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Becoming a certified veterinary technician is a great way to start a career in the animal health industry. There are a few things you need to do in order to become certified, and this blog post will tell you everything you need to know.
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Introduction
A veterinary technician is a professional who provides direct patient care and support services under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Veterinary technicians typically work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals and other animal health care facilities. In order to become a certified veterinary technician, you must complete an accredited veterinary technology program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Eligibility Requirements
The first step to becoming a certified veterinary technician is to make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements. These requirements include having a high school diploma or equivalent, completing a veterinary technician program, and passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam. We’ll go into more detail on each of these requirements below.
Age
You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for certification.
Education
An aspiring veterinary technician (vet tech) must obtain a certificate, diploma or associate’s degree from an accredited Veterinary Technician program. There are currently over 200 accredited programs available in the united states The length of the program varies by state, but most programs can be completed within two years.
Certification
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is the organization responsible for certifying veterinary technicians across the country. In order to become certified, applicants must first graduate from an accredited veterinary technology program and then pass a credentialing exam known as the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
The VTNE is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) and is meant to test a candidate’s knowledge of general veterinary medicine as well as their ability to apply that knowledge in a clinical setting. The exam is comprised of 170 multiple-choice questions and candidates are given three hours to complete it.
NAVTA offers two different types of certification: Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). The RVT credential is available in all states except California, while the CVT credential can be earned in any state. In order to be eligible for certification, candidates must first meet one of the following requirements:
• Have graduated from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program OR
• Have completed a state-approved non-AVMA accredited veterinary technology program and have passed an approved state examination
The Certification Process
Individuals who want to become certified veterinary technicians must first complete a veterinary technology program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Once they have completed the program, they must then pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). After passing the VTNE, they will then need to apply for state licensure.
Applying for Certification
After completing an accredited veterinary technology program, you will need to apply to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) oversees the VTNE, and you will need to register with them before taking the exam.
The cost of the VTNE is $315 for AAVSB members and $415 for non-members. You will also need to pay a $50 registration fee when you first sign up with the AAVSB. If you need to retake the VTNE, you will have to pay the full fee again.
You can register for the VTNE online or by mail. Once you have registered, you will be able to schedule your exam at a testing center near you. The VTNE is offered year-round, and you can take it as many times as necessary to pass.
You must pass the VTNE to become a certified veterinary technician. Once you have passed, you will need to apply for certification in your state of residence. Each state has different requirements for certification, so be sure to check with your state’s veterinary board for information on how to apply.
The process of becoming a certified veterinary technician is long and challenging, but it is worth it in the end. These highly skilled professionals play an important role in animal care and are in high demand. With dedication and hard work, you can join their ranks and make a difference in the lives of animals everywhere.
The Certification Exam
The certification exam is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam consisting of 170 questions. It is divided into two sections: technical skills and clinical knowledge. The technical skills section covers topics such as animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and medical terminology. The clinical knowledge section covers topics such as diagnostic tests and procedures, surgical assisting, dentistry, and emergency care.
You will have 3 hours to complete the entire exam. Before you take the exam, you must first obtain a passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The VTNE is a 200-question multiple-choice exam that covers the same topics as the certification exam.
Maintaining Certification
The National Veterinary Technician (NVT) Exam is a voluntary certification for veterinary technicians. To become certified, candidates must have graduated from an accredited veterinary technician program and pass the two-part NVT Exam.
Continuing Education
Once certified, veterinary technicians must maintain their credential through continuing education (CE). The amount of CE required varies by state, ranging from 10 hours every two years to 36 hours per year. Typically, animal hospitals and clinics offer many opportunities for CE. Many states also require veterinary technicians to take a certain number of CE credits from an accredited organization in order to renew their license.
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is the largest and only not-for-profit organization dedicated to representing the interests of veterinary technicians. NAVTA provides members with a wide variety of resources and opportunities for CE. They also offer the Approved Continuing Education Provider Program (ACE),” which was created to recognize educational programs that provide high quality CE for veterinary technicians.
To learn more about continuing education requirements in your state, or to find accredited CE providers, visit the NAVTA website or your state’s Board of Veterinary Examiners.
Recertification
Recertification for veterinary technicians is required by most states every 2-3 years. The process involves completing continuing education (CE) credits, which can be fulfilled in a variety of ways, and then passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Some states have additional requirements, such as completing a certain number of hours working in the field or completing a Jurisprudence Exam. Check with your state’s Veterinary Medical Board to find out what is required for recertification in your area.
Animal hospitals and clinics are always in need of certified veterinary technicians. Hospitals may require certification for new hires, so it is important to maintain active certification status. Some employers may also offer tuition reimbursement for employees who wish to become certified or to maintain their certification.
Conclusion
There are many ways to become a certified veterinary technician. You can attend a vocational school, community college, or online program. You will need to take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam to earn your certification. Once you have earned your certification, you will need to keep up with your continuing education requirements in order to maintain your certification and stay current in your field.
