To qualify to get a license to practice as a vet tech the school has to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Ohio Veterinary Medicine Licensing Board (OVMLB).

The other requirement is that you have passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).  A 75% pass is required to enable the OVMLB to grant a licensing certificate.  Unlike many other states Ohio does not have a separate state exam for vet techs.

It is not possible to get a vet tech license without passing the VTNE.  No amount of experience working for a veterinarian as an assistant will make you eligible for licensing.

The AVMA has accredited 10 schools in Ohio.

Brown Mackie Colleges

Brown Mackie Colleges were first established in the late nineteenth century.  There are Brown Mackie Colleges in 15 states.  There are 4 Brown Mackie Colleges in Ohio which have been accredited by the AVMA for vet tech degrees.  They are:

1) Brown Mackie College – Akron
Veterinary Technology Program
809 White Pond Drive
Akron, OH 44333
330-869-3653
http://www.brownmackie.edu/akron

The college in Akron was accredited in March 2011

2) Brown Mackie College – Cincinnati
1011 Glendale-Milford Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45215
513-672-1969
www.brownmackie.edu
The college in Cincinnati was accredited in June 2009

3) Brown Mackie College – Findlay
1700 Fostoria Ave., Suite 100
Findlay, OH 45840
419-423-2211
www.brownmackie.edu
The college in Findlay was accredited in February 2010

4) Brown Mackie College – North Canton
Veterinary Technology Program
4300 Munson St. NW
Canton, OH 44718
330-491-8533
http://www.brownmackie.edu/north-canton/

The College in Canton was accredited in February 2011
All these 4 colleges offer 2 year courses

5) Columbus State Community College

The Community College was founded in 1963.  It received its AVMA accreditation in 1974.  It is switching from quarters to semesters in autumn 2012.  It offers a two year course.  Students can choose a nine quarter evening class course or a seven quarter daytime course.

Columbus State Community College
Veterinary Technology Program
550 E. Spring St.
Columbus, OH 43216
614-287-3685
www.cscc.edu

6) Cuyahoga Community College

The Community College was founded in 1963.  It was accredited for vet tech technology courses in 1998.  It offers a two year 4 semester course for a degree as an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology.  It requires grade “C” in one year of high school in English, math and biology and/or chemistry.

Cuyahoga Community College
Veterinary Technology Program
11000 Pleasant Valley Rd.
Parma, OH 44130
216-987-5450
www.tri-c.edu

7) Kent State University-Tuscarawas

Kent State University was accredited by the AVMA in 2008.  The curriculum involves 70 semester hours which may be undertaken on a whole time or part time basis, and leading to An Associate in Applied Science degree.

Kent State University-Tuscarawas
School of Veterinary Technology
330 University Drive NE
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
330-339-3391
www.tusc.kent.edu

8 ) University of Cincinnati Raymond Walters (Blue Ash) College

Blue Ash is a regional campus of the University of Cincinnati.  It was opened in 1967 and was accredited by the AVMA in 1975.  “The program is divided into a freshman year (consisting of general education courses without animal contact) and a sophomore year (composed of both lecture and “hands-on” courses) …..

The sophomore curriculum consists of animal husbandry and diseases, hematology, anatomy and physiology, veterinary medical techniques, parasitology, urinalysis and clinical chemistry and clinical experience obtained outside the university.”  The freshman year can be done full time or part time.  The sophomore year requires full time study.

UC Blue Ash College
Veterinary Technology Program
9555 Plainfield Road
Blue Ash, OH 45236
513-936-7173
www.rwc.uc.edu

9) Stautzenberger College – Maumee and Brecksville

The Stautzenburger College was founded in 1926.  Its main campus is at Maumee and there is a branch campus in Brecksville.  The Maumee College was accredited by the AVMA in 1996 and the Brecksville College in 2006.  Full time students complete the course in 27 months leading to an Associate degree in Applied Science.

Stautzenberger College-Maumee
Veterinary Technology Program
1796 Indian Wood Circle
Maumee, OH 43537
419-866-0261
http://www.sctoday.edu

Stautzenberger College – Brecksville
Veterinary Technology Program
8001 Katherine Blvd.
Brecksville, OH 44141
440-846-1999
http://www.sctoday.edu

10) Vet Tech Institute at Bradford School-Columbus

Bradford School was founded in 1911 and was accredited by the AVMA in 2006.  It offers an Associate Degree course which full time students can complete in 18 months.

