You may learn more about the Vet Tech Career Certificate at the Agriculture & Natural Resources Department and by reviewing SRJC’s Schedule of Classes online for course offerings (search for "Animal Health"). Students who complete the certificate will have fulfilled the academic requirements to be eligible to sit for the RVT Board exam through the Alternate Route. The Agriculture and Natural Resources department is committed to helping students achieve their degree in a timely manner. Students should follow the recommended course sequence of classes and work with SRJC Counseling to determine an educational plan.
Certificate
Veterinary Technician Certificate
Classes
The Veterinary Technician program offers thirteen Veterinary Technician courses. Questions about the Veterinary Technician courses or when a course will be offered can be emailed to Dan Famini, Veterinary Technician Program Coordinator, dfamini@santarosa.edu. To view the current class schedule, visit classes.santarosa.edu.
ANHLT 50 - Veterinary Anatomy and Terminology
Introduction to the anatomy and physiology of all major body systems in small animals with a focus on companion animal species (canine and feline). This class will progress in a body systems format with an emphasis on veterinary medical terminology. Commonly used veterinary diagnostics and treatments are woven throughout the course as relevant to organ or body structure or function.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100
Prerequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU.
ANHLT 52 - Small Animal Disease Recognition and Transmission Control
This class will focus on the diseases of companion animal species (feline and canine). This class will include disease recognition as well as transmission control, hospital sanitation and sterilization procedures. A special emphasis will be placed on zoonoses awareness and protection. Microbiology of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections will be covered including relevance to chemical disinfectant handling.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100
Prerequisites: None
Transfer Credit: CSU.
ANHLT 109 - Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine
This class will focus on disease treatment in animal species, (primarily feline and canine) using complementary and alternative modalities. Modalities covered will include acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractic, and homeopathy. This class will include complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) terminology; record keeping, preparation and administration of nutraceutical, herbal, and homeopathic medicines; patient monitoring; removal, handling and disposal of acupuncture needles; prescription preparation; and client education regarding CAVM treatments.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100
Prerequisites: Completion of or Current Enrollment in ANHLT 50
Transfer Credit: None
ANHLT 120 - Small Animal Veterinary Assistance and Nursing
Lecture and demonstration of small animal veterinary assistance and nursing procedures. Covers basic emergency and preventive health care, nutrition, medication and fluid administration, animal behavior, animal handling and restraint for veterinary procedures, and record keeping for application in a small animal veterinary clinic.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100 and Course Completion of MATH 150A
Prerequisites: Course Completion of ANHLT 50 or ANHLT 110
Transfer Credit: None
ANHLT 121 - Veterinary Surgical and Dental Assistance
This course includes instruction on all aspects of veterinary surgery and dentistry with emphasis on the role of the technician. All aspects of the surgical experience are covered including surgical instrumentation, suturing techniques, application of bandages, splints and casts, patient preparation, surgical nursing and assisting, intravenous catheter placement, common surgical procedures, pain assessment and patient recovery. Dental care of companion, laboratory and large animals will be discussed including disease progression, dental prophylaxis and extractions.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100
Prerequisites: Course Completion of ANHLT 50
Transfer Credit: None
ANHLT 122 - Animal Nursing Field Seminar
Course includes an introduction to nursing skills, hospital safety procedures, and basic restraint techniques for a veterinary setting for canines and felines.
Recommended Preparation: Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in ANHLT 50
Prerequisites: Concurrent Enrollment in ANHLT 122L
Transfer Credit: None
ANHLT 122L - Animal Nursing Field Practicum
Course provides hands-on practical experience applying small animal nursing skills in a veterinary setting.
Recommended Preparation: Course Completion of ANHLT 50
Prerequisites: Concurrent Enrollment in ANHLT 122
Transfer Credit: None
ANHLT 123 - Small Animal Veterinary Emergencies
This course covers both theoretical and practical aspects of assisting the veterinarian in the management of small animal (dog and cat) medical and traumatic emergencies. This class will include recognition, assessment and triage of the emergent veterinary patient. Common specific emergency situations will be reviewed including underlying cause, diagnostics, initial treatment, and ongoing intensive patient care.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100
Prerequisites: Course Completion of ANHLT 50 AND ANHLT 120
Transfer Credit: None
ANHLT 126 - Veterinary Technician Review and Board Exam Preparation
Comprehensive review of veterinary technician information to prepare students for success on the Veterinary Technician National Exam. Pertinent subject matter will be reviewed with a focus of restating key concepts and identification of students personal strengths and weaknesses regarding required subject matter. Students will also learn about requirements for exam eligibility and application procedure, exam design and composition, and question analysis strategies.
Recommended Preparation: None
Prerequisites: Course Completion of ANHLT 52, ANHLT 120 and ANHLT 121
Transfer Credit: None
ANHLT 141 - Small Animal Veterinary Anesthesia
This course will provide an overview of the use of anesthesia for the small animal veterinary workplace. Students will become familiar with anesthetic medications, anesthetic equipment, patient assessment, anesthetic protocols and anesthetic monitoring for small animal patients.
Recommended Preparation: Course Completion of ANHLT 120
Prerequisites: Course Completion of ANHLT 50
Transfer Credit: None
ANHLT 142 - Veterinary Pharmacology and Medical Calculations
This course will provide an overview of the use of medication to treat and prevent disease within the veterinary workplace. General pharmacology and medications of all types will be covered. The indications, side effects, and administration of common specific medications will be discussed. Legal requirements for handling, labeling and dispensing medication will be covered in the context of a companion animal practice. Students will also develop the mathematical skills required to safely follow prescription instructions and administer medications.
Recommended Preparation: Course Completion of ANHLT 50, ANHLT 120 and MATH 150A
Prerequisites: None
Transfer Credit: None
ANHLT 151 - Veterinary Laboratory and Imaging Procedures
This course will introduce students to common tests performed in veterinary medicine. Collection of quality samples, appropriate sample handling and test protocols will be discussed. Students will run tests on blood, urine, feces, and skin samples. Laboratory procedures performed will include clinical biochemistry, cytology, hematology, immunology, basic microbiology, parasitology, urinalysis and basic necropsy techniques. This class will include safe and diagnostic use of imaging modalities including radiography, radiation safety principles, ultrasound principles and basic endoscopy.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100
Prerequisites: Course Completion of ANHLT 52
Transfer Credit: None
ANHLT 161 - Veterinary Medical Office Procedures
In this course students learn about the spectrum of skills utilized by veterinary office staff. Emphasis will be placed on client communication skills and medical office management including medical record keeping and drug inventory control. Additional topics include emergency recognition, euthanasia and grieving, preventative health programs, common veterinary abbreviations, and relevant computer programs.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100
Prerequisites: None
Transfer Credit: None