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How long will it take to become a vet tech, and how much do they make a year?

How to become a vet tech?

career healthcare medical-school veterinary animals veterinary-medicine animal-health veterinary-technician
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Autumn’s Answer

This is also dependent on what state you live in! Some states do not require certification/licensing/registration to become a vet tech, but rather working your way up. I started as a kennel assistant, then worked my way up to a veterinary assistant. Still, the pay is usually higher when you are a CVT/LVT/RVT. Check your state's requirements!
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Robert’s Answer

I would suggest finding vets you know or want to know and visit them. Ask them over a coffee for their experiences. Hold off on the salary question until you build up a relationship. You should get a lot of history on the backgrounds and needs and not what a school will tell you so you pay your money to go there.
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marie’s Answer

Hi Whitney!

The Median salaries vary from state to state, but here is what I found for your current State (IA).
Iowa's median salary for a Vet Tech is $35,930.00, However the range is from 28,820.00 through 46,210.00.

You can become a veterinary technologist in as little as two years! To get started, you'll need to earn an undergraduate degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA-accredited school.

marie recommends the following next steps:

https://www.careersinhealthcare.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-vet-tech
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm
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Lyssa’s Answer

To become a credentialed veterinary technician, you must graduate from an AVMA accredited college with an Associate's degree. After that, you would take a national test (VTNE) then your state's test. The national test is basically a huge test going over what you learned in school. The state test is usually about your state's laws. Now you can become a veterinary technologist too. However, that is a 4 year degree. Each state has different pay ranges. It also depends on what area of vet medicine you go into. For instance, a specialty hospital would generally pay better than a small town daytime veterinarian.
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Barrylee’s Answer

Prelim classes to become a vet might focus on animal biology and also psychology as you will talk to the stressful pet owner. Mastering effective writing helps you better keep medical records. You would be well advised to study various websites on pet care. Develop expertise in diet and exercise. -Lee
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Zoey’s Answer

Veterinary technology school on average is two to three years. You will need to attend an AVMA accredited program where you will get your associate degree in science and veterinary technology, you'll then need to take the VTNE to become certified. As far as pay it depends on the state and how much they're willing to pay based on experience and certification. On average pay can range anywhere from $28,000-$55,000 and in some states can be even more.
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Raquel’s Answer

Hi there!
I personally did a 2 year program for veterinary technician but there are bachelors programs it would really depend MOST jobs are only looking for an associates because a 2 year program from an accredited institute is all you need to take the the VTNE in your state. Bachelors programs though can help excel your career depending what path you want to take would you like to eventually specialize in a specific field as a veterinary technician then sticking to a 4 year bachelor program might be in your best interest. The best you could do is also start off volunteering, doing kennel tech or even veterinary assistant to get your foot in the door and see if this field is for you before investing time, money and energy into a program because either 2 or 4 year program you choose hands on clinicals and lab is required to graduate and can be overwhelming for those who’v ever dealt with animals.
Good luck!
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