Vet Tech Institute at Bradford School-Columbus
2469 Stelzer Road
Columbus, OH 43219
614-416-6200
www.bradfordschoolcolumbus.edu

All of these trainings produce a qualification for an Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology.

If you qualify with this degree at one of these vet tech schools in Ohio and pass the national exam  you will be eligible to find employment as a vet tech in Ohio and your qualification is likely to be recognized in other states.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics more than 90% of veterinary technicians work in private veterinary practices. So let’s look first at vet techs working in vet’s private practices.

Pet owners have ever greater expectations about what veterinarians (vets) can do to protect their pets and keep them healthy.  In spite of recent economic difficulties the evidence shows that there is an ever growing demand for vet services.  To respond to this many vets are making their practices more effective by employing highly skilled vet techs to provide professional support for themselves.

Vet techs provide many of the same services to vets which nurses provide to doctors, such as routine laboratory and clinical procedures.  This work is always formally under the supervision of the vet who is ultimately responsible for everything the vet tech does.

Some of the typical tasks carried out by vet techs include:

• Administering anesthesia to animals, under the supervision of a vet
• Providing ongoing care for animals recovering from treatment
• Preparing and giving medicines, vaccines, and treatments, as prescribed by vets.
• Administering  emergency first aid
• Carrying out blood tests, urine tests and feces tests to enable the vet to diagnose animal illnesses.
• Using x-ray and other radiological equipment
• Getting animals ready for surgery, such as by shaving parts of the animal in preparation for treatment.
• Preparing and labeling samples for laboratory testing
• Ensuring that the instruments are sterilized, and that the examination room is clean and ready for use
• Preparing drugs and anything else prescribed by the vet.
• Assisting the vet in physical examinations of animals such as by restraining animals when necessary, or taking the temperature of animals
• Maintaining laboratory, research, and treatment records.
• Ensuring that proper records are maintained in the practice
• Ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained
• Undertaking dental work such as cleaning, or extracting teeth.
• Maintaining good hygiene standards by cleaning out the mess left by animals in kennels, examination rooms and animal holding areas.
• Providing advice to pet owners on issues of animal health or nutrition
• Providing assistance with animal euthanasia and the disposal of remains.
• Undertaking various administrative tasks such as running the reception desk, receiving payments, or selling products.
• Cutting the hair of animals or clipping nails and claws.
• Training new members of the clinical team

Vet techs may also work in colleges, universities and professional schools, or in private industry in pet food companies or pharmaceutical companies, in other scientific and research establishments, or in animal welfare organizations.  There may be a greater emphasis on academic research which may make the work especially appropriate for those who have completed the four year Bachelor of Science qualification.

This work may involve taking blood and urine samples, cross checking records of animal histories, analyzing samples in laboratories or by using microscopic equipment.

With the growing demand for veterinary services it is likely that there will be a demand for more and more vet techs in the coming years.

The answer to the question – “What does a vet tech do?” – is that it is a very varied job which is likely to grow in importance in the next few years.

To get a license to practice as a vet tech the school has to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board (VMEB).

The other requirement is that you have passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) or the state exam set up by the VMEB.  A 70% pass is required to enable the VMEB to grant a licensing certificate.

It used to be possible to qualify as a vet tech by demonstrating equivalent experience working as an assistant to a veterinarian, but from April 2010 Arizona law required all vet techs to have qualified from an accredited school

Arizona law requires that vet techs be of good moral character. Using illegal substances, being drunk, or guilty of a crime will jeopardize your certification

The AVMA has accredited 6 schools in Arizona.

1) Pima County Community College

Situated in Tucson, the College is a public institution founded in 1969.  The college offers an associate’s degree in veterinary science. To enroll in the program, applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, and complete prerequisite courses in mathematics, biology, computer science and chemistry.

The college provides a two year course with required classes, including communications, pathology, anatomy, anesthesia, radiography and pharmacology

Pima County Community College
8181 East Irvington Road
Tucson, AZ 85709
520-206-7414
www.pima.edu

2) Pima Medical Institute

Situated in Mesa the Institute was founded in 1986.  It was first accredited for vet tech early in 2011, Pima’s vet tech school program focuses on medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, office management, examination techniques, radiological, dental and surgical procedures as they relate to veterinary care.

