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If you’re interested in becoming a vet tech, you’ll need to complete a few specific classes. Here’s a look at some of the courses you’ll need to take.
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Introduction
So, you want to be a vet tech? That’s great! As a vet tech, you’ll get to work closely with animals and help care for them. It’s a rewarding career that can be both challenginng and rewarding. But before you can start working, you need to complete a vet tech program.
There are several different types of vet tech programs, but most will require you to take some basic classes. These classes will help you learn the skills you need to be a successful vet tech. Here are some of the classes you may need to take:
Anatomy and physiology: You’ll learn about the structure and function of animals’ bodies. This is important because it will help you understand how diseases and injuries affect animals.
Animal husbandry: This class will teach you how to care for animals. You’ll learn about their nutrition, housing, and health care needs.
Veterinary medical terminology: In order to communicate effectively with veterinarians and other medical professionals, you need to know the proper terms for various medical procedures and conditions. This class will teach you the vocabulary you need to know.
Pharmacology: As a vet tech, you’ll be responsible for administering medication to animals. In this class, you’ll learn about the different types of drugs used in veterinary medicine and how they work.
Veterinary medicine: This is an overview of the veterinary profession. You’ll learn about the history of veterinary medicine, ethical considerations, and current issues in the field.
Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology
To become a licensed veterinary technician, you will need to earn an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from an accredited college or university. The coursework for this degree program will include classes in animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and pharmacology, as well as general education courses.
Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology
A bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology is the most common path to becoming a vet tech. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most employers prefer to hire applicants with at least a 2-year degree.
There are currently more than 30 AVMA-accredited colleges and schools offering bachelor’s degrees in veterinary technology across the United States. These programs typically take 4 years to complete and include coursework in animal science, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, zoo animal management, and clinical practices.
In addition to completing a rigorous course load, vet tech students must also participate in supervised clinical experiences (typically externships) in order to gain hands-on experience working with animals. Once they have successfully completed their academic and clinical training, vet techs must then pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in order to become certified and licensed to practice in their state.
Coursework for Both Degrees
In order to become a vet tech, you will need to complete either a 2-year associate’s degree in veterinary technology or a 4-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. Although a bachelor’s degree will give you more opportunities for advancement and higher pay, either degree will allow you to become a licensed vet tech.
The coursework for both degrees is similar and will include classes in animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, and medical terminology. You will also take classes in clinical procedures, animal husbandry, and animal welfare. In addition to these general education courses, you will also take specific courses in veterinary technology, such as imaging techniques, surgical assistance, diagnostic testing, and laboratory procedures.
Licensure and Certification
After you have completed a AVMA accredited Veterinary Technician program, the next step is to sit for and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Once you have passed the VTNE, you will then need to apply to your state for licensure. Each state has their own requirements for licensure, so you will need to check with your state’s Board of Veterinary Examiners to find out what the specific requirements are.
After you have been licensed in your state, you may then pursue voluntary certification through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The AAVSB provides the Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) credential. To be eligible to sit for the RVT exam, you must first meet certain experience and educational requirements. Once you have met these requirements and passed the exam, you will then be able to use the RVT credential after your name.
Continuing Education
If you want to become a registered veterinary technician (RVT), in addition to taking the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), you must also complete an accredited veterinary technology program. After you have completed a two-year program, you will need to apply to take the VTNE.
There are AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) accredited programs all over the United States, and each state has different requirements for licensure. For example, some states require that you complete a four-year degree in order to sit for the VTNE, while other states may only require a two-year degree.
The best way to find out what classes you will need to take in order to become a licensed veterinary technician in your state is to contact your state’s veterinary board or the AVMA.
Conclusion
In order to become a certified veterinary technician, you need to complete a two-year accredited veterinary technology program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam.
