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If you’re interested in becoming a veterinary technician, you might be wondering what degree you need to pursue. Read on to learn more about the education requirements for this rewarding career.
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Associate’s Degree
Although a few veterinary technicians may hold a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, the majority have an associate’s degree from an accredited community college or technical school.
Course requirements
In order to be eligible to take the VTNE, individuals must graduate from an accredited veterinary technology program. There are currently 26 AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs in the united states that offer either a 2- or 4-year degree. Typical coursework for a veterinary technology program includes studies in subjects such as animal anatomy and physiology, animal disease conditions, diagnostic imaging, laboratory procedures, pharmacology, dentistry, shelter medicine, surgical nursing and anesthesia.
Length of program
An Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology is typically a two-year program, although some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 18 months.
Cost
An Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology will cost between $5,000 and $20,000 depending on the state you reside in and whether you attend a public or private institution.
Bachelor’s Degree
A four-year degree is the minimum requirement to become a licensed veterinary technician, although many jobs may only require an associate’s degree. Many vet techs choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, which can lead to more career opportunities.
Course requirements
A typical bachelor’s degree program in veterinary technology includes both classroom and clinical instruction. Students can expect to take courses in animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, animal diseases, zoo animal management, nutrition, and animal breeding. Many programs also include general education requirements in mathematics, English composition, and the humanities. Most programs take four years to complete and culminate in a capstone experience, such as an internship or practicum.
Length of program
Bachelor’s degree programs in veterinary technology typically take four years to complete and include classroom, laboratory, and clinical components.
Cost
The cost of a bachelor’s degree varies depending on the school you attend and the length of the program. There are many ways to finance your education, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The average cost of a four-year program is $30,000.
Certification
There are many programs that will allow you to become a certified veterinary technician, but the most important thing to consider is whether or not you have the required education. Most states require that you have at least a two-year degree from an accredited institution in order to be eligible to take the state certification exam.
Course requirements
There are many accredited schools that offer certification in vet tech The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits programs that lead to an Associate’s degree, and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits programs that lead to a Bachelor’s degree.
There are many different course requirements for each type of program, but some common courses include: animal anatomy and physiology, animal disease prevention, medical office procedures, multispecies pharmacology, animal nutrition and diet therapy, and veterinary assisting clinical procedures.
Length of program
The length of the program varies depending on the type of certification you are pursuing. There are certificate programs that can be completed in as little as 9 months, while associate’s degree programs take 2 years to complete. Bachelor’s degree programs, which are less common, typically take 4 years to complete.
After completing a vet tech program, you will need to pass a national exam in order to become certified. Once you are certified, you will need to renew your certification every 2-3 years by completing continuing education credits.
Cost
The cost of becoming a certified vet tech can vary depending on the specific program you choose and your location. Generally, you can expect to spend between $3,000 and $5,000 on tuition and fees for a one-year program. If you choose to pursue a two-year associate’s degree, the cost will be somewhat higher. Financial aid may be available to help offset the cost of your education.