Pima Medical Institute-Mesa
Veterinary Technology Program
2160 S Power Road
Mesa, AZ 85209
480-898-9898
www.pima.edu

3) Anthem College

Anthem College in Phoenix has been providing health sciences programs since 1892. The college’s Associate of Science in veterinary technology program requires 21 months of full-time study. The course covers animal nutrition, anatomy, pharmacology, radiography, lab animals, bird health, exotic animals, anesthesia, laboratory techniques, large animal health, parasitology, algebra, ecology and psychology

Read more: Vet Tech Programs at Arizona Colleges | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6533558_vet-tech-programs-arizona-colleges.html#ixzz1ZSm6vU9e

Anthem College
1515 East Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85014
800-832-4011
www.anthemcollege.com

4) Mesa Community College

The college has more than 27,000 students. The program’s two-year curriculum includes tuition in accounting and office management, pharmacology, radiography, anesthesia, emergency nursing, physiology, microbiology and equine healthcare

Mesa Community College
1833 West Southern
Mesa, AZ 85202
480-461-7000
www.mesacc.edu

5) Kaplan College

The college is part of the Kaplan University group.  It has been accredited since 2005 for its Associate in Occupational Studies course

Kaplan College
Veterinary Technology Program
13610 N. Black Canyon Hwy., Suite 104
Phoenix, AZ 85029
602-548-1955
http://phoenix.kaplancollege.com/Pages/Veterinary_Technology_Associate_Degree.aspx

6) Penn Foster College

The College is a Distance Learning College based in  Scottsdale AZ

Penn Foster College
143000 N. Northsight Road, Suite 120
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
800-275-4410
www.pennfostercollege.edu

While licensing arrangements for vet techs are different in different states, by graduating from one of these vet tech schools in Arizona you will not only be able to get a license in Arizona but you should be able to get a license in other states.

As a career path, you could not have chosen better. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the anticipated growth in employment for veterinary technicians is projected at 36 percent. That is above normal growth for a 10 year period (2008 – 2018). The employment prospects are excellent in this field and combined with your love of animals, you will get the job you want, enabling you to enjoy doing what you love best.

Before you start thinking about what courses to take in high school, what degree will be best for you or where you will seek employment as a vet tech, the first thing you need to do is give serious consideration to becoming a veterinary technician. Not to discourage you in any way, but the job can get real hairy at times; it can be stressful and messy. But as people claim, love overcomes everything – if your love for animals is really deep, consider the following points as part of your preparation to becoming a successful veterinary technician.

Research is vital to finding information today, so go online and learn about the duties and responsibilities of veterinary technicians, what they study, what kind of job they do, the kind of programs on offer to become a vet tech, what sort of employment opportunities are available, what the pay scales are like. Basically you are information gathering and learning about a veterinary technician in real life. Some people will find that no matter how deep their love for animals, they do not want a career that keeps them in constant contact with sick animals. Let’s be practical here, if you faint at the sight of blood you are not going be much of a veterinary technician!

After the research, if you feel you are still keen on your career choice, talk to a few veterinary technicians. Set up appointments and go prepared with your list of questions. Keep an open mind and don’t let another person’s perceptions of the job skewer your thinking.

If the excitement at becoming a veterinary technician persists, ask a vet tech if you can shadow the person (on the job) for a few days. This will give you first hand appreciation for the pros and cons of the job.

Still sticking by your decision to become a veterinary technician? Great! If you’ve made it this far, you now need to consider what the next step should be. There is more to becoming a vet tech than simply getting high grades. You may want to consider volunteering in an animal shelter, humane society or vet’s office to get some hands-on experience.

After you complete high school, you need to find an accredited veterinary technology program to enroll in. These programs are offered by community colleges and regular colleges as two year associate’s degree and four year bachelor’s degree programs.

Good luck!

The annual salary is estimated on the basis of a 40 hour working week which translates into 2080 hours per year.

What is a Veterinary Technician?

A vet tech works under the supervision of a veterinarian.  A veterinary technician’s role is analogous to a nurse’s role in relation to a doctor.  The vet tech prepares the treatment room for the examination of animals; restrains animals during examinations, treatment, or inoculation, administers injections, applies wound dressings, cleans teeth and cleans up after the animals have gone.

Most veterinary technicians have a 2-year associate’s degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited community college program in veterinary technology. Some colleges offer a 4-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology.

