Becoming a Veterinary Technician in California

Big growth in animal careers is expected in California over the coming years, which is good news for anyone interested in working as a veterinary technician, a veterinary assistant, or an animal caretaker. The growth could mean as many as 270 new jobs each year for the next several years. Working with animals requires some training but is a rewarding and fun job in California. [Leer en español]

Salaries for Veterinary Technicians

The national average salary for a vet tech is $36,850, but it is $45,540 for those working in California. Vet techs in the state can earn up to $59,360, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Animal assistants and caretakers, who require less training and do not need to be licensed, can earn up to $42,500 and have an average salary of $29,640.

Requirements for Veterinary Technicians

Vet techs in California must be licensed to work in the state. Licensing is through the California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB). Vet techs applying for licensing must be able to prove completion of a vet tech program at a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association or that is approved by the CVMB. Applicants must also submit FBI fingerprint clearance and proof of a minimum of 4,416 hours of practical experience in veterinary work. Finally, applicants must pass both the California Veterinary Technician Examination and the Veterinary Technician National Examination.

Registered Veterinary Technician

California also offers the option of becoming a registered veterinary technician (RVT) through the CVMB, which requires additional education and experience. To become an RVT one must have received at least 6,000 hours of practical experience and passed both the Veterinary Technician National Examination and California Veterinary Technician Examination. Applicants can apply for RVT status before passing the examinations but must do so within six months of graduation from a vet tech school. To maintain RVT status in California, one must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years and renew their license.

AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technician Programs in California

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits vet tech training programs at many schools throughout the country, and there are several such programs in the state of California:

• Carrington College – Multiple Campuses Citrus Heights, Pleasant Hill, Pomona, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, Stockton
• Cosumnes River College, Sacramento
• Foothill College, Los Altos Hills
• Los Angeles Pierce College, Woodland Hills
• Mount San Antonio College, Walnut

Major Veterinary Technician Employers in California

Nearly 9,000 vet techs and 10,000 veterinary assistants are currently employed in California. There are many opportunities for jobs in this field, including small private veterinary practices, large animal hospitals, university animal hospitals, specialty clinics, research facilities, and rescue shelters. Here are some of the facilities that employ vet techs and other types of animal caregivers:

• Pacific Animal Hospital, Oceanside
• Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital, Irvine
• California Veterinary Specialists, Carlsbad, Murrieta, Ontario
• United Veterinary Specialty and Emergency, San Jose
• The University of California Davis Large Animal Clinic, Davis
• Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Los Angeles

Professional Organizations

Licensed vet techs working in California can join the California Registered Veterinary Technicians Association (CRVTA) to network and access resources such as educational opportunities, scholarships, and information about licensing. Vet techs may also join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America or NAVTA. NAVTA offers members resources on a national level.

Veterinary Technician Schools in California

• Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division
• Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA Metropolitan Division
• Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville, CA
• Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division
• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
• Stockton, CA
• San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA
• Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
• Fresno, CA
• Yuba City, CA

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA Metropolitan Division Area

California Healing Arts College

500 East Carson Plaza Drive, Suite 103, Carson, California 90746-7323

Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

California Healing Arts College’s Certificate-level Veterinary Assistant program is based at its campus in the city of Carson. Most of the school’s 44 students are in diploma programs of under two years. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are generally about $16,910 per year. Typically, the program is completed in 8 months.

Carrington College-Pomona

901 Corporate Center Drive, Ste. 300, Pomona, California 91768-2642

Veterinary Technician – Associate Program

Carrington College’s Associate program is offered at their Pomona campus in Pomona in Los Angeles County, CA. Most of the school’s 374 students are on 2-year programs. The Vet Tech program, with a duration of 64 credit hours, is the college’s largest program. The cost of tuition is usually in the order of $32,266 per year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,900, although this will vary with the program.

Los Angeles Pierce College

6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, California 91371-0002

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at Los Angeles Pierce College is taught at their campus in the city of Woodland Hills, CA. The college has roughly 21,034 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are around $1,220 and for out-of-state students likely to be about $7,016 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,764, although this varies from program to program.

Mt San Antonio College

1100 N Grand Ave, Walnut, California 91789-1399

Registered Veterinary Technology ( Official ) – Associate Program

Mt San Antonio College’s Associate program in Registered Veterinary Technology ( Official ) is offered at their campus in Walnut in Los Angeles County, California. The college has about 29,045 students in total, with the majority of students in 2-year programs. The college’s retention rate for full-time students is 80%. Tuition fees for in-state students are around $1,348 and for out-of-state students approximately $7,960 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,764, depending on the program chosen.

