Veterinary Technology
25 courses · Yuba College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
VETT-1 Introduction To Veterinary Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces the first year Veterinary Technology student to the diverse field of veterinary technology. Emphasis on career paths, legal requirements, ethics, animal breeds, patient exams, and medical records. Multiple species will be covered and students will engage in hands-on care of all Veterinary Technology Program animals on a repeating basis throughout the semester.
VETT-2 Veterinary Medical Nursing
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-4, VETT-1
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will apply principles of physiology to nursing interventions for diseases of common domestic animals (especially dog and cat). Emphasis will be on the following systems: musculoskeletal, special senses (e.g., vision, hearing, balance), nervous, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, digestive, integument, reproduction, and pregnancy/development/lactation.
VETT-2A Veterinary Anatomy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-1; VETT-4
- Transfers to
- CSU
Gross anatomy of domestic animals. This course will introduce the veterinary technology student to basic anatomy of domestic animals. Topics include anatomical and directional terms common to veterinary medical practice as well as coverage of the skeletal, integumentary, muscular, cardiopulmonary, digestive, urogenital, endocrine, and nervous systems and the special sense organs. The structure and function of the animal body as well as discussion of the similarities and differences among domestic animal species is included.
VETT-3 Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-1; VETT-4
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will apply principles of pharmacology to nursing interventions for diseases of common domestic animals (especially dog and cat). Emphasis will be on the following systems: musculoskeletal, special senses (e.g., vision, hearing, balance), nervous, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, digestive, integument, reproduction, and pregnancy/development/lactation. The final unit for the semester will be on toxicology.
VETT-4 Clinical Laboratory Techniques
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Studies of the laboratory techniques and procedures employed in evaluating clinical diagnostic samples. Emphasis will be placed on procedures common to veterinary medicine including hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, cytology, immunology, parasitology and microbiology. Topics include: the safe and proper collection of diverse samples, microbial culturing, methods of sample analysis, and the significance of normal and abnormal results.
VETT-5A Veterinary Technology Internship A
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-1;VETT-4
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the application of veterinary technology procedures at off-campus internship sites under direct supervision of a veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician. Internship sites include veterinary hospitals and clinics, research, and shelters. Rotation through various facilities is required. Students will practice essential hands-on skills, as well as interpersonal skills.
VETT-5B Veterinary Technology Internship B
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-2; VETT-3; VETT-5A
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the application of veterinary technology procedures at off-campus internship sites under direct supervision of a veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician. Internship sites include veterinary hospitals and clinics, research, and shelters. Rotation through various facilities is required. Apply application of knowledge and skills acquired in concurrent course work. Obtain competency in essential nursing tasks. Increase knowledge and ability to operate hospital lab equipment and develop skills to perform basic veterinary laboratory procedures. (L,M,C)
VETT-5C Veterinary Technology Internship C
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-5B
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the application of veterinary technology procedures at off-campus internship sites under direct supervision of a veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician. Internship sites include veterinary hospitals and clinics, research and shelters. Rotation through various facilities is required. Apply application of knowledge and skills acquired in concurrent course work. Apply skills acquired in radiology, anesthesiology and surgery. (L,M,C)
VETT-5D Veterinary Technology Internship D
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-5C; VETT-53A; VETT-53B
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the application of veterinary technology procedures at off-campus internship sites under direct supervision of a veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician. Internship sites include veterinary hospitals and clinics, research and shelters. Rotation through various facilities is required. Application of knowledge and skills acquired in concurrent course work. Provide nursing care to emergency and critical care patients. Administer complex therapeutics. Develop patient care plans. (L,M,C)
VETT-7 Veterinary Technology Professional Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces students to the professional, ethical, and interpersonal skills essential for success in modern veterinary practice. Topics include communication, team building, emergency management, workplace safety, and the legal and ethical foundations of veterinary medicine. Students also explore practice models, career pathways, and concepts of integrative patient care.
VETT-8 Large Animal Care and Nursing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-2; VETT-2A; VETT-3
- Transfers to
- CSU
Principles of large animal medicine, surgical nursing and equine field service including performance of a complete physical examination, acquisition of a medical history, animal restraint, clinical aspects of reproductive management, knowledge of various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, laboratory sample collection, bandaging, and emergency treatment. Additionally, surgical and obstetrical procedures and instruments, herd health, economics, and lameness topics for equine and livestock will be covered.
VETT-9 Laboratory Animal Medicine
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to laboratory animal medicine. Survey of feeding, common management practices, and care of laboratory animals in a clinical setting. Appropriate methods of animal handling, restraint, management practices, research techniques, husbandry, nursing, care and observation of laboratory species will be emphasized. Students will learn about guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing the use of animals in research. This course will provide information and handling skills which will help the student prepare for AALAS certification. (L,C)
VETT-10 Exotic and Wildlife Medicine
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-2; VETT-2A; VETT-3
- Transfers to
- CSU
An overview of fundamentals of avian, exotic and wildlife husbandry, physiology, management, and medicine; includes appropriate methods of animal handling, restraint, husbandry, care and observation of exotic and wild species.
