If you are passionate about working with animals and want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, becoming a veterinary technician may be a great choice for you. A veterinary technician is a skilled individual who works with veterinarians to treat animals. All you need to earn an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology to become a Veterinary Technician and follow your passion. In this article, we will discuss the steps and process to receive a veterinary technician associate degree. Let us know How Do You Get A Veterinary Technician Associate Degree?
To receive a veterinary technician associate degree, you need to enroll in an accredited veterinary technology program. This program is usually given by community or technical colleges and takes about two years to complete. It combines classroom lectures, laboratory work, and practical clinical encounters to prepare you for a career as a veterinary technician.
Research Accredited Veterinary Technology Programs:
To begin the process of obtaining a certification in veterinary technology, you need to find accredited schools offering such programs. You can search online, check with professional associations like the American Veterinary Medical Association, and ask around for recommendations from people in the veterinary field. Once you have a list of potential schools, investigate their accreditation and reputation, faculty and staff qualifications, available resources and facilities, tuition and fees, and program requirements to help you choose the best fit for your needs. Due to the small number of Acceptance rates for these degrees range from 7% to 24% at the colleges that offer them, with an overall average of 10%.
Meet the Admission Requirements:
Once you have identified the veterinary technology programs you are interested in, review their admission requirements carefully. The majority of programs demand a high school diploma or its equivalent, transcripts, recommendations, and results from standardized tests. Others demand specialized education, such as biology, a minimum GPA, and prior experience working with animals. math, or communication. To improve your chances of being accepted into the program, be sure to adhere to all deadlines and conditions. Some colleges keep you under observation for 18-20 hours in the veterinary hospital before allowing you to take an admitted associate’s degree program so that they can understand your behavior towards animals.
Complete the Veterinary Technology Curriculum:
Once you are enrolled in a veterinary technology program, you will take courses in animal physiology and anatomy, pharmacology, diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, surgical assisting, and animal nursing care. Also, you will take part in lab sessions and clinical rotations to get hands-on experience working with animals while being supervised by qualified veterinary specialists. To maximize your learning outcomes and get ready for certification examinations, it’s imperative to attend classes, study frequently, ask questions, and get feedback from your mentors and instructors.
Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination:
After completing your veterinary technology program, The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is required for certification as a veterinary technician (CVT). The VTNE is a computerized exam that consists of 170 multiple-choice questions covering various aspects of veterinary technology, including animal care, pharmacology, anesthesia, surgical nursing, and laboratory procedures. You have three hours to complete the exam, and you must achieve a passing score set by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Prepare for the VTNE by reviewing textbooks, taking practice quizzes, attending review sessions, and seeking guidance from certified veterinary technicians.
Obtain State Licensure or Certification:
To practice as a veterinary technician, you also need to obtain state licensure or certification in the state where you plan to work. The requirements for state licensure or certification vary by state, For this, apart from the necessary certificates, it is important to have a practical character. All the required documents have to be attached along with the prescribed fee for the application. The fee for the license is $177. The fee for limited permit is $50; free for a limited permit is non-refundable. You may be issued a limited permit if you meet all licensing requirements except the licensing exam.
Popular Institutions offering veterinary technician associate Degrees:
Below is a list of some popular institutions that are offering a degree for veterinary technician associates.
• St. Petersburg College, Florida
• San Juan College, New Mexico
• Blue Ridge Community College, Virginia
• Cedar Valley College, Texas
• Portland Community College, Oregon
• Columbus State Community College, Ohio
• Pierce College, Washington
• Maple Woods Community College, Missouri
• Penn Foster College, Pennsylvania
• Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology, Colorado
Conclusion:
Earning a veterinary technician associate degree can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a rewarding career in the field of veterinary medicine. Through research, meeting admission requirements, completing the veterinary technology curriculum, passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination, and obtaining state licensure or certification, you can become a successful veterinary technician. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goal and make a difference in the lives of animals.
FAQs:
Q: What is the average time it takes to become a veterinary technician?
A: Earning an associate degree in veterinary technology and becoming a veterinary technician usually takes two years.
Q: What is the job outlook for veterinary technicians?
A: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 16% increase in demand for veterinary technicians from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
