Protocol for becoming a vet tech with on the job training (no school)?

Question

I have a Bachelors of Science in Writing and am looking into other career venues. Animal right have always been something I've fought for in my writing, and I have always secretly dreamed of becoming a vet. Recently one of my friends was hired as a vet tech (she was an ART MAJOR!), without any training. I'm assuming a Vet is willing to train the right person on the job. Has anyone gone through this process vs. actual vet tech school? I'm interested in making the same move she did, but I sort of didn't believe it was possible.

Answer 1

You have to work up. Usually they'll put you on kennel or assistant duty first, where you get the fun tasks of cleaning up pee/poo and wiping down the cages, surgery and exam rooms after the pets leave. Eventually they'll let you work alongside the vet, restraining, clipping toenails, cleaning ears, getting/reading fecal samples and temperatures, etc. Vet techs do intubation, monitor surgical procedures, administer IVs... more invasive things. I've always understood it to be difficult to actually get the title of "vet tech" without having the Associate's Degree, but I could be wrong.

Answer 2

You can be a Vet Assistant. A REAL Vet Tech went to college, got a degree,and took the state exam for a license. A vet can hire a person off the street and call them the "technician", but that is not an actual "VET TECH".

Answer 3

I believe there are only a couple of states that will still let you do this. One was Wyoming, but the last test was given to techs without going to school this summer. You had to have at least three years on the job training and recommendations from a practicing vet and three other members of staff. It is the same test they give to the graduates and it is hard. Find and contact your state's veterinary technician association and contact them with your questions. They will be happy to give you all the info you need.