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If you’re interested in becoming a veterinary technician, you’ll need to know how to complete the necessary steps. This blog will provide you with information on how to become a vet tech including the necessary education and training.
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Introduction
vet techs are an important part of the veterinary team, working alongside veterinarians and other medical staff to provide quality care for animals. As a vet tech you may find yourself involved in a variety of tasks, from performing lab work and taking x-rays to assisting in surgeries and providing patient care.
If you’re interested in becoming a vet tech, the first step is to complete a accredited veterinary technology program. These programs typically take two to four years to complete and include classroom, laboratory, and clinical components. Once you’ve completed a veterinary technology program, you’ll need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in order to become certified. Once you’re certified, you’ll be able to seek employment as a vet tech in a variety of settings, including animal hospitals, clinics, research facilities, and zoos.
What Does a Vet Tech Do?
A veterinary technician is a vital part of the veterinary team. They are the ones who are responsible for the direct care of the animals. They take care of the animal’s medical needs, from administering shots to taking x-rays. A typical day for a vet tech includes a lot of animal interaction, as well as working closely with the veterinarians and other staff members.
Vet Tech Responsibilities
vet techs have many responsibilities, from providing medical care to animals to educating pet owners. They typically work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, but may also work independently in some settings.
Vet techs typically provide basic medical care to animals, including taking vital signs, administering vaccinations, and performing routine blood tests. They also often assist with more complex medical procedures, such as surgery and dental work. In addition to providing direct medical care, vet techs also play an important role in educating pet owners about animal health and wellness. They may provide instruction on topics such as proper nutrition, exercise, and grooming. Vet techs may also be responsible for scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records.
Vet Tech Skills
In order to become a vet tech, you will need to have certain skills. These skills will be put to the test daily as you work with animals and their owners.
First, you must have excellent communication skills. You will be dealing with both animals and their owners on a daily basis, and you will need to be able to communicate effectively with both. You will also need to be able to understand and follow instructions quickly and accurately.
You must also be able to handle different types of animal behavior. Some animals will be easy to work with, while others may be aggressive or fearful. You will need to know how to safely handle all types of animals.
Another important skill for vet techs is the ability to stay calm under pressure. Working in a veterinary clinic can be chaotic at times, and you will need to be able to keep your cool in order to do your job effectively.
If you have these skills, then you may have what it takes to become a vet tech!
How to Become a Vet Tech
A vet tech is a medical professional who specializes in the care of animals. To become a vet tech, you will need to complete a degree or certificate program at a vet school or technical institute. You will also need to pass a state-licensed exam. After you become a vet tech, you can work in a variety of settings, including veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and zoos.
Step One: Research vet tech programs
Thinking about becoming a vet tech? The first step is to research different vet tech programs to find one that’s a good fit for you. There are many different ways to become a vet tech, but most programs will require you to complete formal education and training.
Some schools offer associate’s degree programs, while others offer certificate or diploma programs. Some vet tech programs may even offer online courses or distance learning options. No matter what type of program you choose, be sure to pick one that’s accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
You’ll also want to make sure the program you choose offers the courses and training you’ll need to become a successful vet tech. Typical courses in a vet tech program may include animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and surgical nursing. Many programs also require students to complete externships or clinical rotations as part of their training.
Step Two: Complete an AVMA-Accredited Program
Once you’ve chosen a vet tech program that’s right for you, it’s time to start completing your courses. As mentioned above, all AVMA-accredited programs will require you to take classes in subjects like animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and surgical nursing.
You will also likely be required to complete externships or clinical rotations as part of your training. These externships or rotations will give you the opportunity to put your classroom knowledge into practice by working with animals in a professional setting.
Step Three: Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
After you have completed an AVMA-accredited program, you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in order to become credentialed as a veterinary technician. The VTNE is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
To be eligible to take the VTNE, you must first graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program. Once you have met this eligibility requirement, you can register for the VTNE through the AAVSB website. The VTNE is a multiple-choice exam consisting of 400 questions covering nine content areas: general principles; medical nursing; surgical nursing; anesthesia; laboratory procedures; diagnostic imaging; dentistry; pharmacology; and practice management/ethics.
You will have three hours to complete the exam, and you must receive a passing score of at least 70% in order to pass. If you do not pass the VTNE on your first attempt, you may retake the exam up to three times within one year of your original test date.
Step Two: Complete a Vet Tech Program
There are many ways to become a veterinary technician, but most people complete a 2-year veterinary technology program at a community college or technical school. Some programs offer a 4-year degree, but these are less common. You can also complete an accredited online program, but you’ll need to make sure that the program is properly accredited.
Once you’ve completed a vet tech program, you’ll need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). This exam is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Once you’ve passed the VTNE, you’ll be able to apply for state licensure. Each state has different requirements for licensure, so be sure to check with your state’s licensing board.
Step Three: Become Licensed or Registered
After becoming a certified veterinary technician, most states require certification in order to become licensed. Each state has different regulations for licensure. Some states require passing an examination while others may require completion of a certain amount of continuing education credits along with work experience. A few states have reciprocity agreements which allow certification from one state to be accepted in another.
After licensure, many technicians choose to become registered with the National Veterinary Technician Registry. This voluntary registration demonstrates a technician’s commitment to the profession and allows for reciprocity should the technician move to another state. In order to be registered, technicians must take and pass a credentialing exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.
In addition to becoming licensed or registered, veterinary technicians may choose to pursue specialized certification in an area of interest such as dental technology, emergency and critical care, or anesthesia. These credentialed technicians have met specific educational and work experience requirements and have passed a formal examination in their area of specialty.
Step Four: Consider Earning a Specialty Certification
While not required, some vet techs may choose to earn a specialty certification in an area of interest. For example, the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) offers a Zoological Veterinary Technician Certification for those who work with captive wildlife. To qualify, candidates must have at least two years of experience working with captive wildlife under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, complete at least 20 continuing education credits related to zoological medicine, and pass an exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a career as a veterinary technician can be very rewarding. Helping to care for animals and alleviate their suffering is a worthy calling, and one that requires dedication, compassion, and technical skill. If you have a love for animals and are interested in working in the veterinary field, becoming a vet tech may be the perfect choice for you.
