How do you become a Vet Tech?

Question

I really wanna do this, and have been think ing about it for a long time. Do I have to go to school or anything..I really want to find out.

Answer 1

According to the US Dept of Labor:
*Generally you have to complete a 2-year or 4-year veterinary technology program and must pass a State examination.
*Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.

Education: Most entry-level veterinary technicians have a 2-year degree, usually an associate’s degree, from an accredited community college program in veterinary technology in which courses are taught in clinical and laboratory settings using live animals.

FYI: Although specific job duties vary by employer, there often is little difference between the tasks carried out by technicians and by technologists, despite some differences in formal education and training. As a result, most workers in this occupation are called technicians.

How do you get certified? Graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program allows students to take the credentialing exam in any State in the country. Each State regulates veterinary technicians and technologists differently; however, all States require them to pass a credentialing exam following coursework.

For information on careers in veterinary medicine and a listing of AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs, contact:

American Veterinary Medical Assocation, 1931 N. Meacham Rd., Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360. Internet: http://www.avma.org

Good luck!

Answer 2

It depends on what state you live in. There are schools for Vet Techs that vary from about six months to a year for a Certificate or two years for an Associate Degree. Most states, however, will let you train on the job. The problem is that most clinics want trained or experienced Techs.

One of the best ways to check your local options is to talk with a Veterinarian and see what they prefer and what the local market is like. If they get flooded with applications from certified Techs, you know that you have to get certified to be competitive. Good luck!

Answer 3

First of all...I recommend going to a vet clinic and working part-time there to see if that is really what you want to do. There is a very good technicial school in Tomball - Tomball College. They offer a R.V.T. program which takes about 2 years. They also have a Certificate program, but you techinically aren't a R.V.T. I personally worked at a vet clinic and was a Vet Tech, straight out of high school. I just was not trained(as far as school goes).

Answer 4

A friend of mine was a Vet Tech. My understanding from her is that you need a 4-year degree....sort of a pre-vet type deal. If you want to become a vetinarian, you would go on to further schooling from there.