Veterinary Technology

• Description: Introduction to the profession of veterinary technology and a career exploration of veterinary medicine. Orientation to the program requirements and curriculum. Overview of program structure and student services. Review and practice of library skills. Prerequisite course for several courses in the Foothill Veterinary Technology Program. Survey of employment opportunities and areas of specialization. Ethics and professionalism. Laws and regulations governing veterinary technicians. Introduction to basic animal care skills and clinical procedures.
• Advisory: Not open to students with credit in APAV 51.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 2 hours lecture per week. (24 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Provides enrichment of the core curriculum of the Veterinary Technology Program. Students will develop or improve study skills, time management, professionalism, communication, and conflict resolution. Lectures, discussion, and workshop format. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 1 hours lecture per week. (12 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Provides enrichment of the core curriculum of the Veterinary Technology Program. Students will focus on senior year time management. They will reflect on the summer study guides and continue to identify best practices for studying. They will participate in weekly instructor guided study sessions covering their core curriculum courses this quarter. They will also develop study techniques that will assist them in being successful in future quarters. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 1 hours lecture per week. (12 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: First in a two-course series in the theory and practice of veterinary assisting focusing on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for competent support to the veterinarian (DVM) and to the registered veterinary technician (RVT). Emphasis is on the practical aspects of front office management, working as part of the veterinary health care team. Entirely online and may be taken as a stand-alone class or may be combined with V T 52B and V T 88A to earn the Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assisting.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 5 hours lecture per week. (60 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Second in a two-course series in the theory and practice of veterinary assisting focusing on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for competent paraprofessional support to the veterinarian (DVM) and to the registered veterinary technician (RVT). Prepare for an exciting career as a veterinary assistant by learning the essential knowledge and hands-on skills. Emphasis is on the practical aspects of front office management, working as part of the veterinary health care team, basic animal care, and fundamentals of patient management under direct supervision. Entirely online and may be taken as a stand-alone class or combined with V T 52A and V T 88A to earn the Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assisting.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 5 hours lecture per week. (60 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Comparative veterinary anatomy and physiology for veterinary technicians. Clinically relevant veterinary anatomy and physiology, including a discussion of the similarities and differences among the major domestic species. Emphasis is placed on the normal structure and function of the major organ systems as the foundation for understanding pathology and the pathophysiology of disease. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite: CHEM 30A or equivalent.
• Advisory: Not open to students with credit in APAV 54A.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 4 hours lecture per week, 3 hours lab per week. (84 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Intended for the pre-clinical training of veterinary technology students. The following topics are covered: occupational health and safety, animal handling and restraint, administration of medication, venipuncture and physical exams. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite: BIOL 41.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 3 hours lecture per week, 3 hours lab per week. (72 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Practical application of animal care skills and principles of animal care and management, integrating advanced techniques and knowledge gained through classroom instruction. Opportunity to participate in the health care team in a supervisory role with increased organizational responsibility. Emphasis on nursing care and diagnostic nursing for acute and chronic conditions. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite: V T 56.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 3 hours lab per week. (36 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Pathophysiology of animal disease is presented, using a "systems" approach. Students learn mechanisms of response to disease of common domestic animals. Includes study of the common diseases of domestic animals with emphasis on the dog and cat. Emphasis is on learning how patients respond to disease and how the effective veterinary technician assesses and intervenes to benefit the patient. Topics include: etiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnostics, and nursing management of selected diseases. Principles of vaccination, disease prevention, public health, client education, and zoonosis. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite: BIOL 41.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 4 hours lecture per week. (48 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Introduction to the principles of veterinary radiography and ultrasonography for veterinary technician students, including radiographic and ultrasonographic terminology. Physics of X-ray and ultrasound production and interaction with matter. Explanation of MRI, CT, and nuclear medicine appropriate to the veterinary technician. Occupational safety and radiation protection. Proper use and maintenance of standard and digital X-ray equipment. Radiographic exposure factors, technique chart development and usage, and patient positioning required for production of diagnostic radiographs. Processing of radiographic film. Discussion of equipment, materials and special radiographic studies common in veterinary practice. Radiographic exposure troubleshooting and common artifacts. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite: V T 54B.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 3 hours lecture per week, 3 hours lab per week. (72 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Veterinary Assisting or Veterinary Technology beyond the classroom by working in a clinical setting to achieve specific goals agreed upon by the student, Foothill faculty, and internship supervisor. The student is required to contract with the Foothill faculty to determine the scope of assignment. This course offers the student credit for 3 hours of work in a veterinary practice setting, under supervision of a veterinarian or RVT. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
