Veterinary technicians play a vital role in veterinary clinics, providing essential support to veterinarians by handling animals, assisting in surgeries, and managing administrative duties. This in-demand career can be found in cities and towns nationwide, as well as in zoos, farms, and horse racetracks.
While veterinary technicians primarily care for animals, they also work closely with pet owners, educating them on proper animal care and rehabilitation. Strong communication skills are essential, especially in sensitive areas like end-of-life care. If you're passionate about animals and looking to build a rewarding career, this guide provides all the information you need on veterinary technician training and certification.
What Programs Are Available for Veterinary Technology?
There are various quality education programs available for aspiring veterinary technicians, primarily offered by community colleges. Most veterinary technology programs award associate degrees, with some schools offering bachelor's degree options as well. Both associate and bachelor’s degree programs can be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, ensuring high standards of training for future vet techs.
Students should enroll in AVMA-accredited programs to ensure they are prepared for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), which is crucial for licensure and career success. Only fully accredited vet tech programs provide the necessary training for passing the exam.
While both bachelor's and associate veterinary technology programs can lead to licensure, a bachelor's degree may provide an edge in the job market. With a four-year degree, students can pursue a minor specialty, adding depth to their education. A bachelor's degree also makes it easier to pursue a master's degree and advance in their career.
An associate degree is a great way to start a career in veterinary medicine, offering a more affordable path to licensure. Many states now offer subsidized or even free community college education. After obtaining a two-year degree, vet techs can gain experience and decide whether to pursue a bachelor's degree in veterinary medicine or another field.
What Will You Learn?
A veterinary technology program trains students to care for animals in need and assist licensed veterinarians with procedures and office tasks. These programs cover topics like clinical lab procedures, veterinary microbiology, animal behavior, anesthesiology, surgical nursing, veterinary pharmacology, and diseases. Given the vastness of the animal kingdom, students may focus on specialization later in their careers.
To start a veterinary technology career, students should focus on passing the VTNE and securing their first job. Those wishing to specialize should pursue internships in areas like farm animals or zoo animals to gain targeted experience. A two- or four-year veterinary technician degree prepares students for entry-level roles, where they will learn to operate radiology equipment, safely handle animals, and conduct procedures such as administering vaccines and advising pet owners on animal nutrition.
Skills Needed
While a love of animals is paramount when pursuing a career in veterinary services, certain skill sets are necessary. The job is often stressful, and that includes dealing with worried or frightened pet owners as well as the animal patients.
- Adaptability:
Flexibility is key for a vet tech. An emergency or an unexpected diagnosis can change a situation rapidly. Vet techs adapt and do what is needed. - Attention to detail:
Organizational skills are paramount. Vet techs must keep track of clients’ treatment plan, medications, follow-up visits and other aspects of care. - Empathy:
Pet owners worry about their animal’s health and may have to make hard decisions. A vet tech recognizes the difficulties the owners face. In emotional situations, vet techs must remain compassionate yet calm and professional. - Good communication skills:
Vet techs must communicate well with veterinarians and coworkers, as well as clients. Vet techs are often the ones discussing the veterinarian’s recommendations with the client and must prove able to answer questions within their capability. - Physical stamina:
Vet tech work requires lifting and restraining animals. It’s a job where a person is on their feet much of the time and constantly busy.
Financing and Scholarships
Paying for an education is not easy. Even though some states help students with their community college education, expenses still remain. Thus, veterinary technology students have several scholarships available that will help them reduce costs and launch a career with as much financial freedom as possible.
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Doyle L. Shugart Scholarship Program
This scholarship program is for students who are enrolled in an accredited veterinary technician program. In order to win the award, students need to submit an essay that describes how to assist human clients with the death of a pet. For context, this scholarship program is administered by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematoriums.
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Walkin’ Pets Veterinarian & Rehab/Vet Tech Scholarships
This scholarship fund awards $500 to veterinary technicians who are currently enrolled as full-time students in accredited programs. The application includes an essay that must respond to a series of questions that pertain to the treatment and care of disabled animals.
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Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians Scholarship
This scholarship is available to student members of WSAVT who are residents of Washington State and who are enrolled in accredited degree programs for veterinary technology. Applications require two letters of recommendation and that student have already completed one year of their education. WSAVT awards three annual scholarships of $1,000 each.
Find Your Vet Tech Trade School
Choosing a Veterinary Technology Program
Online vs. On-Campus
There are many online and traditional on-campus degree opportunities available for students of veterinary technology. The online option might be particularly appealing to many students since they can continue working while studying in their off-hours. An ideal situation would be to work in a veterinary clinic while learning more online.
Some students may feel that a 100% online degree program is not for them, yet they still need flexibility to balance work, life, and school. These students should look for a hybrid option. While many schools don't use that specific language, most will offer a significant number of courses through their online portal. A community college, for instance, might offer courses such as college algebra, composition, or other core courses online, while still providing your major courses in-person and with all the hands-on training you need.
Whether students choose a 100% online program or a fully traditional veterinary technology program, they should all seek to engage with the material every day. This way they will remain focused and will get the maximum benefit from their education.
Job Placement Assistance
Most accredited veterinary technology programs are aimed at helping their students launch careers in veterinary medicine. Their curriculum is geared towards success on the licensing exam, the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). These accredited degree programs may also provide job placement assistance.
However, all students should ask about this prior to enrolling in a program. They should also ask whether the program offers an internship option, though this might not be available. But a job placement program could help students land entry-level, part-time jobs in veterinary offices whether they get into an internship program or not. On the other hand, some programs are intensive, and it may be more advantageous to focus on academics prior to diving into the field in those cases.
Another key question to ask pertains to the pass rate for the VTNE. Students who become licensed are far more likely to land the best jobs. Furthermore, a high pass rate on the professional examination indicates that students are learning the vital information they need to provide animals with the best care possible.
FAQs
How long does it take to complete these programs?
A veterinary technology program can take anywhere between two and four years to complete. This is because there are both associate and bachelor’s degree programs in the field. Students should seek the program that is the most comprehensive, accredited, and affordable.
Some students may take longer to complete their education. These students can take longer because they are not only learning veterinary technology in the classroom but are also working in veterinarian's offices, applying their growing knowledge in the field.
How much do they cost?
The cost of a degree in veterinary technology depends on the school students choose. It also depends on whether they pursue an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. An associate degree in veterinary technology can accrue a gross cost around $13,000 and a bachelor’s degree in vet tech will likely cost approximately $30,000 from a state college or university. These figures don't include personal expenses such as housing and creature comforts, including food.
Is there specific accreditation for veterinary technology?
Yes, and this is very important. While the school should have minimum accreditation credentials from a CHEA-approved regional accreditation agency, the veterinary technology program should be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA-CVTEA).
This accreditation means that the program is geared toward preparing students for their best success in the field. These accredited programs are sure to help students pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) the first time.