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If you’re passionate about horses and want to help care for them, you may be wondering how to become an equine vet tech Luckily, there are a few different ways to get started in this field. Keep reading to learn more about how to become an equine vet tech
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Introduction
Equine vet techs are specially trained professionals who work with horses and their owners to ensure the health and well-being of these beautiful animals. If you love horses and have a passion for helping them, a career as an equine vet tech may be the perfect fit for you. Read on to learn more about what it takes to become an equine vet tech.
There is no specific educational path that you must follow to become an equine vet tech, but most professionals in this field have at least an associate’s degree in veterinary technology. You can also find jobs with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in veterinary science, although these higher levels of education are not typically required. In addition to your formal education, you will also need to complete a hands-on internship or externship at a veterinary clinic, hospital, or other animal care facility. This will give you the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and gain practical experience working with horses.
What is an Equine Vet Tech?
An equine veterinary technician is a professional who helps a veterinarian care for sick and injured horses. Equine vet techs are responsible for a variety of tasks, from cleaning wounds to taking X-rays. They also often work with the owners of the horses to provide instruction on how to properly care for their animals.
If you love horses and want to work in the veterinary field, becoming an equine vet tech may be the perfect career for you. Here’s what you need to know about how to become an equine vet tech.
What Does an Equine Vet Tech Do?
Equine vet techs have a wide range of responsibilities, all of which center on helping a veterinarian provide care for horses. They may assist with medical procedures, such as surgeries and vaccinations, or they may simply help to keep the exam room clean and organized. In some cases, equine vet techs may even help to train new veterinarians in equine care.
Most equine vet techs work full time, but some may work part time or irregular hours depending on the needs of the veterinary practice where they are employed. Some equine vet techs also choose to travel with racing teams or rodeos in order to provide on-site medical care for the animals involved.
What Education Do You Need?
There are a few different ways that you can become an equinevet tech, but most employers will require that you have at least a two-year degree from an accredited program. Associate’s degrees in veterinary technology are available from many community colleges and technical schools, and these programs typically take about two years to complete. During your coursework, you’ll take classes such as animal anatomy, physiology, and disease prevention. You’ll also complete clinical rotations in order to gain hands-on experience working with animals.
The Duties of an Equine Vet Tech
As an equine vet tech, also known as an equine veterinary technician, you’ll provide nursing care and support to horses under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Your duties will vary depending on the size and type of practice you work in, but may include restraining horses during examinations and procedures, collecting samples for testing, updating medical records, administering medications and vaccines, applying bandages and dressings, and providing palliative care. You may also be responsible for scheduling appointments, maintaining equipment and supplies, ordering medications and supplies, handling billing and insurance claims, and performing clerical duties.
The Education and Training Required to Become an Equine Vet Tech
Working with horses is a labor of love that requires time, patience, and a genuine passion for these magnificent creatures. As an equine vet tech, you’ll provide vital support to veterinarians who treat horses. If you’re interested in this career, you’ll need to complete a postsecondary education program and earn professional certification. Keep reading to learn more about how to become an equine vet tech.
As an equine vet tech, you’ll provide medical care and support services to horses under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Your duties will vary depending on the size and scope of the veterinary practice in which you work, but they may include tasks such as cleaning and bandaging wounds, taking x-rays, preparing horses for surgery, administering medications and vaccines, and collecting samples for lab testing. You’ll also play an important role in educating horse owners about proper nutrition, exercise, and health care.
To become an equine vet tech, you’ll need at least a two-year associate’s degree in veterinary technology from an accredited community college or technical school. Although not required, completing a four-year bachelor’s degree program can give you a competitive edge when seeking employment. Many schools offer distance learning programs that allow you to complete your coursework online or through a combination of online and on-campus classes.
Once you’ve completed your education, you’ll need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to earn professional certification. Once certified, you must maintain your credential by completing continuing education courses every two years.
The Certification Process for Equine Vet Techs
Once you have completed a vet tech training program, the next step on your journey to becoming an equine vet tech is to become certified. Certification for equine vet techs is not mandatory in all states, but it is recommended. The certification process typically includes two exams, a written exam and a clinical skills exam.
The written exam covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and disease processes. The clinical skills exam tests your ability to perform basic veterinary medical procedures on live animals. Once you have passed both exams, you will be a certified equine veterinary technician (CVT).
Some states also require certification in order to practice as an equinevet tech. In these states, certification is obtained through the National Veterinary Technician Certification Board (NVTCB). To be eligible for certification through the NVTCB, you must have graduated from an accredited vet tech program and passed the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam).
Once you are certified, you will need to renew your certification every few years by completing continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee. Renewing your certification ensures that you stay up-to-date on the latest advances in veterinary medicine and allows you to maintain your active status with the NVTCB.
The Salary and job outlook for Equine Vet Techs
As an equine vet tech, you can expect to earn a median salary of $32,610 per year, or $15.72 per hour. The top 10% of earners in this field make $47,490 or more per year, while the bottom 10% earn $23,380 or less per year. Job growth in this field is expected to be strong, at 19% from 2018-2028. This is much faster than the average job growth rate for all occupations, which is only 5%.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are interested in becoming an equine vet tech, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Next, you need to complete a veterinary technician program. Finally, you need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
