- Complete an associate degree in veterinary technology. …
- Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. …
- Become a member of NAVTA. …
- Find a job in a veterinary clinic. …
- Maintain certification. …
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By fusing your passion for animals with your profession, you not only improve the lives of animals but also improve your own quality of life. Make wise decisions about your educational options and, ultimately, career options in the quickly expanding field of veterinary medicine by using our guide for veterinary technicians.
How To Get Hired As A Vet Tech | How I Became A Vet Tech | My Advice
Average salary
To become a veterinary technician, you must possess excellent organizational skills, commitment, and a passion for animals. A high school diploma or its equivalent is needed for veterinary technicians to start their specialized training for the profession. The following are the fundamental requirements to become a vet tech:
Technicians usually have an associate degree in veterinary technology. With this two-year degree, you can enter the workforce quickly and acquire the practical experience necessary to pursue a successful career as a vet technician. There are bachelors programs available in veterinary technology. You can increase your training and experience by pursuing a bachelor’s degree, but it typically requires two more years than an associate program.
You’ll probably take classes in fundamental animal care, pathology, anatomy, anesthesia, and animal nursing while pursuing either degree. You must complete an externship at an animal hospital or clinic as part of some programs. You will gain practical clinical experience during an externship that is necessary for your career.
You’ll need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination for the majority of states. The American Association of Veterinary State Boards administers the exam, which assesses entry-level proficiency in subjects like dental procedures, pharmacology, lab procedures, and animal nursing. The exam is computer-based.
The majority of veterinary technicians are employed in hospitals, clinics, or laboratories. You’ll be able to find employment in this field by beginning your search in one of these places. Consider including a cover letter with your application that emphasizes the skills required by the job description. Include any academic accomplishments, pertinent hard and soft skills, and your certification as a vet tech on your resume.
As with many jobs in the medical industry, maintaining credentials requires continuing education credits. Numerous places, both offline and online, provide additional training so that you can increase your knowledge, advance your career, and keep your certification. Consider using the American Veterinary Medical Association as a resource when looking for opportunities for professional growth.
Throughout the year, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians welcomes both new and seasoned members. Its goal is to give veterinarians a voice through member support, education, and public awareness. Opportunities such as scholarships, educational articles, and continuing education credits are available to members. Additionally, you’ll be able to network professionally by connecting with other veterinary technicians.
What does a vet tech do?
A veterinarian technician assists a licensed veterinarian in performing medical examinations, diagnosing injuries and illnesses in animals, and working with pet owners to ensure that their animals have a high quality of life. This position focuses on ensuring that animals are handled with caution, are treated humanely, and are properly cared for. Some vet tech responsibilities include:
Important characteristics of vet techs
In order to ensure the success of a clinic and the wellbeing of the animals they care for, the position of a vet technician necessitates a specific set of skills. Some essential characteristics of a successful vet tech include:
Frequently asked questions
Here are some responses to frequently asked queries about working as a veterinary technician:
The program you finish determines how long it takes you to earn your veterinary technician certification. While a bachelor’s degree typically requires four years to complete, an associate program lasts two years. Although an associate program is the most common educational path, there may be accelerated programs available in your area.
The three-hour Veterinary Technician National Exam has 170 multiple-choice questions. Your score is determined by 150 questions, 20 of which are field questions or pilot questions. You can take the VTNE up to four times.
Vet techs may occasionally encounter difficult working environments. They might have to calm down anxious animals, which could put them at risk for bites and scratches. Vet techs can lessen the risk of harm to both themselves and animals by using the appropriate safety equipment and measures.
FAQ
Is it hard becoming a vet tech?
Long hours, a fast-paced environment, demanding schedules, and having to perform painful procedures on animals when you entered the field because you care about them are just a few of the obvious reasons why working as a vet tech is stressful. However, some of the factors that make it difficult to handle stress may be less obvious.
Is being a vet tech worth it?
Anyone who wants to work with animals and away from an office setting should consider becoming a vet technician. Currently, the field is expanding rapidly, with about 10,000 new jobs appearing on the market each year. Additionally, the industry offers plenty of job security and room for advancement.
