Program Overview

Introduction to the Veterinary Technician Program

The Veterinary Technician Program is designed to meet California's requirements for those who wish to become Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs). The program focuses on the skills, responsibilities, and knowledge required for veterinary technology and nursing.

Program Overview

• The program is a part-time, flexible program (evening, in-person, hybrid, and online courses) for students working in veterinary hospitals.
• Students taking approximately six units per semester typically complete the program in four semesters.
• Although a small number of students have completed the certificate more quickly, these cases are uncommon and do not result in improved employment outcomes.

Admission Criteria

• There is no special admission process for the Veterinary Technician Program.
• Any student may enroll in VT courses as long as they have an active application and register during their assigned registration period.
• Students interested in the program should begin with VETT 50, which is the prerequisite for most other VT courses.

Program Requirements

• The program requires completion of at least 20 semester units covering specified veterinary nursing and science topics.
• Applicants must complete extensive clinical experience before becoming eligible to sit for the RVT examination.
• The program qualifies students through the Alternate Route, which requires completion of specified coursework and clinical experience.

Clinical Experience

• Alternate Route applicants must complete 4,416 hours of supervised clinical experience over a minimum of 24 months.
• This experience must be performed under the supervision of a California-licensed veterinarian and include a defined list of clinical tasks.

Certification

• Students may petition for the Veterinary Technician Certificate after completing approximately 21 units of required coursework.
• The certificate demonstrates a defined level of veterinary nursing education and is valued by employers.
• Completion of the certificate does not confer RVT licensure, but it does fulfill the academic requirement for eligibility to sit for the RVT examination through the Alternate Route.

Job Market and Salary

• There is a very strong demand for RVTs locally and statewide, with a documented shortage of licensed technicians in Sonoma County.
• RVTs continue to earn approximately $8 per hour more than unlicensed veterinary staff, with an average RVT wage of $31 per hour in Sonoma County.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $45,980 for veterinary technologists and technicians, with significant regional variation based on cost of living.

Coursework and Hands-on Experience

• The program focuses primarily on dogs and cats, reflecting local employment trends.
• Additional coverage includes limited exposure related to rabbits, rodents, avian/exotics, equine, and large/food animals.
• Many courses include significant hands-on laboratory instruction, with live animal use limited and non-invasive.

Career Paths

• RVTs work under the supervision of a veterinarian, functioning as the veterinarian's nurse, anesthetist, laboratory technician, and surgical assistant.
• RVTs are key communicators with clients and frequently hold leadership and management roles within veterinary hospitals.
• Career paths for RVTs include clinical veterinary hospitals, biomedical research, diagnostic laboratories, government and nonprofit agencies, public health, zoos, and pharmaceutical companies.

Advice for Prospective Students

• Compassion for animals is essential, but veterinary medicine is a technical, science-based profession.
• Those interested primarily in animal companionship may find this career challenging, while those interested in medical care and problem-solving are well-suited to veterinary medicine.
• Strong interpersonal skills are required, as veterinary technicians spend significant time communicating with clients and working closely with colleagues.