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Verified by CA Board of Healthcare

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for veterinary technologists and technicians in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in California

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Emergency Medical Services Authority • Emergency Medical Services Personnel Division • Paramedic Program

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $55,080 median (20% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Emergency Medical Services Authority~Emergency Medical Services Personnel Division~Paramedic Program and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $55,080, Veterinary Technologists and Technicianss in California earn 20% above the national median of $45,980. California ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$55,080

Hourly estimate

$26.48
20% above national median

Difference: +$9,100

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$41,020
  • P2525th percentile$47,340
  • P50Median$55,080
  • P7575th percentile$61,810
  • P9090th percentile$74,390

State vs National Median

State: $55,080
National: $45,980

Total employment: 11,380 | Annual openings: N/A

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians Salary Ranking

#4 of 50 statesfor Veterinary Technologists and Technicians median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$59,080
#2New York$58,830
#3Virginia$55,790
#4California$55,080
#5Minnesota$49,480

Nearby States Comparison

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$55,080Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oregon$48,950Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$48,590Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required18 years
Arizona$45,110Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Emergency Medical Services Authority • Emergency Medical Services Personnel Division • Paramedic Program

11120 International Drive, Suite 200, Rancho Cordova, CA, 95670

Phone: 9163239875

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Veterinary Technologists and Technicianss in California?

California lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Veterinary Technologists and Technicianss.

What education do you need to become a Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in California?

The board typically expects Degree required for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians licensure in California.

What is the typical Veterinary Technologists and Technicians salary in California?

The median annual salary for Veterinary Technologists and Technicianss in California is $55,080. Salaries range from $41,020 (10th percentile) to $74,390 (90th percentile).

How does the Veterinary Technologists and Technicians salary in California compare to the national average?

Veterinary Technologists and Technicianss in California earn 20% above the national median of $45,980, with a state median of $55,080.

How many Veterinary Technologists and Technicianss work in California?

California employs approximately 11,380 Veterinary Technologists and Technicianss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Veterinary Technologists and Technicians license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Veterinary Technologists and Technicianss in California?

The licensing agency is Emergency Medical Services Authority / Emergency Medical Services Personnel Division / Paramedic Program. Review agency details at https://emsa.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Veterinary Technologists and Technicians license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.