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.
Features of the Limited Eligibility Window:
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
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 carvta@gmail.com with your needs and CaRVTA will match you with an RVT willing to help.
For more information on the specifics of the Limited Window, see www.vmb.ca.gov. To get an application for the exam or ask questions, contact the VMB by calling toll-free 1-866-229-0170 or e-mail Linda_Kassis@dca.ca.gov.