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Degrees and Schools
Associate's degrees in veterinary technology are available through some colleges, universities, and community colleges. These programs should be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Coursework
Veterinary technology students take courses in science, biology, math, and veterinary science. Courses are frequently taught using live animals in clinics and labs. The more hands-on training a program offers, the less on-the-job training is required after being hired.
Online Classes and Programs
Because veterinary technology programs emphasize hands-on learning with live animals, they are not well-suited for online learning. Schools that offer these programs may make individual courses available online. Any degree program offered online should be accredited by the AVMA.
Employment Requirements
In order to have the necessary credentials to practice as a veterinary technician in any state, applicants must be graduates of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program and pass an exam that includes written, oral and practical sections. Most states use the National Veterinary Technician (NVT) exam which is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.
Most research facility employers prefer job candidates who are certified through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) in animal husbandry, animal health and welfare, and facility management. To be certified, in addition to being graduates of AVMA-accredited programs, applicants must have sufficient work experience directly related to the health, maintenance, and well-being of laboratory animals in laboratory animal facilities that meet the definition established by AALAS.
How to Evaluate Schools
When comparing associate's degree programs, aspiring veterinary technicians should consider asking these questions:
- Program focus - How focused is the program on preparing graduates for certification? Does the program emphasize work in private practices, animal hospitals, or research laboratories?
- Ranking - How does the program rank nationally compared to others?
- Accreditation - Is the program accredited by the AVMA?
- Practical experience - How much of the required coursework is hands-on with live animals? Are labs equipped with the latest medical and diagnostic equipment?
- Financial aid - What resources are provided to help students identify financial aid opportunities such as scholarships, grants, and student loans?
- Career search - Does the school have well-developed relationships with local employers of veterinary technicians? What percentage of students in the last couple years got certified after graduation?
Veterinary Technician Job Description
Like nurses help physicians, veterinary technicians help veterinarians. They work mostly in private practices, caring for small pets such as cats and dogs, but may also care for birds, ferrets, rodents, frogs, fish, monkeys, pigs, sheep, and cattle.
Veterinary technician responsibilities often include:
- Diagnosing and treating medical conditions and diseases in animals
- Performing various medical and lab tests
- Assisting with dental care
- Preparing tissue samples and drawing blood samples
- Recording patient case histories
- Taking and developing x rays and radiographs
- Providing specialized nursing care
- Discussing a pet's condition and treatment with its owners
- Training new clinic personnel
Veterinary technicians may also work in animal hospitals and research laboratories.
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