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by Tamara Girard Veterinary Technicians, also known as vet techs, make a difference in the lives of animals every day. In this rewarding career, vet techs perform a variety of duties related to the general care of many different types of animals. While a veterinary technician’s daily duties may differ, vet tech’s typically perform many animal health tasks including taking blood or tissue samples, administering medication, placing catheters and intravenous lines, conducting laboratory tests, taking x-ray and ultrasound images, assisting Veterinarians during surgical and other medical procedures. Additionally, veterinary technicians also enjoy a variety of work environments. While many veterinary technicians provide animal care in a private veterinary practice or private animal hospital setting, vet techs may also work in animal shelters or humane societies, research, higher education and teaching, zoos or laboratories. Some veterinary technicians expand their careers by completing additional training to become a specialist in a particular area of animal care such as dental technology, anesthesia or internal medicine. As with other careers in healthcare, becoming a veterinary technician requires education and training. The following steps provide a path to a rewarding career for those with a passion for caring for animals: 1. Evaluate Veterinary Technology Programs Veterinary technicians typically enter the career with an Associate degree however, many individuals choose to earn a four-year Bachelor degree and expand their career options in the field of vet tech. Whether students are seeking an Associate or Bachelor degree, schools that are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association should be considered. 2. Get Practical Experience Students can gain a competitive edge in practical experience by selecting a vet tech program with on-site facilities like animal kennels, laboratories and even animal surgical suites. Additionally, many accredited vet tech programs also require completion of externships involving hands-on training and learning at an off-site veterinary clinic or animal hospital. 3. Obtain Certification To be considered a Certified Veterinary Technician, vet techs must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The VTNE is a certifying test for graduates of an American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. States may differ in their regulation of veterinary technicians. Depending on the state, vet techs that have successfully completed exams may be referred to as registered, licensed or certified. 4. Obtain Advanced Training and Certification Many vet tech graduates choose to expand their careers by obtaining additional training to become specialists in a particular field of veterinary technology. While there are many specialties available, some common areas of specialization for veterinary technicians include: animal dentistry, equine care, anesthesiology, emergency and critical care, and veterinary surgery. Veterinary technicians with special certifications or areas of specialty often enjoy expanded career opportunities and a higher salary. The field of veterinary technology provides many opportunities for those with a passion for caring for the health and well-being of animals. The rapidly growing field of veterinary technology offers a good salary and diverse working conditions. Selecting a quality accredited veterinary technology program is the best way to prepare for a career as a veterinary technician. Stautzenberger College, Brecksville offers one of the largest Veterinary Technology Programs in Northeast Ohio. Stautzenberger College Brecksville will provide you with the hands-on skills and training needed for you to turn your passion for animals into a rewarding career. To know more you can read colleges for veterinarians or contact Stautzenberger College, Brecksville today at 1-800-473-2997 or by e-mail at jpgirard@stautzenberger.com.
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