People who want a job where they get to care for and treat sick and injured animals might want to look into becoming veterinary technicians or vet techs.
In the veterinary industry, vet techs are considered valuable members of veterinary healthcare teams because they have specialized knowledge and skills to help veterinarians save animal lives.
Every day, they are tasked to handle a wide variety of clinical and laboratory duties, from taking vital signs and administering medications to performing lab tests and assisting veterinarians during surgeries.
Also, because of how essential they are in the day-to-day operations of veterinary facilities, they get paid pretty well.
In Sacramento, CA, for instance, veterinary technicians have an average salary of $63,564.
Do you think this career path suits you?
Enroll in a vet tech course at any of the vet tech schools in Sacramento, CA listed below to get started.
- Full AVMA-CVTEA accreditation, allowing graduates to qualify for the VTNE examination.
- Study online, at your own pace, wherever you are.
- Receive ongoing support from our Veterinary Academy Team.
Carrington College
About the School
Carrington College provides quality college education in a variety of healthcare careers.
Through hands-on training, state-of-the-art technologies and processes, and expert instructors, they use a “learn by doing” approach to help their students grasp the lessons as quickly as possible and build their confidence.
They want their students to have a positive small college experience as they work toward their choice of certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree level education.
Their mission statement is “to provide career-focused baccalaureate degree, associate degree, and certificate programs in healthcare, trades, and industrial majors to a diverse population of students.”
They are accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC/WASC), and have multiple locations in the following states: Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Washington, California, Nevada, and Oregon.
Courses Offered
The Veterinary Technology Program prepares students to work in various veterinary settings performing care, clinical, and laboratory work.
It teaches real-world skills needed to effectively treat medical conditions and diseases in animals and do other tasks under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
The curriculum consists of Technical and General Education Courses, such as:
Technical Courses
- Introduction to the Veterinary Hospital
- Basic Anatomy and Physiology
- Clinical Procedures
- Veterinary Applied Sciences
- Companion Animal Diseases
- Surgical Assisting
- Anesthesia for Veterinary Technicians
- Advanced Clinical Procedures and Surgery
- Large Animal Medicine
- Veterinary Technology Specialties
General Education Courses
- English Writing and Composition
- Principles of Mathematics
- Interpersonal Communications
- College Algebra
It also includes a VT Externship that requires 200 clinical hours.
Upon successful completion, graduates will be able to do the following:
- Outline the essential skills defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) required for the practice of veterinary technology in a variety of practice settings
- Understand procedures to engage in a safe work environment for clients, animals, and staff
- Effectively communicate with the veterinary healthcare team and clients
- Demonstrate ethical behavior consistent with state laws and regulations
- Illustrate preparedness for taking the Veterinary Technology National Licensing Exam (VTNE)
Career opportunities include animal hospitals, private clinics, laboratories, colleges and universities, wildlife facilities, animal shelters, and zoos.
Address: 8909 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95826, United States
Cosumnes River College
About the School
Cosumnes River College is a public community college founded in 1970 in Sacramento, CA.
Their name comes from the 52.5-mile-long Cosumnes River that flows nearby to the south.
As part of the Los Rios Community College District, they serve a diverse student body and provide a student-centered, open-access learning environment.
They offer a broad range of programs and majors in the following areas of study:
- Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Arts, Media, and Entertainment
- Automotive, Construction, and Design Technology
- Business and Computer Science
- English and Language Studies
- Health and Human Services
- Science, Math, and Engineering
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
They also have Career Education, Online Education, Internships, and Career Services.
Through an inclusive and equitable learning environment, they strive to educate and empower all students and employees from all backgrounds to achieve their goals and improve the well-being of their communities.
They hold accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
The Veterinary Technology Program is an Associate of Science Degree Program that equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to pursue a career as a Registered Veterinary Technician.
It has a rigorous and rewarding curriculum that consists of lectures and hands-on opportunities.
The Degree Map is made up of eight semesters and features the following courses:
Semester 1
- Intro to Chemistry or General Chemistry I
- Math Competency
- Humanities
Semester 2
- Principles of Biology
- General Microbiology
- Written Communication
Semester 3
- Physical Edu Activity
- American Institution
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Ethnic/Multicultural Studies
Semester 4
- Introduction to Veterinary Technology
- Anatomy-Physiology of Animals
Semester 5
- Veterinary Office Practice
- Clinical Laboratory Techniques for Veterinary Technicians
- Introduction to Laboratory Animals and Caged Birds
Semester 6
- Work Experience in Veterinary Technology
Semester 7
- Pharmacology and Anesthesiology for the Veterinary Technician
- Animal Disease: Pathology
- Dentistry for the Veterinary Technician
- Work Experience in Veterinary Technology
Semester 8
- Large Animal Disease: Pathology
- Advanced Veterinary Technology
- Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging
- Large Animal Nursing
The full program requires 72-76 total units.
Upon successful completion, graduates become eligible to test for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
They may work in private practices, diagnostic laboratory support, animal control and humane society animal care, teaching, biomedical research, food safety inspection, zoo and animal wildlife care, military service, veterinary supply sales, and more.
Address: 8401 Center Pkwy, Sacramento, CA 95823, United States
Veterinary Technician Schools by City in California
- Bakersfield, CA3 Schools
- Fresno, CA2 Schools
- Los Angeles, CA4 Schools
- Oakland, CA1 Schools
- Riverside, CA1 Schools
- Sacramento, CA2 Schools
- San Diego, CA2 Schools
- San Jose, CA3 Schools