Silicon Valley Registered Veterinary Technicians Association

go to  www.CaRVTA.org for further details on becoming an RVT. 

CaRVTA’s Alternate Route Handbook© contains very useful information for all candidates preparing for the RVT exam.  It includes the complete outline of test subject areas, exam content breakdown, reading list and sample certificates of attendance, as well as strategy for studying. An order form for the Handbook is available at CaRVTA’s web site, www.CaRVTA.org. 

CaRVTA has a mentor program for candidates for the RVT exam.  To find a mentor,

e-mail info@carvta.org with your needs and CaRVTA will match you with an RVT willing to help.

For more information on the specifics of the alternate Route go to www.vmb.ca.gov.

To get an application for the exam or ask questions, contact the VMB by calling toll-free 

866-229-0170   or e-mail Linda_Kassis@dca.ca.gov.

The Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) recently approved a new eligibility category that will allow unregistered assistants with at least 5 years (7360 hours) practical experience in the last 6 years and no less than 24 hours of education in the fundamentals of veterinary technology to apply for the Registered Veterinary Technician exam. This is a one-time opportunity for currently-employed-highly-skilled assistants to demonstrate that they meet the standards of competence required to practice as an RVT in California.

Previous Features of the Limited Eligibility Window:  This has expired and is no longer available.  Below is for reference only.

• Applications accepted January 1 – December 31, 2009
• Once application is accepted, candidate has 6 months to take the examination
• Candidates who don’t pass the first time may re-apply during window period
• Supervising veterinarian(s) must certify candidate’s entry level skills
• Documentation of education required:
  • 24 hours total including at least one course in each of the following –

       dental prophylaxis & extraction; anesthetic instrumentation, induction & monitoring;   

       surgical nursing & assisting, including instrumentation, suturing techniques & application

       of casts & splints; radiology & radiation safety; diseases & nursing of animals, including

       zoonotic diseases & emergency veterinary care

• Course outline or syllabus showing course content
• Certificate of attendance or transcript
• Education may be taught In-House during workday
  • DVM or RVT with 2 years experience may teach
• Education may also be obtained at:
  • Veterinary conferences
  • Local association meetings
  • RVT schools
  • Community colleges, universities
  • On-line
  • Any other venue with qualified instructors and required documentation