In practical terms although veterinary technologists undergo twice the level of college training, when they qualify they carry out much the same functions as veterinary technicians and pay scales do not often give extra reward to those who have trained longer to become veterinary technologists.   Veterinary technician is the term most commonly used to describe both technicians and technologists.

Geographical variations in salary

The national salary figures quoted above mask considerable variations based on geography and setting.  The five highest paying states with their average salaries are:

Connecticut        $36,680
New York           $36,540
Alaska                $35,810
California            $35,300
Massachusetts   $35,190

By contrast average salaries are significantly lower in:

Mississippi          $25,120
West Virginia      $25,500
Georgia               $25,510

There are even larger variations in average salary levels between metropolitan areas and rural areas.  The highest paying cities are:

Sacramento        $44,580
Waterbury(CT)    $41,960
San Jose             $41,290
San Francisco     $40,250
Detroit                  $40,170
Albany (NY)         $39,990

In some rural areas average salaries are much lower:

East Kentucky            $20,520
Northwest Alabama    $22,020
Las Cruces (NM)        $22,710

The differences in salaries between cities and rural areas reflect different costs of living and other factors.  In cities high demand and limited supply are always going to push up salaries.

There are considerable variations in average salary levels within individual states.  For example in Southwest Minnesota the average salary stands at $33,630 while in Southeast Minnesota it is $27,700.

All these figures are averages which means that some vet techs will earn substantially more than the average and some will earn substantially less.

The other key factor which affects salary levels is length of experience in the job.  The more experienced you are the more responsibility you are likely to be given and that is likely to translate into higher salaries for the more experienced.  For those whose experience in the job is less than 8 years average salaries are commonly below $26,000 while those with 15 years of experience can expect, on average, more than $45,000 per year.

So the two key factors which determine the average vet tech salary are where you work and what level of experience you can offer.

The vet tech school you attend must be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine

The other requirement is that if you have passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which, as the name implies is a national exam and the Iowa Veterinary Technical Examination (IVTE).

A particular feature of Iowa law is that the Iowa Board requires veterinary technicians to undergo continuing education training after qualification in order to retain the license.

It used to be possible to qualify as a vet tech by demonstrating equivalent experience working as an assistant to a veterinarian, but from the end of 2010 Iowa law required all vet techs to have qualified from an accredited school.

All the colleges below offer two year courses which enable you to qualify as a vet tech.

The AVMA has accredited 4 vet tech schools in Iowa

1) Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)

DMACC was established as a community college 45 years ago. It has been accredited for vet tech training by the AVMA since 2005 To be eligible for admission to the vet tech course the prospective student must students must demonstrate an ability in word processing skills, produce evidence of grade “C” or better in one year of high school biology or equivalent, and produce evidence of grade “C” or better in one year of high school chemistry or equivalent.

Des Moines Area Community College
Veterinary Technology Program
2006 S. Ankeny Blvd FFA_EC
Ankeny, IA 50023
800-362-2127

www.dmacc.edu

2) Iowa Western Community College

The Iowa Western Community College was established in 1966.  It has been accredited for vet tech training since 2007.  Its pre entry admission requirements are Grade “C” or higher in:  Introductory Biology or higher (or one year high school biology); Introduction to General Chemistry or higher (or one year high school chemistry); Introduction to Computers or higher (or high school computer applications)

Iowa Western Community College
Veterinary Technology Program
2700 College Road, Box 4-C
Council Bluffs, IA 51502
712-325-3431

http://iwcc.cc.ia.us/programs/departments/veterinary-tech.asp

3) Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College was founded in 1966.  It was accredited for vet tech training by the AVMA in 1989.  Prospective vet tech students take a biology placement exam and COMPASS, which are Kirkwood’s reading, writing and math placement test.

Kirkwood Community College
Animal Health Technology Program
6301 Kirkwood Blvd., SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
319-398-4978
www.kirkwood.edu

4) Muscatine Community College

Muscatine Community College was founded in1929.  It was accredited for vet tech training by the AVMA in February 2011.  Prospective students must have achieved “C” grade or higher at college in chemistry and math.

Muscatine Community College
Veterinary Technology Program
152 Colorado Street
Muscatine, IA 52761
563-288-6001 563-288-6001
http://www.eicc.edu/highschool/programs/career/ag/vet/

All of these trainings produce a qualification for an Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Medicine.

By qualifying from this degree at a vet tech school in Iowa and passing the national and Iowa technical exams you will be eligible to find employment as a vet tech in Iowa and your qualification is likely to be recognized in other states.

