Welcome to the Veterinary Technician FAQ. Whether you’re exploring a career in veterinary medicine, considering coursework to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), or seeking answers about training, certification, and job prospects, this page offers clear, helpful answers to common questions about the program and the profession
- Who should enroll in the Veterinary Technician Program?
Veterinary Technician (VT) courses are appropriate for anyone interested in veterinary nursing or veterinary technology. These courses were specifically designed to meet California’s requirements for those who wish to become Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs).
Two introductory courses (VETT 101: Intro to Vet Careers, and VETT 50: Veterinary Anatomy and Terminology) are appropriate for students exploring a career in veterinary medicine or considering veterinary school. The remainder of the program focuses on the skills, responsibilities, and knowledge required for veterinary technology and nursing.
The SRJC VT courses are also useful for individuals working at all levels of veterinary support staff, including veterinary assistants and reception staff, whether or not becoming an RVT is the end goal.- How do I enroll in the SRJC Veterinary Technician Program?
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 SRJC 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.
The program was originally designed for veterinary assistants who already work and want to advance their careers toward RVT licensure. Students with prior veterinary clinical experience often find the coursework more manageable, though prior experience is not required.- What is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)?
A Registered Veterinary Technician is a trained veterinary nursing professional who works under the supervision of a veterinarian. RVTs function as the veterinarian’s nurse, anesthetist, laboratory technician, and surgical assistant, and are key communicators with clients.
Most RVTs work in clinical veterinary hospitals, but others work in biomedical research, diagnostic laboratories, government and nonprofit agencies, public health, zoos, and pharmaceutical companies. RVTs frequently hold leadership and management roles within veterinary hospitals.
In California, certain medical procedures may only be performed by an RVT or a veterinarian, including inducing anesthesia, extracting teeth, and placing splints or casts. RVT licensure is granted by the state, and requirements vary by state. In other states, RVTs may be referred to as Licensed or Certified Veterinary Technicians.- What is the job market like for Registered Veterinary Technicians?
There is a very strong demand for RVTs locally and statewide. Sonoma County has a documented shortage of licensed technicians. A well-staffed veterinary hospital typically employs at least 1.5 full-time RVTs per veterinarian, yet Sonoma County has only approximately 160 RVTs supporting more than 250 veterinarians.
Veterinary medicine continues to grow as an industry. Expansion of specialty hospitals, consolidation into larger practices, increased pet insurance coverage, and higher medical standards in both private practice and shelter medicine have all increased demand for RVTs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, significantly faster than many other careers.- How much do veterinary support staff get paid?
RVTs continue to earn approximately $8 per hour more than unlicensed veterinary staff. A 2024 survey of 160 local veterinary employees reported an average RVT wage of $31 per hour in Sonoma County, with higher compensation reported in Marin and San Francisco counties and among RVTs in leadership or managerial roles.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $45,980 for veterinary technologists and technicians in May 2024, with significant regional variation based on cost of living.
Veterinary Assistants earn an average of approximately $23 per hour, although job duties and expectations vary widely across hospitals. Only a small number of Kennel Assistants responded to the survey; they reported an average wage of approximately $18 per hour.- What is the job market like for Veterinary Assistants? Will I get a job?
As of January 2011, the title “Veterinary Technician” is legally restricted in California to individuals who are licensed as RVTs. Unlicensed staff are referred to as Veterinary Assistants.
Veterinary Assistants are employed in all types of veterinary workplaces, and the demand for these positions remains strong. However, job prospects for assistants are less consistent and secure than those for RVTs. Hiring decisions for unregistered staff rely heavily on experience, references, and demonstrated skills, making it difficult for employers to assess applicants without standardized credentials.
More than 75 percent of students who complete the SRJC Veterinary Technician Program are employed in the field before finishing their coursework. Students who are flexible, reliable, and have strong interpersonal skills are finding work readily. Completing the SRJC Veterinary Technician Certificate is a meaningful way to demonstrate training and commitment to employers. Simply stating that you are “in the program” or taking your first class does not provide a competitive advantage.- How do I find a local veterinary job?
Licensed RVTs generally have little difficulty finding employment, and open positions are common.
Finding a first veterinary job can be more challenging. Many entry-level positions, including kennel staff, reception, and veterinary assistant roles, are filled through word of mouth or resumes on file rather than formal job postings. Visiting hospitals in person, especially within a broader geographic area, often improves success.
Until RVT licensure is achieved, veterinary-related references are a critical part of an applicant’s resume. Networking and professional relationships frequently play a role in hiring decisions.
The SRJC Veterinary Technician Program maintains a Google group for job announcements and educational opportunities. Current or previous SRJC students may joing by emailing pwittenberg@santarosa.edu.- How do I become a Registered Veterinary Technician through SRJC?
