Veterinary Assistants: Become an RVT with California’s Alternate Route Pathway

In just 17 weeks, our live-streamed online program can make you eligible to sit for the VTNE and become an RVT.

This program is available for experienced veterinary assistants, just like you, who have completed at least 4,416 hours of practical experience over a minimum of two years under the direct supervision of a California-licensed veterinarian.

The only requirement you currently lack is the academic lecture coursework that our program will provide to you in a short 17-week* period.

Complete VASE’s live instructor-led online coursework in 17–18 weeks, with evening classes designed for working veterinary staff.

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LIVE-STREAMed ONLINE

98% completion rate

Since 2009, VASE has been helping veterinary assistants meet the academic requirements to sit for the VTNE and become RVTs in California. We won’t let you fall behind.

17-Week Fast-Track

Classes are streamed LIVE 4-nights per week in our online classroom. Get real-time instruction on a schedule that won’t let you fall behind.

Convenient

Classes start at 6 PM Monday through Thursday. Attend from home (in your pajamas if you like). No travel is required, and you won’t miss work.

CVMB Accepted

Vase’s alternate route program curriculum has been accepted by the California Veterinary Medical Board.

Spring and Fall Class Options Available

Spring Sessions: Start in January
Fall Sessions: Start in August

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Invest in your career

Make it happen
in just 17 short weeks.

Do you qualify for California’s Alternate Route?

Experience Counts!

  • 4,416 hours of hands-on experience
    You must document at least 4,416 hours of practical veterinary experience completed over a minimum of two years under the direct supervision of a California‑licensed veterinarian.
  • Finish required veterinary coursework.
    VASE provides you with 20 semester units of Board-approved veterinary classes, so you will meet the academic requirement for the VTNE without leaving work to attend a traditional two-year college
  • Demonstrate competency in required skills.
    Your supervising veterinarian must sign off on the California RVT Task List to confirm that you can perform the required nursing, surgical, anesthesia, dental, radiology, and lab skills. You will do this once you complete the VASE course.
  • Submit your application to the VMB.
    Once you complete the VASE program, we will assist you in sending all the required paperwork, transcripts, and skill lists for approval.
  • Pass the VTNE.
    Once approved, you must pass the national VTNE to earn your license.

What alumni say

  • The course was great. Teachers were excellent, teaching during a difficult time period (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and covering hard material. Also, you were very understanding of the fact that students work and have lives. Great course!
    Monica
    VASE alumnus
  • I feel that I have grown as a technician since I started taking this course. Nighttime was a little hard around 9:00 p.m., but it was all worth it. I loved the teachers!
    Ally
    VASE alumnus
  • I’m a father with a full-time job. The online class gave me the ability to go to school and become an RVT!
    Jerry
    VASE alumnus
  • The instructors genuinely cared about the students’ success. They made it fun and interesting.
    Shannon
    VASE alumnus

Use your practical experience to advance your career.

VASE’s live-streamed online course provides you with the academic credits required to sit for the VTNE.
In just 17 weeks, you will complete the required course credits and qualify for the VTNE exam.

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Common Questions

VASE provides the lecture‑based education required for California veterinary assistants who want to qualify for the RVT licensing process through the Alternate Route. It’s designed for working assistants who already have hands‑on experience and need to complete the academic portion.

To qualify, you must have:

  • Completion of the required 20 semester units of approved veterinary technology coursework (VASE covers the lecture portion)
  • 4,416 hours of practical experience
  • Completed over a minimum of 24 months
  • Under the direct supervision of a California‑licensed veterinarian

No. California no longer requires a separate clinical exam. Today, RVT applicants must pass:

  • The VTNE (national exam)

Yes. Once you complete and pass the VASE course and meet your required hours and skills sign‑offs, you can apply to the California Veterinary Medical Board for approval to take the VTNE

The VASE program is live-streamed online for 17-18 weeks (depending on where holidays fall). Classes are held from 6 PM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday. Attendance is required to pass the course. Unlike many other programs, our instructors teach a live program. This keeps you on track to complete the program. We have 98% successful completion rate.

Yes. The Alternate Route requires ongoing supervised clinical experience. Your hours must be completed in a California veterinary practice under a licensed veterinarian.

Yes. All lecture content, assignments, and assessments are delivered online, allowing working veterinary assistants to complete the program without disrupting their jobs.

You can enroll in VASE from anywhere, but the Alternate Route pathway is only recognized in California. If you plan to become credentialed in another state, check that state’s requirements first.

Check Enrollment Options Here

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