How long does it take to become a vet tech? The answer may surprise you. Get the inside scoop on what it really takes to become a veterinary technician.
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The Length of Programs
There are a few things that you need to know in order to become a vet tech The first is that you need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. The second is that you’ll need to complete a vet tech program.
Two-year Associate’s degree programs
Most two-year Associate’s degree programs in veterinary technology are designed so that students can complete the didactic (classroom) portion of the curriculum in the first year and the clinical portion in the second year. Some programs may require summer courses in order to complete the program in two years.
Four-year Bachelor’s degree programs
Most entry-level veterinary technician jobs require an associate’s degree from an accredited community college or technical school; however, some organizations prefer or require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. While a four-year degree may open up additional job opportunities and higher salaries, it typically takes longer to complete.
According to the AVMA, the vast majority of accredited veterinary technology programs are two-year associate’s degree programs; however, there are also four-year bachelor’s degree programs available. Some colleges and universities offer both types of programs, while others offer one or the other.
The Coursework
The coursework for becoming a vet tech varies depending on the state you are in, but typically it takes two years. In some states, you may be able to find a four-year program that will also give you a degree in addition to your vet tech certification. The first two years will be spent completing your general education courses, and the last two years will be spent taking courses specific to becoming a vet tech.
General education classes
In order to become a vet tech, you will need to complete a Veterinary Technician Associate’s Degree or a Veterinary Technician Bachelor’s Degree program. These programs will typically take you two to four years to complete, depending on whether you attend school full-time or part-time.
During your time in school, you will take a variety of general education classes, such as English, math, and science, as well as classes specifically geared toward veterinary technology. These classes will cover topics such as animal anatomy and physiology, animal nursing care, veterinary office procedures, pharmacology, and radiology.
Veterinary technology classes
Most accredited veterinary technology programs will take two to four years to complete, depending on whether you attend full or part time. A typical program will include both classroom and clinical experience. In the classroom, you’ll take courses in animal anatomy and physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition, zoo animal care, and emergency medicine. You’ll also learn how to take x-rays, collect laboratory specimens, and maintain medical records.
Veterinary medicine classes
If you’re thinking about a career as a veterinary technician, you may be wondering how long it will take to complete the necessary coursework. The answer depends on which path you choose to take.
There are two options for becoming a veterinary technician: completing a2-year veterinary technology program or earning a 4-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary science. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most vet techs have either an associate degree or bachelor’s degree.
If you decide to pursue a 2-year veterinary technology program, you can expect to take classes such as animal anatomy and physiology, zoology, Animal Nursing, Animal Pharmacy, animal diseases, and clinical laboratory techniques. Many programs also require externships or internships so that students can gain hands-on experience working with animals.
The coursework for a 4-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary science is similar to that of a 2-year veterinary technology program, but also includes additional classes in subjects such as microbiology, biochemistry, and animal nutrition. Depending on the school you attend and your area of interest, you may also be able to pursue a concentration in a certain area of veterinary medicine, such as small animal care or equine medicine.
The Clinical Experience
Veterinary technicians play an important role in the veterinary healthcare team. They are the ones who are responsible for the day-to-day care of the animals. They also provide support to the veterinarians in performing various medical procedures. However, before becoming a vet tech, one must first complete a clinical experience.
Externships
The clinical experience is the opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Students will work closely with a licensed veterinarian and other professional staff members, gaining first-hand experience in animal care. This hands-on experience is an essential part of the vet tech program and helps students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field.
Externships are typically completed during the last semester of the vet tech program and can last anywhere from four to twelve weeks. Students may be required to complete more than one externship in order to graduate.
Internships
In order to become a registered veterinary technician (RVT), you must complete a veterinary technology program that has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These programs typically take two to four years to complete, depending on whether you attend full- or part-time.
After completing a veterinary technology program, you must then pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in order to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. Once you have passed the VTNE, you will be able to apply for state licensure.
Many states also require that you complete an internship or externship prior to taking the VTNE. An internship is a paid position in which you work under the supervision of a licensed veterinary technician or veterinarian and learn the hands-on skills needed to be a successful RVT. An externship is similar to an internship, but is typically unpaid.
The length of time it takes to become a registered veterinary technician depends on many factors, including whether you attend school full- or part-time and whether you are able to complete an internship or externship prior to taking the VTNE. However, most people can expect it to take between two and four years from beginning their education to becoming licensed RVTs.
The Certification Exam
The Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) is a credentialing exam for veterinary technicians. To become credentialed, one must graduate from an accredited veterinary technology program and pass the VTNE. The VTNE is a three-hour, computer-based exam that consists of 170 multiple-choice questions. The passing score for the VTNE is a 450.
The Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
The Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) is a computer-based examination administered atPearson VUE testing centers nationwide. The VTNE is developed and administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB)
The AAVSB is a not-for-profit organization whose primary purpose is to provide support and assistance to the member boards within the united states and Canada who are responsible for regulating the practice of veterinary medicine.
The test consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, 140 of which are scored and 30 that are not scored (pretest items). The passing score for the VTNE is 500 out of 800 possible points.
Test takers have three hours to complete the exam.
State exams
After completing a veterinary technology program, the next step is to take state exams. The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) offers the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Once you pass this exam, you will be a credentialed veterinary technician in that state.
However, each state has different requirements for licensure. Some states require additional exams, and some states have specific requirements for internship hours. Be sure to check with your state’s licensing board to find out what is required before you sit for the VTNE.
The VTNE is a 3-hour, computer-based exam that tests your knowledge of the following subject areas:
-Animal Nursing
-Anesthesia
-Clinical Pathology
-Dentistry
-Laboratory Procedures
-Pharmacology
-Radiology
-Surgical Nursing
-Surgery
You will have to wait until you receive your official score report to find out if you passed, but most students should have no problem passing if they have studied diligently and attended a good veterinary technology program.
