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PROGRAMS / COURSE DESCRIPTION
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
• California Lutheran University
www.callutheran.edu
• Vanguard University
www.vanguard.edu
Pre-Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
Veterinary medicine is the health profession that deals
with the scientific knowledge and decision-making
process that culminate in the diagnosis, treatment and
prevention of animal diseases. The profession is
concerned with enhancing the health, welfare,
productivity and utility of animals as well as with the
safety of animal products used by people.
Students completing a veterinary medicine program
approved by the Board of Examiners in Veterinary
Medicine earn a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine
(DVM).
Veterinary medicine is a highly competitive program.
Acceptance to this program is based on GPA, scores
on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical
College Admissions Test (MCAT) and any additional
examinations, and completion of a minimum of 72
semester units from an accredited college. The average
required GPA for U.S. veterinary schools varies by
school, from a low 2.5 to a high 3.2. Those who receive
offers for admission often have a GPA of 3.5 or better,
and have experience in working with animals.
As with many specialized medical programs, applicants
who have earned a bachelor’s degree are highly
desirable and more competitive in the admission
process. While many successful applicants major in one
of the natural sciences, a science major is NOT required
for admission to veterinary school.
Common lower division course requirements for most
veterinary schools:
BIOL 201, 202, 203; CHEM 201, 202, 281, 282; ENGL
101, 102 or 104; MATH 120; PHYS 221, 222; CMST
109
Highly recommended courses: BIOL 221; CHEM 206
and 207; PSYC 101; SOC 101 or ANTH 102; SPAN
101, 102.
The following California Universities offer programs
leading to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
• University of California, Davis
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/studentprograms/
• Western Univ. of Health Sciences
http://www.westernu.edu/
For more information on veterinary schools, visit:
www.aavmc.org
Important note about programs in the health
professions:
In addition to a competitive GPA and a competitive
score on specialized entrance examinations, programs
in the health professions also seek the following from
competitive applicants: strong letters of
recommendation, volunteer or paid experience in your
specialty of interest, involvement in extracurricular
activities, and research (lab) experience.
For assistance, counselors are available at Victor Valley
College to help students fulfill some of the requirements
to health professions schools.
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
The Medical Assistant is a professional, multi-skilled
person dedicated to assisting in patient care
management. The practitioner performs administrative
and clinical duties and may manage emergency
situations, facilities, and/or personnel. Competence in
the field also requires that a medical assistant display
professionalism, communicate effectively, and provide
instructions to patients.
The medical assistant program is a one-year program
that is designed to prepare students to work effectively
in a physician’s office, medical records or business
office of a clinic or a hospital. Upon completion of the
required courses, the student will demonstrate
proficiency in both front and back office procedures.
Successful completion of the program leads to a
Certificate of Achievement.
While students are encouraged to complete the entire
certificate, they are employable in the Medical Assisting
field upon successful completion of ALDH 82 and 82C.
See “Medical Office” under Business Education
Technologies for a program with more emphasis on
front office duties.
NOTE: Upon completion of ALDH 82 the student may
enroll in ALDH 82-C (Clinical). On the first day of ALDH
82-C the student is required to bring to class the
following:
1. Students must demonstrate physical health as
determined by a history and physical examination.
2. The students must submit a current physical and
meet required immunizations, titers, and have a chest
X-ray and/or PPD. Also, a current American Heart
Association Health Care Provider CPR Certificate, or
equivalent, must be obtained and current. Criminal
background checks are required in order to comply with
the program and clinical agencies’ contractual
requirements. Per individual facility requirements,
random drug testing may also be required.
264 2012-2013 Victor Valley College Catalog