If you want to become a veterinary technician (vet tech) in California there are two possible routes. The first is to qualify from one of a number of accredited vet tech schools in California and to have passed the relevant California state exam.
The second route (the Alternate Route) is to complete a combination of “post-secondary education and at least 4,416 hours of practical experience in no less than 24 months under the direct supervision of a California-licensed veterinarian.”
The post-secondary education essentially must cover the theory elements of a conventional vet tech associate degree. The practical experience must cover the equivalent of the practical parts of an associate degree.
The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) provides a guide on how to plan an acceptable alternate route to qualification.
If you go to a vet tech school in California it must be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB).
Whichever route you choose you have to pass the Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) exam
The AVMA has accredited 13 vet tech schools in California.
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Cal Poly Pomona was opened in 1938 and was accredited by the AVMA in 1996. It offers the only 4 year Bachelor of Science course in California in veterinary technology. It emphasizes the greater opportunities for those with bachelor degrees to get jobs in pet food and pharmaceutical companies and in laboratory research establishments.
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
College of Agriculture
Animal Health Technology Program
3801 W. Temple Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
909-869-2136
www.csupomona.edu
Cosumnes River College
Cosumnes River College is one of 4 community colleges in the Los Rios Community College District. It opened in 1970 and was accredited by the AVMA in 1975. It offers a two year degree in Associate Science in Veterinary Technology. To be eligible students must have at least a high school Grade “C” in chemistry and biology. The two year course is daytime only.
Cosumnes River College
Veterinary Technology Program
8401 Center Pkwy.
Sacramento, CA 95823
916-691-7355
http://ww2.losrios.edu/crc/x77.xml
Foothill College
Foothill College was founded in 1957 and was accredited by the AVMA in 1977. It offers a two year course spread over 8 quarters to provide an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology. Full time enrollment is required.
Foothill College
Veterinary Technology Program
12345 El Monte Rd.
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
650-949-7203
www.foothill.fhda.edu
Los Angeles Pierce College
Pierce College was founded in 1947 as an agricultural college and was accredited by the AVMA in 1975. The College keeps cattle, sheep, and pigs, as well as orchards of citrus and other deciduous trees. It offers a two year degree in Associate Science in Veterinary Technology. It also offers training for those seeking qualification through the Alternate Route
Los Angeles Pierce College
Veterinary Technology Program
6201 Winnetka Ave.
Woodland Hills, CA 91371
818-347-0551
www.macrohead.com/rvt
Mount San Antonio College
The college was founded in 1946 and accredited by the AVMA in 1977. It offers a two year course in veterinary technology.
Mount San Antonio College
Animal Health Technology Program
1100 N. Grand Ave.
Walnut, CA 91789
909-594-5611
www.mtsac.edu
Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista
The Pima Medical Institute has colleges in several states. It opened its Chula Vista College in 1998 and it was accredited by the AVMA in June 2010. Its veterinary technician school offers a full time course lasting around 16 months.
Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista
780 Bay Blvd, Suite 101
Chula Vista, CA 91910
619-425-3200
http://pmi.edu/
Carrington College
Carrington College (formerly known as Western Career College) offers a degree in Associate Science in Veterinary Technology in 6 of its campuses. It provides a two year course in the following places:
- Carrington College California-Citrus Heights Campus (Accredited 2006)
7301 Greenback Lane, Suite A
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
916-722-8200
http://carrington.edu/ccc/schools/citrus-heights/programs/veterinary-technology/
- Carrington College California-Pleasant Hill (Accredited 2004)
Veterinary Technician Program
380 Civic Drive, #300
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
925-609-6650
http://carrington.edu/ccc/schools/pleasant-hill/programs/veterinary-technology/
- Carrington College California-Sacramento (Accredited 2004)
Veterinary Technology Program
8909 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95826
916-361-1660
http://carrington.edu/ccc/schools/sacramento/programs/veterinary-technology
- Carrington College California-San Jose (Accredited 2006)
Veterinary Technician Education Program
6201 San Ignacio Ave.
San Jose, CA 95119
408-360-0840
http://carrington.edu/ccc/schools/san-jose/programs/veterinary-technology/
- Carrington College California-San Leandro (Accredited 2004)
Veterinary Technology Program
170 Bayfair Mall
San Leandro, CA 94578
510-276-3888
http://carrington.edu/ccc/schools/san-jose/programs/veterinary-technology/
- Carrington College California-Stockton (Accredited 2006)
Veterinary Technician Education Program
1313 West Robinhood Drive, Suite B
Stockton, CA 95207
209-956-1240 x 44116
http://carrington.edu/ccc/schools/san-jose/programs/veterinary-technology/
Yuba College
The Yuba College Foundation was founded in 1972 and accredited by the AVMA in 1978. The College offers a two year fulltime course as well as training for the Alternate Route to qualification as a vet tech.
Yuba College
Veterinary Technology Program
2088 N. Beale Rd.
Marysville, CA 95901
530-741-6962
http://yc.yccd.edu/
Twelve of these colleges produce a qualification for an Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology, enabling you to take the RVT exam.
Qualifying with this degree at one of these vet tech schools and passing the state exam will make you eligible to find employment as a vet tech in California and your qualification is likely to be recognized in other states.
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