School and Ranking Information
Individuals interested in studying veterinary technology in San Jose have nearly a dozen options. Foothill College, Carrington College California - San Jose and Carrington College California - San Leandro are the closest schools that offer this program.
- Winner: Foothill College is the only public college in the San Jose area that offers programs in veterinary technology and earns the first spot on this list for its low tuition and campus facilities. The next two schools are both campuses of Carrington College, a private for-profit school.
- Runner-Up #1: Carrington College - San Jose campus earns second place on this list due to its location right in San Jose.
- Runner-Up #2: In third place, Carrington College - San Leandro had farthest distance among the three schools.
Veterinary technicians in California are required to pass an exam and apply for state licensure to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must complete an approved education program or meet specific education and clinical experience requirements. All three of the schools in this article have programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities and meet the education requirements for the licensure exam.
School Comparison Chart
| Category | Foothill College | Carrington College - San Jose | Carrington College - San Leandro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Los Altos Hills, CA (about 12 miles from downtown San Jose) | San Jose, CA | San Leandro, CA (about 28.3 miles from downtown San Jose) |
| School Type | 2-year; public | 2-year; private for-profit | 2-year; private for-profit |
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2021-2022)* | $1,565 (per year, in-state); $10,790 (per year, out-of-state) | $35,006 (Total Program Cost)** | $35,006 (Total Program Cost)** |
| Veterinary Technician Programs Offered | Associate's degree | Associate's degree | Associate's degree |
| Veterinary Technician Degrees Awarded (All Levels) in 2020-2021* | 26 | N/A | N/A |
| Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal program time) for 2015 Entering Class* | 58% | N/A | N/A |
| Noteworthy | Campus has animal facility licensed by the U.S.D.A. | Students work with live animals in campus laboratory | Operating veterinary technology lab |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics, **School's Website
Winner: Foothill College
- According to the school, graduates have a 93% pass rate on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
- 1.10% of 2020-2021 graduates earned a degree in veterinary technology
Foothill College offers an associate's degree program in veterinary technology that is part of the college's Division of Biological and Health Science. Program applicants are evaluated on a point-based system with a small percentage of students chosen by lottery. The 94-credit associate's degree program includes courses in medical terminology, clinical skills, animal care and pharmacology. The school also offers a 13-credit veterinary assisting certificate program.
Runner-Up #1: Carrington College - San Jose
- Graduates gained 76% passing rate for Veterinary Technician National Exam in 2016-2019
Carrington College California - San Jose also offers an associate's degree program in veterinary technology. The program integrate practical instruction with theoretical training. Although not a pre-veterinary program, coursework covers topics such as biology, anatomy, physiology and chemistry. The clinical work includes working with live animals in the campus laboratory and with animal simulators. Students learn how to obtain patient information, maintain medical records, collect laboratory specimens and assist in various diagnostic, surgical and medical procedures. Program graduates are eligible to take the state board examination to become a registered veterinary technician.
Runner-Up #2: Carrington College - San Leandro
- 52% is the passing rate for Veterinary Technician National Exam in 2016-2019
Carrington College California - San Leandro, about 28 miles from downtown San Jose, offers an Associate of Science in Veterinary Technology program. The curriculum includes laboratory training with live animals and animal simulators to give students the skills, confidence and experience to work as an entry-level veterinary technician. Coursework includes topics in biology, physiology, anatomy and chemistry.
