3 answers
Desiree
Student
Jurupa Valley, California
1
Question
Asked
296 views
What is the hardest part about studying to be a veterinary technician?
What was the hardest subject to understand when studying to be a veterinary technician? And what is something you recommend to help me prepare for this corse?
Login to comment
3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1326
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Desiree,
Ah, studying to be a veterinary technician—where you sign up thinking, I love animals! and then realize, Oh no, now I have to learn chemistry, anatomy, and how to wrestle an uncooperative cat without losing an eyeball.
The Hardest Parts of Studying to Be a Vet Tech
Animal Anatomy & Physiology – You thought human anatomy was hard? Try learning it for multiple species. Dogs, cats, horses, birds—each with different systems, quirks, and a deep desire to make your job harder by refusing to cooperate during exams.
Pharmacology – Medication dosages vary wildly between animals. A small miscalculation and suddenly, a Chihuahua is getting a dose meant for a Great Dane. Not ideal.
Parasitology – You will know way too much about worms, fleas, and things that burrow into skin. Ignorance was bliss.
Restraint Techniques – Ever tried to hold down a 90-pound dog that does not want a vaccine? It’s a workout. And sometimes the tiny ones are worse. A 10-pound cat fueled by rage and betrayal? Terrifying.
What Helps You Survive? Because you need to survive for real.
Flashcards & Mnemonics – Because memorizing 500 medical terms for different species is not something your brain does naturally.
Hands-On Experience – Volunteer, intern, or work at a clinic. Watching a vet tech in action is so much better than just reading about it.
A Strong Stomach – There will be poop. There will be vomit. There will be things you wish you hadn’t seen. But you’ll adapt.
Patience & Humor – Some days, you’ll be elbow-deep in a cow. Other days, a parrot will insult you mid-exam. Either way, laugh it off.
The hardest subject depends on the person, but if you struggle with science, anatomy and pharmacology might make you cry a little. If you’re not a fan of mystery fluids, surgical nursing and emergency care will test your limits.
But if you love animals, love problem-solving, and can handle a little chaos, vet tech life is so worth it. You’ll save lives, cuddle puppies (in between restraining them for shots), and go home every day knowing you made a difference. Just be prepared—because that "difference" sometimes involves cleaning a lot of unexpected messes.
Good luck an don't mind my insane humor!
Ah, studying to be a veterinary technician—where you sign up thinking, I love animals! and then realize, Oh no, now I have to learn chemistry, anatomy, and how to wrestle an uncooperative cat without losing an eyeball.
The Hardest Parts of Studying to Be a Vet Tech
Animal Anatomy & Physiology – You thought human anatomy was hard? Try learning it for multiple species. Dogs, cats, horses, birds—each with different systems, quirks, and a deep desire to make your job harder by refusing to cooperate during exams.
Pharmacology – Medication dosages vary wildly between animals. A small miscalculation and suddenly, a Chihuahua is getting a dose meant for a Great Dane. Not ideal.
Parasitology – You will know way too much about worms, fleas, and things that burrow into skin. Ignorance was bliss.
Restraint Techniques – Ever tried to hold down a 90-pound dog that does not want a vaccine? It’s a workout. And sometimes the tiny ones are worse. A 10-pound cat fueled by rage and betrayal? Terrifying.
What Helps You Survive? Because you need to survive for real.
Flashcards & Mnemonics – Because memorizing 500 medical terms for different species is not something your brain does naturally.
Hands-On Experience – Volunteer, intern, or work at a clinic. Watching a vet tech in action is so much better than just reading about it.
A Strong Stomach – There will be poop. There will be vomit. There will be things you wish you hadn’t seen. But you’ll adapt.
Patience & Humor – Some days, you’ll be elbow-deep in a cow. Other days, a parrot will insult you mid-exam. Either way, laugh it off.
The hardest subject depends on the person, but if you struggle with science, anatomy and pharmacology might make you cry a little. If you’re not a fan of mystery fluids, surgical nursing and emergency care will test your limits.
But if you love animals, love problem-solving, and can handle a little chaos, vet tech life is so worth it. You’ll save lives, cuddle puppies (in between restraining them for shots), and go home every day knowing you made a difference. Just be prepared—because that "difference" sometimes involves cleaning a lot of unexpected messes.
Good luck an don't mind my insane humor!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
898
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Desiree,
Good question! Becoming a veterinary technician is a noble and rewarding career path, but it does come with its challenges, just like every other profession. Here’s what you might find tough and some tips to help you prepare:
Hardest Parts About Studying to Be a Veterinary Technician:
1. Intense Curriculum: The coursework is rigorous and covers a wide range of topics, including animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, surgical nursing, and diagnostic imaging. Balancing all this material can be challenging.
