Isabelle
What sre the steps to take to become a veterinary technician?
I am interested in becoming a veterinary technician and I need to find out the steps I need to take to start my career. #veterinary-technician #veterinary
2 answers
Courtney Riel
Courtney’s Answer
I actually did a Vet Tech program while I was in high school, which required that I intern at a Vet Clinic for 500 hours. After I did all my hours I was able to take the exam to get licensed (no college required) If it's not something your high school offers, a lot of community/jr. colleges offer Vet Tech certificate programs. You can actually get a Vet Tech Certificate in about 12 months going Fall , Spring, and Summer. Here's info from my community college on their certificate program. http://www.lonestar.edu/vet-tech-certificate.htm
If you want an Associates degree, you can get a Vet Tech AAS degree in 2 years. As an example, here's info on the Vet Tech AAS program at my local community college http://www.lonestar.edu/vet-tech-aas.htm
The Vet Clinic that I interned at was actually licensed to do the certificate program at their clinic so people could intern there and become a Certified Vet Tech, without having to pay for college. They still had to take the state exam, but they were able to save money by not having to pay college tuition.
Either way, you can start getting experience now by volunteering at local animal shelters, zoos, animal hospitals, or a vet clinic.
Kierstin Dawes
Kierstin’s Answer
This website has a lot of great information about becoming a Vet Tech. Research the Institutions that offer veterinary technology programs and contact their admissions department. Each program will have different stipulations, however, it is a good idea to apply to a local veterinarian's office to get hands-on experience. A lot of Vet offices allow uncertificated people work there to gain experience. You may be working reception or just cleaning cages for a while, but you'll definitely learn a lot.