Employment prospects

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are 79,000 vet techs in the US.  It also estimates that because of rising demand from pet owners, there will be between 2008 and 2016 a 36% growth in vet tech job opportunities which is considerably higher than the anticipated national average across all professions.

The Bureau also estimates that in spite of a growing number of accredited vet tech schools, there will only be around 3,800 newly qualified vet techs each year for the next few years which will not be enough to meet demand.  Furthermore because many vet techs do not stay in the profession for more than 10 years, these departures will create yet more vacancies.

It remains to be seen whether these potential shortages of vet techs in the coming years lead to a greater rise in salaries but the prospects are promising.

Vet techs and their work

The vast majority of vet techs and vet technologists work in private practice for veterinarians (vets). Vets are solely responsible for providing diagnoses, prognoses, performing surgery and prescribing medications.  It is the vet tech’s responsibility to provide effective nursing services to the animals in the vet’s care as well as carry out lab technician, radiography technician, surgical nurse and client educator roles.

In practice many vet techs do carry out various medical tests on animals and diagnose and treat medical conditions and diseases in animals, such as by performing laboratory tests on urine or blood samples or by assisting with dental care.  Experienced vet techs may discuss the health of pets with their owners and run training for new members of the clinical team.  Vet techs however remain under the supervision of the vet.

Vet techs working for small-animal vets usually care for small pets, such as cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and mice.  Very few vet techs also work with large animals such as cows or horses.

While most vet techs work in private practice there are also opportunities to work in other fields such as:

• emergency practice
• zoos
• hospital management teams
• sales of veterinary supplies
• biomedical facilities
• military service
• veterinary colleges
• private industry
• drug and feed manufacturing companies
• food safety inspection
• animal welfare societies

Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that vet techs working outside of private practice have higher salaries than the majority who work within private practice.

The working environment

Many people become vet techs because of their love of animals and because they want to help animals.  However some also find that the work can be unpleasant – cleaning up the mess left by animals, difficult when dealing with demanding pet owners, physically and emotionally challenging and sometimes dangerous with the ever present risk of being bitten.  Seeing abused animals or having to euthanize animals may be emotionally distressing.

It is clear that vet tech employment can be very satisfying for many people.  The numbers are growing every year and there is an even greater growth in the demand for vet techs.   The prospects are good.  Vet tech employment can only grow in significance.

Those who complete the 4 year course are often called veterinary technologists instead of veterinary technicians but in practice, in the vast majority of work environments vet technicians and vet technologists do much the same work.

Accredited vet tech schools

The American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) accredits around 160 schools, mostly community colleges, in the US to provide the relevant training for the 2 year Associate degree.

Pre-course requirements

Many vet tech schools require applicants to provide proof of passing at college exams in biology, sometimes chemistry and math, usually at C grade before they can start their training.

Certified vet tech programs

The vet tech programs offered in the various schools may be structured differently but they end up covering much the same ground.  A two year course typically covers 5 semesters and the subjects covered in different modules are something like this:

• General Biology
• Introduction to Chemistry
• Applied Math Topics
• Clinical Technology*
• Professional Communication
• Animal Anatomy and Physiology
• Clinical Pathology
• Lab Animal Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Veterinary Work Experience
• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Surgical Nursing
• Veterinary Anesthesiology
• Large Animal Nursing
• Vet Tech Internship

The last on the list is one of the most important parts of the training program offered by a vet tech school.  Students are required to do voluntary work at a local hospital or clinic.  For example at the Muscatine College in Iowa students “will be required to log 246 hours in the 8 week session of their fifth semester. The student needs to split up their time (as equally as possible) in the following areas: surgery, treatment and emergency, exam room, radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, and reception.”

*Clinical Technology in this case means understanding the basics of what a vet tech does, such as general animal welfare and restraint, as well as essential administrative procedures such as record keeping and the use of computers.

Licensure and certification

States license and regulate veterinary technicians in different ways.  Most states require them to pass an exam following graduation from their vet tech program. Passing the state exam provides an assurance that the technician has sufficient knowledge and skills to work in a veterinary clinic or hospital. The exam tests competency through oral, written, and practical tests.  Exam contents and standards are defined by a state board of veterinary examiners, although the title of the board is different from state to state.  The majority of states use the National Veterinary Technician Exam (NVTE) although some states require candidates to pass both the national exam and a state exam.

