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If you’re interested in becoming a vet tech in California, there are a few things you should know. This blog post will tell you how to become a vet tech in California, including the education and training requirements.
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Introduction
vet techs are an important part of the animal health care team. They work closely with veterinarians to provide medical care for animals. If you love animals and want to help them, a career as a vet tech may be a good fit for you.
In order to become a vet tech in California, you will need to complete a postsecondary education program and pass a state-approved examination. This article will provide an overview of the steps you will need to take in order to become a licensed vet tech in California.
The Road to Becoming a Vet Tech
Becoming a vet tech in California starts with completing a accredited program. Once you have completed the program, you will need to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). After you have passed the VTNE, you will be a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). Finally, you will need to maintain your RVT license by completing continuing education courses.
Education
If you’re interested in becoming a vet tech in California, the first step is to complete a veterinary technology program that has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). There are several AVMA-accredited programs in California, and most take about two years to complete. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), which is required for licensure in California.
Certification
The California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB) requires certification for all licensed veterinary technicians. You can become certified through either the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) or the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
Once you have completed a veterinary technology program and have passed the state examination, you will be eligible to apply for certification through the CVMA. The CVMA offers two levels of certification: Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). To become an RVT, you must have at least two years of experience working as a vet tech. To become an LVT, you must have at least four years of experience working as a vet tech.
The NAVTA offers a single level of certification, the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), which is recognized by all 50 states. To be eligible to take the VTNE, you must have completed an accredited veterinary technology program. The VTNE is a multiple-choice exam that covers all aspects of veterinary technology.
Both the CVMA and NAVTA offer continuing education courses to help veterinary technicians keep up with new developments in the field.
Exam
A veterinary technician is a professional who performs many of the same duties as a veterinarian, but who works under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. A veterinary technician is also sometimes called a “vet tech” or a “vet assistant.” In order to become a veterinary technician in the state of California, you must first pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
The VTNE is a multiple-choice exam that covers all aspects of veterinary medicine. It is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) and is broken down into two parts: the General Knowledge portion and the Clinical Sciences portion.
You must pass both parts of the VTNE in order to become certified as a veterinary technician in California. The General Knowledge portion of the exam covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, and medical law and ethics. The Clinical Sciences portion covers topics such as diagnostic imaging, laboratory procedures, anesthesiology, dentistry, and surgical nursing.
In order to take the VTNE, you must first submit an application to the AAVSB. Once your application has been approved, you will be sent a registration packet that includes information on how to schedule your exam date and pay your exam fee. The VTNE is offered year-round at testing centers around the country, so you should have no trouble finding a date and location that work for you.
Once you have passed the VTNE, you will need to submit an application to the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) in order to become licensed as a veterinary technician in this state. The VMB will also require you to submit proof of completing a accredited veterinary technology program before they will issue you a license.
Job Prospects for vet techs in California
With a Veterinary Technician Associate’s degree, graduates are eligible to take the state board examination to become credentialed veterinary technicians in California. After passing the examination, the graduate is then able to apply for a position as a veterinary technician. The demand for veterinary technicians is expected to grow in California.
Salary
In California, the mean annual wage for veterinary technicians is $37,550, which is higher than the national average of $33,040. The top 10 percent of earners in California make more than $51,090 per year, while the bottom 10 percent of earners make less than $26,720 per year.
Employment Outlook
The California Employment Development Department projects that the number of veterinary technicians in the state will grow by 19.5 percent between 2016 and 2026. This is much faster than the expected growth for all occupations in California during that time period, which is an estimated 9.0 percent. The projected job growth for veterinary technicians in California is fueled by a number of factors, including an increasing demand for animal care and services, as well as a growing awareness of the role of veterinary technicians in providing high-quality animal care.
Conclusion
There are many ways to become a vet tech in California. You can earn an Associate’s degree from a community college, or a Bachelor’s degree from a university. You can also attend a specialized vet tech program at a trade school or technical institute. Whichever route you choose, make sure that your program is accredited by the California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB). Once you have completed your education and training, you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in order to become licensed in California.