Modesto, CA Area

Modesto Junior College

435 College Ave, Modesto, California 95350-5800

Veterinary Technician – Certificate Program

Modesto Junior College’s Certificate program in Veterinary Technician is offered at their campus in the city of Modesto. Most of the school’s 17,578 students are in 2-year programs. The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually around $1,162 and for out-of-state students in the order of $6,370 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,746, depending on the program chosen.

Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division Area

Carrington College-Pleasant Hill

380 Civic Dr., Ste. 300, Pleasant Hill, California 94523

Veterinary Technician – Associate Program

Carrington College’s Associate program is offered at their Pleasant Hill campus in Pleasant Hill in Contra Costa County. This private, for-profit college has in the region of 599 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The Vet Tech program, with a duration of 64 credit hours, is the college’s largest program. The college is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Tuition fees are, as a rough guide, around $32,266 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,900, although this varies from program to program.

Carrington College-San Leandro

15555 E. 14th Street, Suite 500, San Leandro, California 94578-1977

Veterinary Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at Carrington College is based at their San Leandro campus in the city of San Leandro, California. This private, for-profit college has around 509 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are broadly about $32,266 annually, while books and supplies may cost about $1,900. Program completion is normally 22 months.

Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville, CA Area

Carrington College-Citrus Heights

7301 Greenback Lane, Ste A, Citrus Heights, California 95621

Veterinary Technician – Associate Program

Carrington College’s Associate program in Veterinary Technician is based at their Citrus Heights campus in Citrus Heights in Sacramento County, CA. The majority of the school’s 517 students are on 2-year programs. The Vet Tech program, with a duration of 64 credit hours, is the college’s largest program. The college is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Tuition fees are broadly about $32,266 annually, while study materials may cost around $1,900, depending on the program.

Carrington College-Sacramento

8909 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, California 95826

Veterinary Technician – Associate Program

The Veterinary Technician Associate’s program at Carrington College is offered at their Sacramento campus in Sacramento in Sacramento County. This private, for-profit college has around 1,385 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The cost of tuition for the Vet Tech program is about $32,266 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,900. Typically, the program is completed in 22 months.

Cosumnes River College

8401 Center Parkway, Sacramento, California 95823-5799

Veterinary Technology – Associate Program, Veterinary Technology – Certificate Program

Cosumnes River College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Sacramento, California. The college has around 14,467 students in total, with the majority of students in 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $1,104 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $7,440 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,746, although this varies from program to program.

Salinas, CA Area

Central Coast College

480 S Main Street, Salinas, California 93901-3301

Veterinary Assistant – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Central Coast College can be taken at their campus in the city of Salinas, California. Most of the school’s 276 students are in diploma programs of under two years. Tuition fees for the Vet Tech program are around $12,800 annually. Typically, the program is completed in 9 months.

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Area

Carrington College-San Jose

5883 Rue Ferrari, San Jose, California 95138

Veterinary Technician – Associate Program

Carrington College’s Associate-level Veterinary Technician program is offered at their San Jose campus in the city of San Jose, CA. The majority of the school’s 805 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The cost of tuition for the Vet Tech program is around $32,266 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,900. Program completion is normally 22 months.

Foothill College

12345 El Monte Rd, Los Altos Hills, California 94022

Veterinary Assisting – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at Foothill College is based at their campus in Los Altos Hills in Santa Clara County, California. Most of the school’s 15,030 students are in 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is in the order of $1,551 and for students from outside the state around $8,391 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $1,764, although this will vary with the program.

Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta, CA Area

Allan Hancock College

800 South College Drive, Santa Maria, California 93454-6399

Registered Veterinary Technician – Certificate Program

Allan Hancock College’s Certificate program is taught at their campus in the city of Santa Maria. The majority of the school’s 11,047 students are on 2-year programs. The cost of tuition for in-state students is around $1,346 and for out-of-state students in the order of $6,750 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,746, although this will vary with the program.

Stockton, CA Area

Carrington College-Stockton

1313 W. Robinhood Drive, Suite B, Stockton, California 95207

Veterinary Technician – Associate Program

The Veterinary Technician Associate’s program at Carrington College can be taken at their Stockton campus in the city of Stockton. The majority ofAA the school’s 549 students are on 2-year programs. The Vet Tech program, with a duration of 64 credit hours, is the college’s largest program. The college is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Tuition feesaaAAA are broadly about $32,266 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,900, depending on the program.

