So, you want to be a vet tech? Great! The field of veterinary technology is both challenging and rewarding. But what do you need to do to become a vet tech?
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The Basics
vet techs are responsible for the daily care of sick and injured animals. They work in private clinics and animal hospitals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. As a vet tech, you will need to have excellent communication skills and be able to work well under pressure.
Must be at least 18 years old
In order to become a licensed veterinary technician, you must meet the minimum age requirement set forth by your state. In most cases, this is 18 years old, but there are a handful of states that require you to be at least 21. You will also need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
If you have already graduated from high school, you can enroll in an accredited veterinary technology program. These programs typically last two to four years and include classroom, laboratory, and clinical work. Once you have completed an accredited program, you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) in order to become certified and licensed in your state.
High school diploma or equivalent
In order to become a vet tech, you will need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may require you to complete some college coursework prior to starting the program, but this is not always the case. Once you have completed the necessary education, you will then need to pass a national exam in order to become certified.
Complete a veterinary technician program
In order to become a licensed veterinary technician, you must complete a veterinary technician program that has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These programs are typically two-year associate’s degree programs, although some may be four-year bachelor’s degree programs. During your schooling, you will take classes in animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, animal diseases, diagnostic laboratory procedures, nutrition, and veterinary medical ethics. You will also complete clinical rotations in a variety of settings, such as private veterinary practices, research laboratories, zoos, and wildlife sanctuaries. Once you have completed your education and passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), you will be eligible to apply for state licensure.
The Programs
In order to become a vet tech, you will need to have completed a accredited veterinary technician program. There are many of these programs across the United States, and some even offer online courses. Once you have completed the program, you will then need to take a state examination in order to become licensed.
Associate’s degree
An Associate’s degree in veterinary technology is the most common type of educational program for vet techs. These programs typically take two years to complete and are offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and some four-year universities.
Bachelor’s degree
If you’re interested in becoming a vet tech, you’ll need to complete an accredited bachelor’s degree program. These programs typically take four years to complete and offer a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience. During your coursework, you’ll likely take classes such as animal anatomy, animal physiology, medical terminology, and pharmacology. You may also be required to complete an internship or externship at a local veterinary clinic or hospital. Once you’ve completed your degree, you’ll need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in order to become licensed in your state.
Master’s degree
In order to become a veterinary technician, you will need to complete a veterinary technology program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). There are many different types of programs that you can choose from, but most will take you two to four years to complete. Some programs may even allow you to complete your studies in as little as one year.
The most common type of program is an Associate’s degree, which will take you two years to complete. However, if you want to advance your career and earn a higher salary, you may want to consider completing a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree. A Bachelor’s degree will take four years to complete, while a Master’s degree will take two years.
The Certification
In order to become a certified veterinary technician, you must first graduate from an accredited veterinary technology program. Once you have completed a veterinary technology program, you must then pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The VTNE is a three-hour, computer-based exam that assesses your knowledge and skills in the field of veterinary technology.
National Veterinary Technician Exam (NVTE)
To qualify to take the NVTE, you must have graduated from an AVMA-accredited program or a school that has been approved by a state board of veterinary medicine. If your program was not accredited or approved when you graduated, you may still be eligible if you have completed at least 20 hours of continuing education in the last four years.
The NVTE is a computer-based test that is offered year-round at testing centers around the US. It consists of 190 multiple-choice questions, and you will have four hours to complete the exam.
State certification
Each state has their own veterinary technician certification requirements. The majority of states require certification from one of the two nationally recognized organizations, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) or the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). A few states have their own state certification process. You will need to contact your state’s regulator to find out what is required.
NAVTA offers two nationally recognized certification programs, the Registered Technician Program (RVT) and the Approved Veterinary Assistant Program (AVA). The RVT credential is granted to candidates who pass a national examination administered by NAVTA. The AVA credential is granted to candidates who complete a NAVTA-approved education program and pass a written examination administered by NAVTA.
The AAVSB offers the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which is required for licensure in most states. The VTNE is a computerized examination that consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of veterinary technology.
The Salary
Becoming a vet tech is a great way to help animals and get paid for doing it. The median vet tech salary is $32,000, which is a good wage for most people. However, there are a few things you need to do in order to become a vet tech.
$33,280 per year
The average salary for a vet tech is $33,280 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent of earners make less than $22,580, while the highest 10 percent make more than $48,920.
$16 per hour
In order to become a vet tech, you will need to complete a two-year associate’s degree at a vocational school, community college, or online school that has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The average vet tech salary is $16 per hour.