California offers three pathways to RVT licensure. The SRJC program qualifies students through the Alternate Route.
The Alternate Route requires completion of at least 20 semester units covering specified veterinary nursing and science topics, all of which are fulfilled through SRJC coursework. In addition, applicants must complete extensive clinical experience before becoming eligible to sit for the RVT examination.
Licensure forms and requirements are available through the California Veterinary Medical Board at https://www.vmb.ca.gov/applicants/rvt_forms.shtml
- What is the Veterinary Technician Certificate?
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. However, it does fulfill the academic requirement for eligibility to sit for the RVT examination through the Alternate Route. Clinical experience and successful completion of the board examinations are still required.- What else is required for Alternate Route licensure?
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. http://www.vmb.ca.gov/
There is no longer a maximum time limit for completing the hours and coursework. Detailed task lists and requirements are available on the Veterinary Medical Board website.
After approval by the Veterinary Medical Board, applicants must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Licensure obtained through this route applies to California only.- Does SRJC place students in clinical positions?
SRJC provides the academic training required for RVT eligibility. Obtaining clinical experience is the responsibility of the student.
The program offers some externships and maintains job listings through a Google group, but students must independently secure employment or volunteer positions to complete their required clinical hours.- How long does the program take to complete? Can I complete it online? Where are classes held?
The Veterinary Technician 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. Students with limited experience who take too many courses at once often struggle academically. Following the recommended course sequence is strongly advised.
Introductory courses (VETT 101, 50, 52) include online components, and many other courses offer part of the curriculum online; however, there is no option to complete the certificate online.
Classes are held at the SRJC Petaluma campus.- How do I know which classes to take?
Students should start with VETT 101 if they are starting to explore the idea of a veterinary career.
Students with veterinary experience and/or a strong science background should take VETT 50 in the first semester. Course sequencing becomes more flexible with increased workplace experience.
Students with less than one year of full-time veterinary experience should closely follow the recommended sequence.- What animals will I learn about?
The program focuses primarily on dogs and cats, reflecting local employment trends. Over 90 percent of RVTs in Sonoma and surrounding counties work in small animal practice.
Additional coverage includes limited exposure related to rabbits, rodents, avian/exotics, equine and large/food animals. While RVT licensure allows work with all species, large animal and food animal RVT positions are very limited locally. Students interested in large animal-focused programs should consider Modesto Junior College or Cal Poly and plan to work in regions with a strong livestock industry.- How hands-on is the program?
SRJC does not maintain animal colonies for teaching purposes. Courses fulfill academic, not clinical, licensure requirements.
Many courses include significant hands-on laboratory instruction. Live animal use is limited and non-invasive. Animals are never used solely for practice, though procedures such as vaccinations or diagnostic testing may occasionally be incorporated when medically appropriate.- What if the class I want is full?
Meeting with an SRJC counselor early can improve registration priority. Students who have completed prerequisites are encouraged to attend the first class session and speak with the instructor.
Some courses can add students beyond the waitlist, particularly lecture-based classes. Others are limited due to equipment or safety considerations. Students should not expect add codes without attending the initial class sessions.- I want to become a veterinarian. Will these courses help?
VETT 101 (Intro to Veterinary Careers) and VETT 50 (Intro to Veterinary Anatomy & Terminology) are valuable for students exploring a career as a veterinarian, but none of the VT classes are part of veterinary school prerequisites, which focus on foundational sciences (math, chemistry, etc).
Successful veterinary school applicants typically have extensive clinical experience. Students without significant experience may find the VT program a useful steppingstone. Students with substantial veterinary experience are unlikely to benefit from additional VT coursework.
Pre-veterinary resources are available at:
Counseling: Veterinary Medicine Preparation- I love animals. Is veterinary medicine right for me?
Compassion for animals is essential, but veterinary medicine is a technical, science-based profession. Veterinary technicians routinely perform medical calculations, administer medications, analyze laboratory data, and work with bodily fluids. The work often involves illness, injury, and end-of-life care.
Those interested primarily in animal companionship may find this career challenging. Those interested in medical care and problem-solving are well-suited to veterinary medicine.- I like animals but not people. Is this a good career choice?
Veterinary technicians spend significant time communicating with clients and working closely with colleagues. Strong interpersonal skills are required.
Some positions involve less public interaction, such as research, zoo medicine, or specialized hospital roles, but all veterinary work is collaborative and requires effective communication.- Who can I contact with questions?
Program questions may be directed to:
Pam Wittenberg, DVM
Veterinary Technician Program Coordinator
pwittenberg@santarosa.edu
Questions about enrollment, counseling, and academic planning should be directed to SRJC Counseling:
https://counseling.santarosa.edu/