Visalia-Porterville, CA Area

College of the Sequoias

915 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia, California 93277-2214

Animal Science – Certificate Program

College of the Sequoias’s Certificate program in Animal Science is based at their campus in the city of Visalia. The college has approximately 10,647 students in total, with most students in 2-year programs. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $1,388 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $6,988 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,700, although this will vary with the program.

* Tuition fees and accreditation status are correct at the time of writing, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college before applying.

Other Options

California residents have further educational options in the neighboring states of Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon.

College Listings

Veterinary technician salaries in California

California has more employed veterinary assistants than any other state, with 16,080 working across the state, according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data. That number tells you something useful: there is real, consistent demand for people entering this field at every level.

The career path here has two clear steps, and pay differs significantly between them.

Veterinary assistant earnings

If you start as a veterinary assistant or laboratory animal caretaker, the median wage in California is $46,260 per year. The middle of the pay range runs from about $39,760 at the 25th percentile to $49,290 at the 75th percentile. Workers at the top of the field earn up to $57,940 at the 90th percentile. Entry-level positions (10th percentile) start around $37,800. (Source: BLS May 2025 OEWS data.)

Veterinary technician and technologist earnings

Once you earn your associate degree and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), the licensing exam required to work as a credentialed vet tech, your earning potential goes up noticeably. The median wage for veterinary technologists and technicians in California is $60,630 per year. The 25th-to-75th percentile range runs from $51,570 to $64,100. Experienced techs at the 90th percentile earn $75,860, and the 10th percentile starts at $48,240. (Source: BLS May 2025 OEWS data.)

The gap between assistant and technician pay is real. Going from the assistant median ($46,260) to the technician median ($60,630) is a difference of more than $14,000 per year. That is one reason many people who start as assistants go back to school for a full vet tech degree.

California also has 11,310 employed veterinary technologists and technicians. Combined with assistants, that is well over 27,000 people working in this field in the state right now.

Types of programs in California

You have two main types of programs to choose from: certificate programs that train veterinary assistants, and associate degree programs that lead to credentialed vet tech status. The right choice depends on how fast you want to enter the workforce and how far you want to go in your career.

Veterinary assistant certificate programs

Certificate programs are shorter, typically taking a few months to around a year. They prepare you to work alongside licensed veterinarians and technicians. You will learn animal restraint, basic laboratory procedures, client communication, and clinic operations. These programs do not lead to the VTNE, so you cannot become a licensed vet tech with a certificate alone. However, they get you working in a clinic faster and can count toward further education later.

Veterinary technology associate degree programs

Associate degree programs typically take two years. Most are accredited by AVMA-COE, which stands for the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. Graduation from an AVMA-COE accredited program is required before you can sit for the VTNE in California. After passing the exam, you apply for licensure with the California Veterinary Medical Board and work as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a science field, Cal Poly Pomona has a related animal science pathway worth considering, though it is a different route than a traditional vet tech degree.

California programs worth knowing about

The list below covers programs across the state. It is organized by program type so you can find options at the right level for your goals.

Veterinary technology associate degree and bachelor’s programs

These programs lead to credentials that allow you to sit for the VTNE and work as a licensed vet tech in California.

• Carrington College, Sacramento offers a veterinary technology program in Sacramento.
• Carrington College, San Jose has the same program available at its San Jose campus.
• Carrington College, Stockton provides the program at its Stockton location as well.
• Platt College, Los Angeles (Alhambra) has a veterinary technology associate degree that includes a distance education option.
• Stanbridge University in Irvine has a veterinary technology program.
• San Joaquin Valley College, Ontario offers a veterinary technology program at its Ontario campus.
• California State Polytechnic University, Pomona has a bachelor’s-level animal science program for those pursuing a four-year degree path.
• Yuba College in Marysville has a vet tech program with both degree and certificate options.
• Cosumnes River College in Sacramento has an animal science program with veterinary-related pathways.
• Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa has a veterinary technology program serving the North Bay area.
• Los Angeles Pierce College in Woodland Hills has a vet tech program in the San Fernando Valley.
• Modesto Junior College in Modesto has agricultural and animal science coursework related to veterinary careers.

Veterinary assistant certificate programs

These programs are a faster route into the field. They suit you well if you want to start working in a clinic soon, or if you want to confirm the career is right for you before committing to a two-year degree.

• Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria has a veterinary assistant program on the Central Coast.
• Butte County Regional Occupational Program in Chico trains certified veterinary assistants in the northern Central Valley.
• Central Coast College in Salinas has a veterinary assistant program.
• High Desert Medical College in Lancaster serves students in the Antelope Valley region.
• Integrity College of Health in Pasadena has a veterinary assistant program in the greater Los Angeles area.
• Pima Medical Institute, Chula Vista has a veterinary assistant certificate program in San Diego County.
• Pima Medical Institute, San Marcos has the same certificate program at its North San Diego County campus.
• San Joaquin Valley College, Fresno has a veterinary assistant program in the Central Valley.
• Stellar Career College in Modesto trains veterinary assistants in the Central Valley.
• Ventura College has animal and agriculture programs with veterinary-related coursework.
• Mt San Antonio College in Walnut has agriculture and animal science options; check directly for current vet-related certificates.

How to choose between programs

Location matters, but it is not the only thing. Consider these factors when you compare your options.

AVMA-COE accreditation

If your goal is to become a licensed RVT in California, the program you attend must be accredited by AVMA-COE. Verify accreditation status directly with the program before you apply. The AVMA maintains a current list on its website, and accreditation status can change.

Schedule and format

Some programs run daytime classes five days a week. Others offer evening or weekend options. Platt College in Alhambra has a distance education format for part of its program. If you work while you study, schedule flexibility may narrow your list quickly.

Clinical hours

Every AVMA-COE accredited program includes hands-on clinical training, often called an externship. Ask each program how many clinical hours are required and where students are placed. A program with strong local clinic partnerships gives you real experience and professional contacts before you graduate.

Program length and cost

Community colleges tend to cost less than private career colleges. A public community college associate degree may take two years with lower tuition than a private school. That said, some private programs have a faster pace and finish in less than two years. Compare total program cost, not just per-unit tuition. [VERIFY: current tuition figures for specific programs listed above.]

What the job actually involves

As a veterinary assistant, you support the licensed staff. You prep exam rooms, restrain animals during procedures, collect samples, and talk with pet owners at the front desk. It is active, hands-on work that requires comfort around animals of all sizes and temperaments.

As a licensed RVT, your responsibilities go further. You run laboratory tests, administer anesthesia under a veterinarian’s supervision, take and read radiographs (X-rays), and perform dental cleanings. You also maintain medical records and help manage clinic flow. In specialty and emergency practices, RVTs work in surgery, oncology, internal medicine, and intensive care.

California law is specific about what assistants can do versus what only a licensed RVT can do. That legal distinction is part of why the pay gap between the two roles exists and why it is unlikely to close.

Steps to becoming a licensed RVT in California

The path to licensure in California follows a clear sequence.

1. Graduate from an AVMA-COE accredited veterinary technology program.
2. Apply to the California Veterinary Medical Board to sit for the VTNE.
3. Pass the VTNE.
4. Submit your license application with the required fee and supporting documents.
5. Maintain your RVT license with continuing education hours each renewal cycle.

The California Veterinary Medical Board handles licensing and posts current fee schedules and renewal requirements on its website. Check there directly for the most current requirements, as fees and continuing education hours can be updated between legislative sessions.

Regional job markets in California

California’s size means the job market varies by region. Los Angeles County has the highest raw number of clinics and hospitals, including several large specialty and emergency centers. The Bay Area has a dense concentration of practices and tends to pay toward the higher end of the statewide range. The Central Valley has growing demand, partly driven by agricultural and large-animal practices that need technicians trained in livestock care. San Diego County also has strong demand, with both companion animal and research institution employers.

If you are open to where you live, the statewide median of $60,630 is a baseline. Techs in metropolitan areas with higher costs of living often earn closer to the 75th percentile ($64,100) or above. (Source: BLS May 2025 OEWS data.)

Next steps

Use the program links above to visit each school’s program page directly. Look for current accreditation status, program length, schedule format, and application deadlines. Then contact the admissions office with your specific questions about cost, clinical placement, and job placement support. Each of those details will differ by school and can change each enrollment cycle, so talking to someone at the program is the most reliable way to get current answers.

If you are not yet ready for a two-year degree, a certificate program is a practical starting point. You will gain real clinical experience, confirm the work suits you, and earn a wage while you decide whether to continue to full licensure. With the median RVT salary in California sitting at $60,630, many assistants find that continuing their education is worth the time.