2. Emotional Strain: Working with animals means dealing with both joyful and heart-wrenching situations. It can be emotionally taxing to see sick or injured animals and sometimes dealing with end-of-life care.
3. Hands-On Skills: Mastering practical skills like administering medications, drawing blood, and assisting in surgeries requires practice and precision. These hands-on tasks can be difficult at first.
Hardest Subject to Understand:
For many veterinary technician students, pharmacology tends to be the toughest subject. Understanding different medications, their effects, dosages, and interactions requires a solid grasp of both biology and chemistry.
Tips to Help You Prepare:
1. Stay Organized: Use planners or digital tools to keep track of assignments, exams, and practical sessions. Staying organized can help you manage your workload effectively.
2. Join Study Groups: Studying with peers can provide different perspectives and help you grasp complex concepts. It also creates a support system where you can share resources and tips.
3. Hands-On Practice: The more you practice your clinical skills, the more confident you'll become. Take every opportunity to practice during labs and clinical rotations.
4. Utilize Resources: Take advantage of textbooks, online resources, and study guides. Don’t hesitate to ask your instructors for help if you’re struggling with a topic.
5. Manage Stress: Balance your studies with self-care. Make time for relaxation, hobbies, and exercise to prevent burnout. Emotional resilience is important in this field.
6. Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor in the field who can offer guidance, support, and practical advice. Their experience can provide valuable insights.
Remember, every veterinary technician started where you are now. With dedication, hard work, and a passion for helping animals, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling career.
You’ve got this!
Best wishes!
Good question! Becoming a veterinary technician is a noble and rewarding career path, but it does come with its challenges, just like every other profession. Here’s what you might find tough and some tips to help you prepare:
Hardest Parts About Studying to Be a Veterinary Technician:
1. Intense Curriculum: The coursework is rigorous and covers a wide range of topics, including animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, surgical nursing, and diagnostic imaging. Balancing all this material can be challenging.
2. Emotional Strain: Working with animals means dealing with both joyful and heart-wrenching situations. It can be emotionally taxing to see sick or injured animals and sometimes dealing with end-of-life care.
3. Hands-On Skills: Mastering practical skills like administering medications, drawing blood, and assisting in surgeries requires practice and precision. These hands-on tasks can be difficult at first.
Hardest Subject to Understand:
For many veterinary technician students, pharmacology tends to be the toughest subject. Understanding different medications, their effects, dosages, and interactions requires a solid grasp of both biology and chemistry.
Tips to Help You Prepare:
1. Stay Organized: Use planners or digital tools to keep track of assignments, exams, and practical sessions. Staying organized can help you manage your workload effectively.
2. Join Study Groups: Studying with peers can provide different perspectives and help you grasp complex concepts. It also creates a support system where you can share resources and tips.
3. Hands-On Practice: The more you practice your clinical skills, the more confident you'll become. Take every opportunity to practice during labs and clinical rotations.
4. Utilize Resources: Take advantage of textbooks, online resources, and study guides. Don’t hesitate to ask your instructors for help if you’re struggling with a topic.
5. Manage Stress: Balance your studies with self-care. Make time for relaxation, hobbies, and exercise to prevent burnout. Emotional resilience is important in this field.
6. Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor in the field who can offer guidance, support, and practical advice. Their experience can provide valuable insights.
Remember, every veterinary technician started where you are now. With dedication, hard work, and a passion for helping animals, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling career.
You’ve got this!
Best wishes!
Alicia Fertig
Registered Veterinary Technician
9
Answers
Keyser, West Virginia
Updated
Alicia’s Answer
This is awesome that you want to become a RVT!!! Being a RVT is so rewarding and fun. We are the backbone of a veterinary practice, our doctors would not be able to function without us.
You need that drive to go to college and want that degree. You will be studying a lot. Exams are hard and it is a lot of information to process then put into action.
College gives you the building blocks, but working in a clinic setting is where everything comes together and the real learning starts.
Passing the VTNE is really hard, it changes every year so you never know what will be on it. Then you have to pass your states board exam to become registered/licensed in that state (if applicable). Then keeping your license by going to continuing education conferences.
Good luck!!!
You need that drive to go to college and want that degree. You will be studying a lot. Exams are hard and it is a lot of information to process then put into action.
College gives you the building blocks, but working in a clinic setting is where everything comes together and the real learning starts.
Passing the VTNE is really hard, it changes every year so you never know what will be on it. Then you have to pass your states board exam to become registered/licensed in that state (if applicable). Then keeping your license by going to continuing education conferences.
Good luck!!!