[en] We have investigated the structural and electrical properties of La_0.7Ca_0.3MnO₃ thin films grown both by pulsed laser or DC-sputtering deposition techniques on SrTiO₃ (1 0 0) substrates. X-ray diffractograms and pole figures revealed the epitaxial character of the samples. Resistance vs. temperature measurements without applied magnetic field showed the metal-insulator transition temperature (T_MI) in the range of 220-260 K. The magnetoresistance temperature dependence was also investigated and correlated with the thickness of the films, the oxygen annealing treatment and the presence of lattice defects