Vet tech how many years of school

In this Article. Depending upon the work environment you choose, the daily routine as a veterinary technician can vary a great deal. Vet techs who work in research laboratories may be responsible for the care and feeding of animals, as well as documenting their behavior. Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a veterinarian and may also provide more extensive treatment such as dental care and specialized nursing care.

They are responsible for maintaining staff schedules and helping other vet technicians do their job well.

Like other allied health careers, clinics and laboratories need to be staffed around the clock. This means veterinary technicians often have a variable schedule and work nights, weekends and holidays. Continue reading the veterinary technician job description. Working in a pet clinic is a great way to begin your new career. But in a veterinary technician job, there are many more ways to put your skills to work, and you may find yourself drawn to a particular veterinary technician specialty area.

Here are some of your options. Veterinary internal medicine is a specialty born of the need for further research into animal diseases. General wellness and preventative medicine are its primary focus. Particular attention is paid to chronic disease, anatomy, physiology, and non-surgical pathology issues of small to large animals.

Cardiology and oncology are sub-specialties of veterinary internal medicine. Top-paying states for veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretakers, as of May Learn more about our program and exciting opportunities. Veterinary assistants typically work in animal hospitals and veterinarian clinics, providing routine care and helping treat animals with illnesses and injuries.

Vet assistant work hours may be full- or part-time and may include nights, weekends and holidays. Vet assistants may specialize in working in regular or emergency veterinary medicine. With vet assistant training, you might pursue roles such as the following. Veterinary assistants require diverse skills to be successful.

Physical strength and manual dexterity are important because vet assistant jobs are typically very physical. You may be handling animals, lifting cages or equipment, administering medication, using medical equipment and collecting blood and urine samples. Some pets can weigh pounds or more, so being able to maneuver animals and adapt to their size and strength is helpful.

Fitness and physical stamina help you stay energized in this physical job. A love for animals and empathy for their pet owners is also important. Good communication and customer service skills help you connect with clients.

Treating animals with care is important to pet owners and for providing animals with optimal support. Communication skills are also important for vet assistants because they must communicate effectively with their team members, including veterinarians. Vet assistants also benefit from emotional skills. Often there are challenging and difficult situations in environments like vet clinics, including abused and injured animals or pets who are euthanized.

You must be able to handle tough circumstances like these on the job. If you want a job as a veterinary assistant, it helps to get education and certifications that can help you stand out as a candidate. Some positions may require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Some employers may require a certificate of completion or an associate degree in order to be considered.

These are some typical steps to become a vet assistant. Then, you can align your veterinary assistant training with those jobs. You may apply for licensure by meeting all of the Veterinary Medical Board Alternate Route requirements, including completion of 4, hours of practical experience under the direct supervision of a California licensed veterinarian. SJVC prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.

You may also be interested in applying for a Registered Veterinary Technician license. The Veterinary Assistant program you choose should ultimately help you achieve your desired vet assistant position. As you research veterinary assistant schools, keep the following factors in mind.

Not all vet assistant schools are created equal. Vet assistant training will vary depending on the school, what curriculum is included and what award is provided upon graduation. Getting started as a veterinary assistant allows students to determine if an AVMA-approved technician program is ultimately the right choice.

When completing a NAVTA — approved veterinary assistant program, students are able to complete studies that inform them of the various tasks, procedures and challenges they may face at a veterinary hospital. In addition, all students must complete a mandatory hour externship experience at a veterinary hospital or clinic. Due to course structuring, you will be able to see a sneak peak into what a veterinary technician program entails and if this is a goal that you wish to pursue.

Additionally, once you have completed your studies with a NAVTA — approved school, you will have a distinct advantage while in technician school, as you will have first-hand experience and will better understand the topics discussed with your future professors. Check our help guide for more info. Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Skip to footer. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. Veterinary Technician — Continuing Education Many states mandate that veterinary technicians must complete Continuing Education CE for a total of 20 hours of study every 2 years, and show documentation of completed AVMA-approved classes in order to maintain their license.

How to know if being a Veterinary Technician is for me? Vet Tech Salary Veterinary technicians do not have to take a vow of poverty to do something they love. They must also be sensitive when communicating with owners of ill or injured pets. This helps to develop rapport with the owner, and thus they will be more likely to return for additional animal services. Strong communications skills are largely beneficial in this role, and although not taught during veterinary programs per say, they are undoubted necessary before gaining employment as a Vet Tech.

Prospective Veterinary Technicians must also be detail-oriented to ensure that no ailment goes unnoticed. This helps ensure that each patient receives quality care and a thorough examination. To be a Vet Tech, professionals must further be able to maneuver instruments with strong manual dexterity and potentially be up on their feet for long periods of time. Last but not least, the ability to problem solve and help determine the root of an illness or condition is a quality that in invaluable within the realm of veterinary medicine , and healthcare in general.

Having received in-depth instruction on veterinary technology principles and having had time to hone their skills and develop these important qualities will enable Vet Techs to be truly successful. Once they have completed their veterinary technology program, obtained the appropriate certification or licensure and developed themselves as a professional, Veterinary Technicians are ready to take on the field first-hand!

The last step in the process of becoming a Vet Tech is to secure employment in the profession. Ideally, Vet Techs who have spent their time during their post-secondary education simultaneously networking will land their first position within the field soon after graduation.

However, for others, the road to employment may take a little longer. To help ensure that the employment search and application process is as seamless as possible, Vet Techs should first consider applying to the industries which are known to employ the largest number of Veterinary Technicians. These employers include veterinary services, social advocacy groups and academic settings junior colleges, colleges, universities and state, local and professional schools.

While most Vet Techs will go on to work for private clinics and animal hospitals, alternative options include scientific research centers, developmental services, laboratories, humane societies and other personal services. The industry with the highest concentration of employment in this occupation is by far professional, scientific and technician services, but they are followed by social advocacy organizations, research and development outlets and support activities for animal production.

By networking and regularly searching job boards, credentialed Vet Techs should not have an issue establishing employment. This is especially true now, as pet owners and animal lovers have placed a greater emphasis on preventative and comprehensive care than ever before! Want to learn more?