3 answers
Trinity
Student
Chula Vista, California
3
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What majors should I look into that relate to being a veterinary technician?
Hi, I am a senior in high school interested in becoming a veterinary technician. However, I am unsure what my major should be. What majors should I look into that relate to this occupation?
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3 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Becoming a veterinary technician is a fantastic career choice for those who have a passion for animal care. While there isn't a specific major called "Veterinary Technician," there are several relevant majors and educational paths you can consider to prepare for this profession:
1. **Veterinary Technology or Veterinary Nursing**: Some colleges offer programs specifically designed to train veterinary technicians or veterinary nurses. These programs provide comprehensive training in animal care, diagnostics, and laboratory procedures.
2. **Animal Science**: A degree in animal science covers a wide range of topics related to animal biology, nutrition, behavior, and management. This knowledge can be valuable for a veterinary technician's role.
3. **Biology**: A degree in biology provides a strong foundation in the biological sciences, which is essential for understanding animal anatomy, physiology, and diseases.
4. **Pre-Veterinary Medicine**: If you plan to eventually pursue a career as a veterinarian, a pre-veterinary medicine program can be an excellent choice. It covers the prerequisites needed for veterinary school and can also be a solid foundation for a veterinary technician role.
5. **Biomedical Science**: This major focuses on the biomedical aspects of healthcare and often includes coursework related to medical laboratory procedures, which can be beneficial for a veterinary technician.
6. **Animal Health Science**: Some universities offer programs in animal health science, which are specifically tailored to prepare students for careers in animal healthcare, including veterinary technology.
7. **General Studies with Veterinary Technology Concentration**: If you're attending a college that doesn't offer a specialized veterinary technology program, you can pursue a general studies degree with a concentration or emphasis in veterinary technology or animal science.
8. **Internships and Certifications**: Regardless of your major, consider participating in internships or gaining experience at veterinary clinics or animal shelters. Additionally, look into obtaining certifications, such as becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), which can enhance your qualifications.
When choosing a major, it's important to research the specific prerequisites and requirements of the veterinary technology program or school you plan to attend, as they may have preferred majors or prerequisites. Additionally, maintaining a strong GPA and gaining practical experience with animals through internships or volunteer work will be valuable in preparing for a career as a veterinary technician.
Lastly, don't hesitate to reach out to advisors at the colleges or universities you're interested in for guidance on the most suitable majors and programs for your career goals. Good luck on your journey towards becoming a veterinary technician!
1. **Veterinary Technology or Veterinary Nursing**: Some colleges offer programs specifically designed to train veterinary technicians or veterinary nurses. These programs provide comprehensive training in animal care, diagnostics, and laboratory procedures.
2. **Animal Science**: A degree in animal science covers a wide range of topics related to animal biology, nutrition, behavior, and management. This knowledge can be valuable for a veterinary technician's role.
3. **Biology**: A degree in biology provides a strong foundation in the biological sciences, which is essential for understanding animal anatomy, physiology, and diseases.
4. **Pre-Veterinary Medicine**: If you plan to eventually pursue a career as a veterinarian, a pre-veterinary medicine program can be an excellent choice. It covers the prerequisites needed for veterinary school and can also be a solid foundation for a veterinary technician role.
5. **Biomedical Science**: This major focuses on the biomedical aspects of healthcare and often includes coursework related to medical laboratory procedures, which can be beneficial for a veterinary technician.
6. **Animal Health Science**: Some universities offer programs in animal health science, which are specifically tailored to prepare students for careers in animal healthcare, including veterinary technology.
7. **General Studies with Veterinary Technology Concentration**: If you're attending a college that doesn't offer a specialized veterinary technology program, you can pursue a general studies degree with a concentration or emphasis in veterinary technology or animal science.
8. **Internships and Certifications**: Regardless of your major, consider participating in internships or gaining experience at veterinary clinics or animal shelters. Additionally, look into obtaining certifications, such as becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), which can enhance your qualifications.
When choosing a major, it's important to research the specific prerequisites and requirements of the veterinary technology program or school you plan to attend, as they may have preferred majors or prerequisites. Additionally, maintaining a strong GPA and gaining practical experience with animals through internships or volunteer work will be valuable in preparing for a career as a veterinary technician.
Lastly, don't hesitate to reach out to advisors at the colleges or universities you're interested in for guidance on the most suitable majors and programs for your career goals. Good luck on your journey towards becoming a veterinary technician!
Thank you, Jacob, for taking the time to help me out!
Trinity
Donna Kenyon
tax preparation
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Hello Trinity,
Choosing to become a Veterinary Technician is an excellent career path! This profession is deeply rooted in various academic fields such as biology, veterinary anatomy, and animal behavior. To prepare for this role, you can pursue a four-year degree from reputable institutions like Animal Behavior College, Penn Foster, or Arizona State University.
Your guidance counselor can provide you with more detailed information and assist you in making the right academic choices. Additionally, it would be beneficial to shadow a veterinarian for a day. This firsthand experience will give you a clear understanding of what a Vet Tech's daily responsibilities entail.
Wishing you the best of luck in your future career!
Choosing to become a Veterinary Technician is an excellent career path! This profession is deeply rooted in various academic fields such as biology, veterinary anatomy, and animal behavior. To prepare for this role, you can pursue a four-year degree from reputable institutions like Animal Behavior College, Penn Foster, or Arizona State University.
Your guidance counselor can provide you with more detailed information and assist you in making the right academic choices. Additionally, it would be beneficial to shadow a veterinarian for a day. This firsthand experience will give you a clear understanding of what a Vet Tech's daily responsibilities entail.
Wishing you the best of luck in your future career!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Trinity
Archived User
5
Answers
Updated
Archived’s Answer
To become a veterinary technician in, you may just need a high school diploma. It depends on the state you work in requires vet techs to be licensed or not. Since California does, you will need to go to trade school and get an associate’s degree in veterinary technology. Recently, some colleges offer a bachelor’s in veterinary technology, but you may not see much difference in pay or responsibilities. You can also work as a veterinary assistant without a license.
See if your state requires licensing for vet techs
Research schools that offer a degree in veterinary technology
Archived recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for the advice.
Trinity