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If you want to work in veterinary medicine, becoming a vet tech is a great option. But what does it take to become a vet tech? Read on to find out the requirements.
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Introduction
Vet techs play an important role in animal care, providing assistance to veterinarians and working directly with animals. If you’re interested in a career in veterinary medicine, becoming a vet tech may be the perfect fit for you. As a vet tech, you’ll need to be comfortable working with animals and have the ability to handle tasks that require attention to detail. Keep reading to learn more about what you’ll need to do to become a vet tech.
Veterinary technicians must complete a 2-year associate’s degree in veterinary technology from an accredited school. Alternatively, some students may choose to complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in veterinary technology. After completing an accredited education program, vet techs must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in order to become licensed in their state. Some states may have additional requirements for licensure. For example, some states require vet techs to complete a certain number of continuing education credits every year in order to maintain their license.
What Does a Vet Tech Do?
A veterinary technician is a professional who provides direct patient care and diagnostic services under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. They often work in animal hospitals and clinics. To become a vet tech, you will need to complete a two-year program at an accredited school and pass a state licensing exam.
The Duties of a Vet Tech
The scope of practice for veterinary technicians varies from state to state. Most states allow veterinary technicians to perform laboratory tests, assist in surgery, take radiographs (x-rays), give injections, administer medications, place intravenous catheters, collect and process patient samples for diagnostic testing and patient care.
In general, the duties of a veterinary technician include but are not limited to:
-Performing laboratory tests such as urinalysis, hematocrits, fecal exams and skin scrapings
-Collecting blood samples via venipuncture or cardiac puncture for diagnostic testing
-Administering vaccinations and medications as prescribed by a veterinarian
-Restraining animals for examination and treatment
-Assisting the veterinarian during surgery
-Bandaging wounds and applying casts
-Monitoring vital signs such as temperature, pulse and respiratory rate
-Maintaining patient medical records
-Educating pet owners on animal care and preventative health
The Education of a Vet Tech
Vet techs must complete a minimum of a two-year associate’s degree in veterinary technology from an accredited school, although many choose to pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree. Some states also require vet techs to be licensed. After completing their education and any required licensing, vet techs can find employment in private clinics, animal hospitals, zoos, and research facilities.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Vet Tech?
Becoming a vet tech requires completing a vet tech program and passing a state-administered exam, among other things. We’ll go into detail about the requirements to become a vet tech below.
The Certification of a Vet Tech
There are two main ways to become certified as a veterinary technician in the United States. The first option is to complete a two-year associate degree from a community college or technical school with an accredited veterinary technology program, and then pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The second way to become certified is to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, and then pass the VTNE. In either case, you will need to pass the VTNE in order to become certified.
The Licensure of a Vet Tech
To work as a veterinary technician (vet tech), you must be licensed in the state where you plan to practice. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, but all states require Vet Techs to have at least an Associate’s degree from an accredited Veterinary Technology program and to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Some states also require Vet Techs to complete a state-specific exam, and all require continuing education credits to maintain licensure. Once you are licensed, you may use the title “veterinary technician” or “vet tech.”
What Are the Job Opportunities for a Vet Tech?
Vet techs are in high demand and the job outlook is projected to grow by 20% in the next ten years. There are many reasons why this career field is so popular. First, the pay is good. The median wage for a vet tech is $32,000 per year. Second, there is a lot of job security.
The Employment of a Vet Tech
Vet techs are employed in a variety of settings, including animal hospitals, clinics, zoos, and research laboratories. They may also work in food inspection or public health. The majority of vet techs work in private veterinary practices, caring for the pets of individual clients.
The Salary of a Vet Tech
A veterinary technician is a medical professional who helps veterinarians in the care of animals. Also known as vet techs, these professionals work in animal hospitals, clinics, and other settings, where they may perform a variety of tasks. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for vet techs was $33,400 as of May 2019.
Conclusion
To become a Vet Tech, you will need to complete a few requirements. First, you will need to complete a high school diploma or equivalent. Next, you will need to complete an accredited Veterinary Technician program. Lastly, you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). After you have completed all of these requirements, you will be able to officially call yourself a Veterinary Technician and begin working in the field!
