How long does it take to become a vet tech in California?
It can take anywhere from 2-5 years to become a vet tech in California. California vet techs need to be registered with the California Veterinary Medical Board to work in the state. In order to be eligible for registration, they need to graduate from an AVMA-accredited vet tech school and pass the VTNE. The formal education component can take a minimum of 2 years to complete, though some students may take more or less time depending on their school and learning speed.
How do I become a licensed vet tech in California?
In California, veterinary technicians are “registered,” not licensed, though the terms mean the same thing. To become registered as a vet tech in California, you must graduate from a recognized school, pass the VTNE, and apply for registration through the California Veterinary Medical Board.
Is a vet tech degree worth it?
If you want to be a veterinary technician in California, a vet tech degree is absolutely worth it! You can’t work in the field without being registered and, in order to be an RVT, you need to graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technician school.
Do you need a degree to be a vet tech in California?
Yes, to be a vet tech in California, you need a degree. Generally, that means an AVMA-accredited vet technician degree, though an alternate route to becoming an RVT can include relevant work experience and proof of completion of some veterinary medicine courses. However, this route is generally best for those who already work in the field. Those new to being a vet tech are likely to have more success in becoming registered if they complete their degree first.
Do California vet techs have to take the VTNE?
Yes. In California, you must be registered in order to work as a veterinary technician. To become registered, you must graduate from an AVMA-accredited school and pass the VTNE.
What is the vet tech salary in California?
On average, California vet techs earn between $36,130 and $55,110 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, depending on where they live, their experience, and their employer. Vet techs in the San Jose area earn the most, followed by San Francisco, Sacrament, and San Diego veterinary technicians.
How much do vet techs make hourly in California?
The hourly pay for vet techs in California can vary based on a few factors, including where you live and your work experience. For example, a veterinary technician in Los Angeles may make an average of $24.94 per hour while vet techs in San Diego earn $23.03 per hour.
What is the highest paying vet tech job?
The highest paying vet tech jobs are usually those that are specialized roles that require higher education and more experience. Emergency and critical care veterinary technicians, for example, can make as much as $77,000 per year.
What is the highest degree a vet tech can get?
The highest degree for a vet tech is a Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology. However, veterinary technicians can pursue other degrees in order to advance their careers in the field, from business to healthcare administration.