If you’re passionate about animal care and want to become a licensed Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in California, but don’t want to spend years at a traditional college, the Alternate Route Program at OCVAS offers a streamlined, practical pathway.
What is the Alternate Route Program?
The OCVAS Alternate Route (Level II) Program is an advanced-level course designed for veterinary assistants aiming to upgrade their credentials. Through this program, working professionals gain the required education and experience to qualify for licensure and eligibility to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
This approach allows you to continue working while studying — a huge advantage for those balancing job, finances, and career advancement.
Who Qualifies for the Program?
To enroll in the Level II Alternate Route, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- 3,500+ hours of veterinary assistant experience over no less than 18 months – working under the supervision of a California-licensed veterinarian.
- Completion of Level I Veterinary Assistant Program (or equivalent).
- Having completed 100% of the Level I assistant task list required for RVT eligibility.
In short, it’s aimed at working assistants already familiar with clinical settings who want to take the next step toward becoming an RVT.
What You’ll Learn: Core Skills & Focus Areas
The coursework in Level II dives into veterinary-technician-level topics essential for everyday work in a small animal hospital. Examples include:
- Bandaging and splint placement
- Dental procedures, including extractions
- Emergency medicine and anesthesiology
- Surgery and suture techniques
- Cardiology and oncology fundamentals
The curriculum is tailored to meet the standards of the California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB) and practicing veterinarians, emphasizing practical, hands-on skills over general education courses.
Program Structure & Delivery
- Duration & Format: 15-week courses totaling 96 hours per course. Instruction is delivered as blended distance education, mostly online, but with two required in-residence sessions per semester.
- Flexibility: Because the program accommodates working professionals, it’s a fit for those who want to earn credentials without leaving their jobs.
- Outcome: Upon completing Level II classes and fulfilling the required work experience, graduates receive “Level II Veterinary Technician Candidate” certificates, making them eligible to apply for RVT licensure and sit for the VTNE.
Why the Alternate Route Program Is a Smart Option
- Work While You Learn: You don’t have to quit your day job, you can keep working at a clinic while completing the coursework. This makes the pathway more accessible and financially manageable.
- Fast-Tracked & Focused: Because the program skips general education and focuses solely on the technical skills needed for veterinary work, you get to licensure readiness faster than traditional college + degree paths.
- Built for Real-World Practice: The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, practical skills that align with what you’ll actually do on the job, from emergency care to surgery, dental work, and beyond.
- Credibility & Licensing Eligibility: This path leads to a qualification recognized by the California Veterinary Medical Board and eligibility to take the VTNE — a clear foot in the door to become a licensed RVT.
Who Should Consider This Route?
The Alternate Route Program at OCVAS is ideal for:
- Veterinary assistants already working in clinics who want to elevate their credentials.
- Individuals with significant hands-on veterinary experience but without a formal college degree.
- People seeking a quicker, more affordable path to licensure compared to a traditional degree.
- Anyone motivated to learn — even if you need flexibility to work while studying.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing a career as a veterinary technician doesn’t always require a multi-year degree at a traditional college. The Alternate Route Program at OCVAS offers a realistic, practical, and career-focused alternative — showing that with dedication, it’s entirely possible to transform hands-on experience into professional licensure.
If you’re passionate about animal care and ready to step up your career, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.