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This blog will show you the necessary steps to take in order to become a registered vet tech in just four steps.
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Introduction
If you love animals and want to help care for them, you may be interested in becoming a registered veterinary technician (RVT). Veterinary technicians work closely with veterinarians to provide medical care for animals. They may perform laboratory tests, take X-rays, administer vaccines and medications, assist with surgery, and provide nursing care.
Becoming a registered veterinary technician requires completing an accredited RVT program and passing a national examination. This article will outline the steps you need to take to become an RVT.
Step One: Complete an Accredited Veterinary Technician Program
The first step to becoming a registered veterinary technician is to complete an accredited veterinary technician program. Veterinary technician programs are typically two years in length and are offered at many community colleges and technical schools throughout the united states Upon successful completion of an accredited veterinary technician program, students will earn an Associate’s degree or certificate in Veterinary Technology.
Students interested in becoming a registered veterinary technician should make sure that the program they select is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA is the accrediting body for all veterinary medicine programs in the United States. Programs that are not accredited by the AVMA are not eligible for certification or licensure, and graduates of these programs will not be able to practice as a registered veterinary technician.
Step Two: Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
After you complete your accredited veterinary technology program, the next step on your path to becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The VTNE is a credentialing exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) and is used to assess your knowledge and skills in relation to the RVT job tasks.
To be eligible to take the VTNE, you must first apply and be approved by the AAVSB. Once you have received approval, you will be able to register for the exam with Pearson VUE, the company that administers the VTNE. The cost of the exam is $325, and you will need to pay this fee when you register.
The VTNE is offered year-round at testing centers across the United States. When you register for the exam, you will need to select a date, time, and location that is convenient for you. It is important to note that Pearson VUE will not refund your registration fee if you need to reschedule your exam, so be sure to select a date and time that works with your schedule.
The VTNE is a computer-based exam consisting of 170 multiple-choice questions. You will have 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete the exam, and there is no break. The questions on the VTNE cover a variety of topics related to veterinary technology, such as animal nursing, anesthesia, pharmacology, surgical nursing, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, laboratory procedures, epidemiology/public health, practice management/veterinary ethics.
A passing score on the VTNE is 400 out of 900 possible points. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you may retake it once every 90 days.
Step Three: Become Licensed in the State You Plan to Practice In
The process of becoming a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) is overseen by the state in which you plan to work. The requirements for licensure vary from state to state, but most states require successful completion of a National Veterinary Technician Examination (NVTE), as well as a state-specific jurisprudence exam. In some states, candidates for licensure must also complete an on-the-job training program or externship. Typically, licensure needs to be renewed every two years and may require completion of continuing education credits.
Step Four: Consider Certification
After you have completed an accredited Veterinary Technician program and passed the VTNE, you may want to become certified in a specialty area. Certification shows that you have additional knowledge and skills in a certain area of veterinary technology. Depending on your interests, there are many certification options available, such as anesthesia, dentistry, internal medicine, emergency and critical care, and zoological medicine. To become certified, you must pass an exam offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.
Conclusion
In order to become a Registered vet tech you must complete a few steps. First, you must complete an accredited veterinary technology program. After you have completed the accredited veterinary technology program, you must then pass the national Veterinary Technician Examining Board examination. Lastly, you must apply for state licensure and renew your license every few years.
