Veterinary Technician Education: A Comprehensive Guide
A fulfilling career path for animal lovers with an interest in science and medicine is that of a veterinary technician. Veterinary technicians are essential members of the veterinary healthcare team, playing a crucial role in animal care. They work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian in various settings, including private practices, zoos, and research centers. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, from assisting in surgeries to performing laboratory tests. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the education requirements for becoming a veterinary technician.
The Role of a Veterinary Technician
Veterinary technicians are often referred to as the nurses of the veterinary world. They provide care for animal patients and assist veterinarians, similar to how nurses assist doctors in human medicine. The daily routine of a veterinary technician can vary significantly depending on the work environment. Some may focus on general wellness and preventative medicine, while others may specialize in areas such as internal medicine or critical care.
In supervisory roles, veterinary technicians may also be responsible for administrative tasks. The demand for veterinary technicians is growing, driven by the increased use of vet techs in clinics and animal hospitals to provide general care and lab work. This demand has led to a much faster than average projected job growth through 2034.
Educational Pathways
Associate's Degree
The most common educational path for aspiring veterinary technicians is earning a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Veterinary Technology. An associate degree can be a good first step into the field, allowing individuals to enter the workforce sooner and quickly learn entry-level job duties. This degree option builds on a strong academic foundation with real, on-the-job experience. For example, Miami Dade College's (MDC) Veterinary Technology program prepares graduates to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and become Certified Veterinary Technicians. This program also incorporates approximately 400 hours of practical experience.
St. Petersburg College (SPC) also offers an online Veterinary Technology A.S. Degree program where students can complete clinical practicums in their local area. These practicums require an agreement with a veterinary facility and supervision by a credentialed mentor.
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Bachelor's Degree
While an associate's degree is typically sufficient for entry-level positions, some individuals may choose to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Technology. A bachelor's degree can open doors to more specialized roles and career advancement opportunities. Veterinary technologists, who hold a bachelor's degree, can often specialize in different aspects of veterinary medicine.
Accreditation
Regardless of the degree level, it is crucial to choose a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Accreditation ensures that the program meets specific standards of quality and prepares graduates for the VTNE. Before applying to any school, ensure it’s accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Graduates of AVMA-accredited programs are eligible to sit for the VTNE, a standardized exam required for credentialing in most states. SPC's School of Veterinary Technology, for example, has received full accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association, signifying a high level of medical care within the veterinary medical profession.
Curriculum
Veterinary technology programs typically cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Animal husbandry and restraint
- Nursing care
- Surgical preparation and techniques
- Drug administration
- Anesthesia
- Anatomy and physiology
- Laboratory techniques
- Radiography
- Veterinary practice management
- Animal healthcare
- Veterinary pharmacology
The Associate in Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology is designed to train technicians to assist veterinarians in industry, medical centers, and animal hospitals. This program provides training in animal husbandry and restraint, nursing, surgical preparation and techniques, drug administration, anesthesia, anatomy, laboratory techniques, and radiography.
General Education Requirements
In addition to the core veterinary technology courses, students must also complete general education requirements. These courses provide a broad academic foundation and include subjects such as composition, mathematics, and natural science. For instance, students entering an AAS, AS, AA, or Baccalaureate degree at Miami Dade College must meet the new general education core course requirements prior to the award of the degree, including the Civic Literacy requirement.
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Admission Requirements
Admission to veterinary technology programs is often competitive and has specific program requirements. Applicants typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and may need to complete prerequisite coursework in science and mathematics. Some programs may also require applicants to have experience working or volunteering in a veterinary hospital. For example, applicants to SPC's Veterinary Technology program must have worked or volunteered in a veterinary hospital for at least 40 hours prior to applying for admission to fulfill the clinical observation requirement. Candidates may also need to complete a Health Programs Application.
Clinical Experience
Practical experience is an integral part of veterinary technology education. Many programs include internships or externships, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in a veterinary setting. These experiences provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Penn Foster’s accredited Vet Tech program includes two clinical externships. Clinical Externship 1 is 150 hours over a 10 week period and covers 29 skills, focusing on cats and dogs. Clinical Externship 2 is 200 hours long, over 18 weeks, and covers 51 skills.
Credentialing
After completing a veterinary technology program, most states require vet techs to become credentialed. Credentialing may involve certification, licensure, or registration, depending on the state. Although requirements can vary, this process generally involves passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), a standardized exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.
The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
The VTNE is a comprehensive exam that measures entry-level competency in veterinary technology. The exam measures entry-level competency and covers topics such as pharmacology, dentistry procedures, animal nursing, and lab procedures, among others. The test is four hours in length and 200 multiple choice questions. It covers topics such as pharmacology, surgical procedures, animal nursing, and laboratory procedures. The national pass rate for the VTNE is 70%.
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State Requirements
Each state has different regulations in place for becoming a veterinary technician. Some states certify vet techs (CVT), while others license (LVT), and some register (RVT). You’ll need to check with your state board of veterinary medicine to find out more about what you need to do to become credentialed. Usually, this will involve submitting your transcripts from your vet tech school, passing VTNE scores, and completing an application.
Continuing Education
Most states require vet techs to participate in continuing education (CE) to maintain their certification, licensure, or registration. The amount of CE required each year will vary from state to state. Continuing education ensures that veterinary technicians stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in veterinary medicine and maintain their competency.
Career Opportunities
Credentialed veterinary technicians can find positions in various environments such as small and large animal veterinary practices, zoos and wildlife facilities, humane societies or animal control centers, and even research facilities. Depending upon the work environment you choose, the daily routine as a veterinary technician can vary a great deal.
Salary and Benefits
The average vet tech salary is about $45,980 per year, though that can vary based on your experience, credentials, where you work, and other factors. Veterinary technicians may also receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. As you consider which job to take, you should also look at the benefits package that could be offered, depending upon the clinic.
Additional Considerations
Rabies Vaccination
Those who work in the veterinary field are at high risk of exposure to the Rabies virus. The CVTEA/AVMA requires that you protect yourself with a prophylactic series of injections prior to entrance into the selective admission clinical course for Veterinary Technicians.
Cooperative Care
Students should be aware that the Vet Tech Program functions on a model of cooperative care with local humane societies and farms to provide necessary animal preventative care, diagnostics, treatments, and surgery.
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