VETT-12 Introduction to Veterinary Medical Math
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Applied mathematics as a fundamental communication and technical skill. Review of calculations involving decimals, ratios, fractions and unit conversions as utilized in medical practice for dosage determinations, administration of drugs, prescriptions and intravenous fluid infusion. Course includes analysis of written word problems and real-world case scenarios relevant to veterinary medical practice.
VETT-13 Emergency Medicine and Critical Care for Veterinary Technicians
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-2; VETT-2A; VETT-3
- Transfers to
- CSU
Theoretical and practical aspects of assisting the veterinarian in the management of medical and traumatic emergencies, with an emphasis on comprehensive nursing of critical patients. Recognition and assessment of cardiovascular shock, respiratory crisis, gastrointestinal emergency, and musculoskeletal trauma. Principles and techniques of fluid therapy and administration of emergency drugs. Application of treatment protocols for shock, cardiopulmonary arrest, gastrointestinal crisis, wounds and fractures, toxicoses, and various common emergencies. Explanation of the maintenance of emergency medical equipment and supplies. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
VETT-52 Human-Animal Bond
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
Using both anthropological and sociological perspectives, the course explores the unique social relationship humans share with other animals. Students explore the mutual impact humans and animals have on each other over time and across cultures. Learners will critically evaluate the social construction of attitudes towards animals and how these values influence human-nonhuman animal interactions.
VETT-53A Vet Surgical Nursing and Anesthesia
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-2; VETT-2A; VETT-3
Principles and techniques involving surgery and anethesia. Includes preparation and identification of surgical instruments and equipment, routine surgical procedures, anesthesia induction and monitoring, post-surgical care, clean up and surgical record keeping. Multiple species will be covered and students will participate in hands-on care of VT Program animals throughout the semester. Completion of a Capstone Project proposal is required.
VETT-53B Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-2A; VETT-2; VETT-3
Principles and techniques of radiographic imaging. Includes the production of x-rays, radiographic equipment, safety management, and radiographic quality. Also includes diagnostic radiographics and ultrasounds, positioning of patients, darkroom techniques and x-ray processing.
VETT-53C Advanced Veterinary Nursing Techniques
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 108 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-53A; VETT-53B
Principles and techniques involving veterinary nursing. Emphasis on venipuncture, catheterization, fluid therapy preparation, nursing care and behavior of large and small animals, preventive medicine, nutrition, record keeping and medical procedures. Also includes mentoring techniques, teamwork, communications, and health problem assessment involving kennel management. Multiple species will be covered and students will participate in hands-on care of VT Program animals throughout the semester. Completion of a Capstone Project is required.
VETT-53D Principles of Veterinary Dentistry
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-53A; VETT-53B
Principles and techniques involving veterinary dentistry. Includes preparation and identification of dental instruments and equipment, routine dental procedures, dental charting, the oral examination, oral radiography, orthodontics, pathophysiology and dental emergencies. The laboratory portion of the course utilizes demonstrations, laboratory exercises, group activities, online case studies and lectures to illustrate the principles presented in the lecture. (L,M,C)
VETT-54 Public Health and Infectious Disease
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
This course introduces the core concepts of public health emphasizing zoonotic and infectious diseases important to both human and animal health. Collaborative efforts between human and veterinary medical professions through the "One Health Initiative" will be discussed, including issues and developments in food safety, global health and the principles of epidemiology in risk assessment and effective public health interventions.
VETT-55 Veterinary Medical Terminology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
This course guides learners through the process of reading, writing, and comprehending medical terminology used in the veterinary medical field including analysis and origin of word roots, prefixes and suffixes. Additionally word construction, definitions, and use of words related to the body systems are covered. Topics include the pronunciation, spelling and definition of word parts and vocabulary terms unique to the anatomy, clinical pathology, and treatment of animals. Lectures demonstrate the importance of proper vocabulary usage in patient records.
VETT-56 Shelter Medicine
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
This course explores the origin of animal shelters as well as pet population dynamics. Students will analyze data about animal shelter systems and operations, devising solutions for identified health and welfare concerns. Topics include: behavioral assessment, infectious disease prevention and control, medical and emergency care.
VETT-59 Veterinary Technology Board Review
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- VETT-53A
Review of pertinent subject matter in preparation for the national licensing examination for veterinary technicians (the VTNE). Includes a review of the nine content areas that comprise the VTNE. Also includes test taking skills, test anxiety reduction techniques and practice board exams; includes information on exam application processes. (L,M,C)
VETT-91 Veterinary Assisting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
Concepts of veterinary medicine needed to function effectively as a veterinary assistant, veterinary receptionist, kennel staff or animal shelter worker. This course does not lead to the AS Degree in Veterinary Technology but can be used as a step towards entry into that program.