How to Become a Vet Tech: A Brief Guide

 If you love animals and have a genuine passion for animal care, becoming a vet tech can be an excellent option for you! More and more people are considering the career as it is generally more affordable and requires less of a time commitment than attending veterinary medical school.

And—with thousands of new job openings each year, the career promises great earnings and job security. Let’s learn about the profession in detail!

What does a Vet Tech Do?

et technicians play a crucial role in veterinary hospitals and clinics and have an extensive job description.

Some of their responsibilities include:

• Helping veterinarians in monitoring the health of animals
• Assisting during examinations and surgery
• Providing diagnostic support through the use of sophisticated equipment such as MRIs and X-ray imaging
• Preparing vaccines and serums and maintaining clinic inventory

In this job, you would be working with a range of animal species, sizes, and breeds. Plus, you have to be comfortable handling animals in various situations; settings are critical for this role.

How to Become a Veterinary Technician?

Here’s the complete guide to becoming a vet technician specialist.

Enrolling in an Accredited Veterinary Education Program

Provided that you have earned your high school diploma, your first step should be to enroll in a veterinary technology program to become a veterinary technician.

These programs can be found in traditional brick-and-mortar schools, but these days, veterinary online learning is also a very popular option with all types of students.

Whether you are completing an online vet tech program or attending a physical university, you will be provided with rigorous Vet Tech Learning to ensure that you have all the skills you need.

Since your Veterinary education will be critical to becoming a successful veterinary technician, the first step is finding a program that suits your needs. You would be wise to research various options and compare what each program offers.

Veterinary technology programs typically extend over a period of two years. During this time, you will receive an education including:

• Animal anatomy and physiology
• Pharmacology
• Radiology
• Anesthesia

As part of your vet learning, you would also take part in clinical rotations at veterinary clinics and hospitals, which is a critical aspect of most programs. Even if you are enrolled in an online veterinary technician program, clinical requirements allow you to gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting. And—this would be an essential part of your training.

Passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and Obtaining Your License

After completing your veterinary technology program, you will have to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).

This computer-based exam assesses your knowledge of veterinary technology, including anatomy and pharmacology.

Preparing adequately for the VTNE is essential for achieving success in your career as a vet tech.

Following successful completion of the VTNE, the next step might be to acquire a state or provincial license. Licensing requirements are different in each state.

For example, currently, the state of California requires more experience than you would need in Florida. Make sure to do your due diligence before setting out on your vet learning journey!

Finding Employment Opportunities and the Importance of Continuing Your Veterinary Education

Once you are licensed and have completed your certifications, you will have the choice of working in many places.

Some of your options would include:

• Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals
• Zoos
• Aquariums
• Animal Research Facilities

Make sure to also stay up-to-date with the latest veterinary technologies, procedures, and information by continuing your education even after you have gotten your first job.

One way is through online courses and seminars, which provide you with an opportunity to continue learning and expanding your potential as a veterinary professional.

So Is Being A Vet Tech the Career for You?

Becoming a veterinary technician involves a passion for animals, strong vet learning, and interpersonal skills. However, as we have just detailed for you, it is possible to do all this by going through a rigorous education and having a healthy mindset to achieve your goals.

Whether you are enrolled in a physical or online program, a career as a vet tech is a few years away from you. So take that first step today!