In most cases certified vet tech programs and licensing in one state usually enables vet techs to be licensed afresh if they move to another state, although some states may require an additional exam.

It is not surprising to know that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a faster than normal employment growth rate for veterinary technicians. Employment numbers are expected to rise by 36 percent between the years 2008 to 2018.

As an animal lover, you could play an important role in the health and well being of pets and other animals. You can choose to become a veterinary technician and be a part of one of the most in-demand professions in the country.

There are requirements for pursuing a career as a vet tech. The preparation for becoming a qualified veterinary technician begins with choosing the right subjects in high school. A high school diploma with high scores is a positive step in the right direction. Focus on scoring high grades in math and sciences classes.

There are many vet tech schools and colleges offering associate and bachelor degrees in veterinary technology. The admission requirements vary in each institution, but there are generic requirements across the board. The first requirement is a high school diploma. Programs can be learned on-campus or through distance learning.

When choosing your vet tech school, it is recommended that you find one offering programs that are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA accredits two year associate degree programs offered by schools and colleges in the U.S. The institution has to meet certain qualification criteria specified by the AVMA to be granted accreditation for a program.

Students with an accredited degree will find it easier to enter the job market as employers prefer veterinary technicians to have an accredited education. The emphasis on an accredited degree is mainly due to the fact that an accredited program provides a well structured program with coursework and clinical hands-on practice through internship to provide a well-rounded education to students aspiring to become veterinary technicians.

Anyone who wants to become a vet tech should be fully convinced that this is the right career path for them. The best way to find out whether you are making the right decision is to conduct research into several aspects of the veterinary technician career including education needs, duration of study, financial aspects, employment opportunities, pay scales, employment opportunities in your area, duties and responsibilities of a veterinary technician and more.

Talk to people who are employed as veterinary technicians and find out if you can shadow a vet tech around to get a good grasp of what the job actually entails. Volunteer in zoos, animal shelters and animal societies to gain some practical experience. Your acceptability ratio improves considerably for a college when you have high academic grades and practical experience employability.

The more practical experience you have the better your employability quotient will be.

Individuals aspiring to a veterinary technician career will find the vet tech notes detailed below interesting and useful.

With a high school diploma in hand, you are equipped to enter formal educational instruction in veterinary technology. There are diplomas and associate’s degrees that provide training for entry level positions in the veterinary field. A bachelor’s degree provides a more advanced form of training and is generally sought once a person finds employment as a veterinary technician.

Higher education in the form of a master’s degree or PhD may be pursued by professionals seeking to expand their career choices or to move into related employment fields.

With the completion of an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree, the individual is qualified to work as a veterinary technician, but credentialing is a necessary requirement in all states and regions in America, to practice the profession.

Veterinary technicians need to make sure they choose an accredited program for study as it is a requirement for credentialing. The American Veterinary Medical Association accredits vet tech programs offered by schools and colleges.

After successful completion of the graduate program, the aspirant needs to pass the National Veterinary Technician (NVT) exam to receive credentialing. With this certification in hand, you are ready to launch your career as a veterinary technician.

Veterinary technicians are known in the United States by specific initials that include: CVT – Certified Veterinary Technician; LVT – Licensed Veterinary Technician;

RVT – Registered Veterinary Technician. Titling may vary depending on state specific regulations where the profession is practiced. NAVTA (The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America) has stated that regardless of the initials, the mandated term in use is “veterinary technician”.

Veterinary technicians work in a variety of settings that provide animal healthcare including private veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, zoos, research facilities, animal farms, wildlife reserves, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries and certain state and federal government institutions.

Apart from credentialing, veterinary technicians can choose to specialize by earning veterinary technician specialty certification. This provides the individual with advanced skills in several specialized areas including: dentistry, emergency and critical care, small animal internal medicine, anesthesiology, cardiology, zoological medicine, surgery, equine veterinary nursing, oncology, nutrition, behavior, exotic animals and clinical practice. When certified, the veterinary technician carries the additional initials “VTS” with the specialization added after the initials.

Veterinary technicians take an oath like doctors generally do, dedicating themselves to helping animals and society by providing services and care for animals. They also have to abide by the veterinary profession’s code of ethics in the practice of their occupation.

The veterinary technician career is one of the most promising in the healthcare industry. Though the pay scales are not too high, they are fairly decent. But the greatest satisfaction comes from doing a job you love.