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Deborah
Student
Brooklyn Park, MD
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What it takes to become an veterinary nurse?
(Please list everything you can) (ex: majors, tests, years, etc)
How is the pay salary and hourly wages?
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3 answers
A. Michelle Hawkins
Make contributions and identify volunteer opportunities for employees
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New York, New York
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A. Michelle’s Answer
Specific requirements vary by state, but you should complete a two or four year degree program accredited by the CVTEA (Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities) of the American Veterinary Medical Association. You will complete a two year degree to become a veterinary technician; four year, degree, a veterinarian technologist. You will take courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology and medical terminology. Next, you will need to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to earn your credential. Important note: check the VTNE passing rate for any college/program you are considering to see how well it prepares students to enter the field. You will then apply for state credentialing, submitting your VTNE scores and any other items required by your state. Finally, you will need to maintain your credentials and take continuing education courses. Salary will vary by location, work setting and experience.
Nirah Shomer, DVM PhD DACLAM
Senior leader in laboratory animal science, animal welfare, and regulatory compliance
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Nirah’s Answer
In the United States, the term veterinary technician (not nurse) usually describes the role of a non-veterinarian providing medical support. A veterinary technician is someone who has completed at least a two year specialty degree at an AVMA-accredited college program, and has passed a National licensing exam called the VTNE. Depending on what state you live in, there may also be a state exam to be Licensed or Certified (LVT or CVT).
A veterinary assistant is a non-credentialed person who may work in a veterinary practice and provide labor including grooming, bathing, restraint, cleaning kennels, cleaning exam rooms, and greeting clients. In almost every state, there are specific laws and regulations that limit what a veterinary assistant can do compared to a veterinary technician, and what a veterinary technician can do compared to a veterinarian.
What I’ve described above covers the case in most private practice companion animal veterinary settings. Veterinary technicians who work in specialty practices or hospitals may have additional roles, additional credentials and certifications, and generally command higher salaries. There are also rules for veterinary technicians outside of private practice. For example, laboratory animal medicine (care for for research animals) employs veterinary technicians with various special certifications and credentials.
Salary is going to depend on the location where you work, and your level of expertise and credentials. I highly recommend using the United States bureau of labor statistics website, bls.gov, to look up salaries for any professions in which you are interested. You will find a great deal of detail, including comparisons of salary ranges in every state. You can also look at job listings in your area on the website like indeed.com. Pay attention to whether the job listings are for a veterinary assistant or for a credentialed licensed technician. They don’t all list a salary range, but many do. These days, many veterinary practices are part of large corporate entities such as Banfield. Veterinary technician jobs with these large companies generally offer full benefits, including health insurance, tuition assistance for continuing education requirements, and 401(k) retirement plans.
A veterinary assistant is a non-credentialed person who may work in a veterinary practice and provide labor including grooming, bathing, restraint, cleaning kennels, cleaning exam rooms, and greeting clients. In almost every state, there are specific laws and regulations that limit what a veterinary assistant can do compared to a veterinary technician, and what a veterinary technician can do compared to a veterinarian.
What I’ve described above covers the case in most private practice companion animal veterinary settings. Veterinary technicians who work in specialty practices or hospitals may have additional roles, additional credentials and certifications, and generally command higher salaries. There are also rules for veterinary technicians outside of private practice. For example, laboratory animal medicine (care for for research animals) employs veterinary technicians with various special certifications and credentials.
Salary is going to depend on the location where you work, and your level of expertise and credentials. I highly recommend using the United States bureau of labor statistics website, bls.gov, to look up salaries for any professions in which you are interested. You will find a great deal of detail, including comparisons of salary ranges in every state. You can also look at job listings in your area on the website like indeed.com. Pay attention to whether the job listings are for a veterinary assistant or for a credentialed licensed technician. They don’t all list a salary range, but many do. These days, many veterinary practices are part of large corporate entities such as Banfield. Veterinary technician jobs with these large companies generally offer full benefits, including health insurance, tuition assistance for continuing education requirements, and 401(k) retirement plans.
Thank you, this is really helpful. Very much appreciated
Deborah
Loran Radtka
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Loran’s Answer
It’s going to depend on state. But there is Veterinary Technician and a Veterinary Assistant. If you want to become registered or certified by the state you live in as a technician you may require either a two or four year degree and will have to pass a state test to become registered. Veterinary assistants to my knowledge in most states don’t require schooling (I choose to go to school because it was an option). Depending on where you work will depend on the duties you might do. I work in an animal hospital as a vet assistant and my job requires me to know how to draw blood, run lab work, know how to do X-rays, restraint, vaccines protocols and being able to give them, doing injections, assists in some surgeries, handling clients, handling charges, handling medications ect. The technician does all of the same stuff but they also do dental cleanings and monitor anesthesia for other surgeries but it all depends on state and clinic. Pay is also based on where you are located and in most cases your experience. Good luck in your search for your career!