Good vet technician schools in the southern california orange county area

Believe it or not, I have been thinking about throwing away my office work and go work with animals. I love animals, and I think this new profession would be a good career change for me, though the pay hit would be huge. But, I guess I could work my way up. I think in the end, I might be happier than working in a cubicle my whole life.

Any comments would be much appreciated, especially from someone in the field. I am looking for things like pay, working conditions, etc.

Abner

 

A former co-worker and friend worked as a vet tech. I don't recall her talking about having any sort of training. Also, when I looked at the brief online bios of the vet techs where I took my dog, none mentioned any sort specialized vet training. It could be we're talking about different things.

Even after getting a job for the state my friend stayed on with the vet clinic working weekends just to get the employee discount. She had several dogs, goats, and occasionally fostered animals. It might be worthwhile to try to get a weekend gig like she had to test the waters or perhaps volunteer at an animal shelter before diving in and chucking a career. As the saying goes, the grass is always greener...

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

To my knowledge it is true that you can get a vet tech job without specialized training but there are vet tech programs around. My first step would be to check with the local community colleges. Next I would call a few local Veterinarians and ask which programs they respect. I knew someone who did that job and they liked it, eventually leaving because she couldn't take all the euthanasia.

 

The exact rules vary from state to state, but most states (including California) distinguish between "veterinary technicians" and "veterinary assistants".

A "veterinary technician" typically has a 2-year or 4-year college degree and has passed a state licensing exam. They are comparable to nurses, and in fact are called "veterinary nurses" in many countries (however, this term is not used in the US, due to objections from the nursing community).

A "veterinary assistant", on the other hand, does not need to have any formal qualifications. Basically, a veterinarian can legally hire anyone who seems good with animals as an "assistant".

Depending on state rules, a licensed "veterinary technician" may have more power to perform certain procedures or to obtain medication than a "veterinary assistant".

I've heard that the job market/salaries for vet techs aren't particularly good -- worse than for nurses, even though the level of training required is comparable. Lots of people want to work with animals, and since vets can hire people without any formal qualifications as "veterinary assistants", there are no barriers to entry.

In southern California, the top school for vet tech training would be Cal Poly Pomona.

 

I agree with this. Being a veterinary technician is usually a licensed and highly-regulated position. Being a veterinary assistant or kennel technician usually does not require licensure, but they are allowed to do less.

AVMA has created a chart on the training requirements and scope of practice of veterinary technicians by state.
https://www.avma.org/Advocacy/StateAndLocal/Documents/scope_vet_assistant_duties.pdf

 

Have you checked your local community college?

 

You could ask the nice people at your local Banfield Pet Hospital located in Pet Smart stores if they know of a local school.