• Advisory: Student should have completed at least one quarter of the Veterinary Technology program, or V T 52A and 52B online, and have the permission of the faculty instructor.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 3 hours lab per week. (36 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Veterinary Assisting or Veterinary Technology beyond the classroom by working in a clinical setting to achieve specific goals agreed upon by the student, Foothill faculty, and internship supervisor. The student is required to contract with the Foothill faculty to determine the scope of assignment. This course offers the student credit for 6 hours of work in a veterinary practice setting, under supervision of a veterinarian or RVT. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
• Advisory: Student should have completed at least one quarter of the Veterinary Technology program, or V T 52A and 52B online, and have the permission of the faculty instructor.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 6 hours lab per week. (72 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Veterinary Assisting or Veterinary Technology beyond the classroom by working in a clinical setting to achieve specific goals agreed upon by the student, Foothill faculty, and internship supervisor. The student is required to contract with the Foothill faculty to determine the scope of assignment. This course offers the student credit for 9 hours of work in a veterinary practice setting, under supervision of a veterinarian or RVT. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
• Advisory: Student should have completed at least one quarter of the Veterinary Technology program, or V T 52A and 52B online, and have the permission of the faculty instructor.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 9 hours lab per week. (108 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Provides an opportunity for the student to expand their studies in Veterinary Assisting or Veterinary Technology beyond the classroom by working in a clinical setting to achieve specific goals agreed upon by the student, Foothill faculty, and internship supervisor. The student is required to contract with the Foothill faculty to determine the scope of assignment. This course offers the student credit for 12 hours of work in a veterinary practice setting, under supervision of a veterinarian or RVT. Students may take a maximum of 6 units of Independent Study per department.
• Advisory: Student should have completed at least one quarter of the Veterinary Technology program, or V T 52A and 52B online, and have the permission of the faculty instructor.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 12 hours lab per week. (144 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Practical application of animal care skills and principles of animal care and management. Opportunity to participate in the health care team involved in the care, management and husbandry of program animals. Emphasis will be on the basic principles and application of clinical facility management, care of resident teaching animals, and routine maintenance duties. Topics critical to success will be discussed in lecture: dog and cat behavior, low stress handling, medical records and professionalism. Discussion of euthanasia. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite: V T 51.
• Advisory: Not open to students with credit in APAV 75A.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 2 hours lecture per week. (24 hours total per quarter.)
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Formal, structured off-campus clinical experience in licensed veterinary facilities, which serve as a means of instructing the student in practical, hands-on, clinical skills in all aspects of veterinary assisting as specified by the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators. The student is under the direct supervision of one or more licensed veterinarians and/or credentialed veterinary technicians. The site of the preceptorship is approved by the Veterinary Technology Program, in consultation with the student and the veterinary professionals. Opportunity for learning and practical application of the knowledge, skills and attitudes required of a veterinary assistant. Exposure to varied methodologies and practice philosophies in a variety of clinical settings. Emphasis is on the role of the veterinary assistant in the veterinary health care team.
• Prerequisites: V T 52A and 52B.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 7.5 hours lab per week. (90 hours total per quarter.) This is a clinical laboratory course.
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).

• Description: Off-campus practical clinical work experience in veterinary facilities supervised by licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Students begin to follow directions from doctors and staff with increasing independence and exhibit good judgment and critical thinking skills. Second quarter interns are typically enrolled in pharmacology, animal diseases and diagnostic imaging. The student must start to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills from these areas of learning into their practice at the internship site. This course documents the 115 hours of practical work experience in a veterinary medical clinical setting required for the students. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.
• Prerequisite: V T 89.
• Repeatability: Not Repeatable.
• Hours: 10 hours lab per week. (120 hours total per quarter.) This is a clinical laboratory course.
• Transferability: CSU
• Transfer GE: Information regarding how this course is applied toward CSU GE/Breadth or IGETC certification is available at:
• Foothill Transfer GE Guide

Department Note:

There is a selective admission process required prior to enrolling in these courses. For an application, access www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/vettech. Selective admission process does not apply to the Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses (VT 52A, 52B, 88A).