Become a Vet Tech in California

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 12 2010

Sunny beaches, celebrities, mountains, vineyards and pastures with cattle grazing. The diverse landscape of California makes it possible to find something for everyone in the state. The animal population is equally diverse with everything from exotic pets to companion animals to production animals; there are many opportunities for veterinary technicians.

How to become a Veterinary Technician in California

Those entering California vet tech programs must have a high school diploma (or GED) and be 18 years old as the basic guidelines for applying for registration as a veterinary technician. California offers its own state exam and does not use the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam). While this choice does allow the state to tailor the test as it sees fit, it is an important fact for people to know for another reason. The biggest hurdle that people may face is that if they are registered in California, by way of the California State Exam, if they move to another state, their credential as a veterinary technician may not transfer. Most states use the VTNE and require a score from that test to be transferred to issue a credential. Vet techs from CA may have to sit for the national exam in order to be credentialed in another state. The California test is a computer based test that can be administered at many testing sites around the state. Applicants need to submit proof of graduation from an AVMA accredited program or the required documentation if they are pursuing the alternate route of credentialing. If a graduate, they need to supply a transcript from the college or a copy of their diploma. Once submitted to the Board, a processing time of 60 days will need to be allowed. Once the application has been accepted, the candidate will receive a handbook detailing the process of how to schedule their exam as well as the sites available around the state where the test can be written. Once the handbook has been received, the candidate has 6 months to take the test.

The alternate route of credentialing that is offered in California is one of only a few programs still available in the nation. Candidates must have 3 years or 4680 hours of experience working under the supervision of a California licensed veterinarian. A list of tasks that must be completed is available from the Veterinary Medical Licensing Board. They must also have one of the post-secondary education requirements fulfilled.  They need to have either

• 20 semester units
• 30 quarter units
• 300 hours of continuing education
• Any combination of the above to equal 300 hours

Current law dictates the subject area for the educational requirement, but not the number of hours dedicated to each subject. Applicants must have education in the following areas:

• Dental prophys and extractions
• Anesthetic equipment, induction and monitoring
• Surgical nursing – instrumentation, suturing, coaptation devices and techniques
• Radiology and safety measures involved
• Zoonotic and emergency diseases, nursing care and the most common general diseases.
• General education areas such as biology, chemistry, math, microbiology, anatomy and physiology and medical terminology