technical education (CTE) program areas such as Animation and Gaming, Culinary Arts, Geographic Information Systems, Veterinary Technology, Fire Technology, and many more, under its open admissions policy. For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, please refer to our Academic Divisions and Departments web page or contact the Career Education Office. Lack of English proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.
