3 answers
Sunnie
Student
Lampasas, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What do i do to become a vet tech.?
i love animals and want to become a vet how do I become a vet tech? #iloveanimals
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3 answers
Dallas Shannon
Veterinary Assistant
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Dallas’s Answer
Hey there! So what you'd probably need to do first is just get in the door at a clinic - work as a kennel tech or a receptionist first, and let them know you want to cross-train as a veterinary assistant. A veterinary technician (in most states, likely soon to be all states) is a credentialed position that requires an associate's degree and passage of the state board exam. There are differences between an assistant and a technician - legally, there are tasks assistants cannot perform but technicians can. However, the gist of the job is extremely similar.
Luna Robinson
Recruiting
2
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Luna’s Answer
Hey Sunnie!
In most states, graduating from an CVTEA-accredited program is required in order to be eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Passing the VTNE is required to become a credentialed vet tech.
Accreditation is a process of evaluation that many educational institutions or programs must complete to ensure they meet certain standards of quality and competence. It is performed by an external body that is recognized for its authority in the field.
The AVMA is the primary accrediting body for vet tech programs. The committee within the AVMA that evaluates vet tech programs is the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). The CVTEA evaluates programs based on the following set of 11 standards of accreditation:
Institutional Accreditation
Finances
Organization and Communications
Physical Facilities and Equipment
Resources for Clinical Instruction
Library and Informational Resources
Admissions
Students
Faculty and Staff
Curriculum
Outcomes Assessment
While there are a few states that will allow someone to take the VTNE without having graduated from an AVMA-accredited program, most of the states require graduation from an AVMA-accredited program to sit for the VTNE. Most people working in the field as credentialed vet techs in the United States have graduated from an AVMA-accredited program.
You can find a list of AVMA-accredited programs, by state on the AVMA website. This list is an excellent starting point when researching potential schools. It includes programs across the country, as well as online programs.
Next you would choose a few schools that look best to you in your state and apply.
Graduate from a CVTEA-accredited program
Pass the VTNE
Apply for Vet tech jobs near you!
In most states, graduating from an CVTEA-accredited program is required in order to be eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Passing the VTNE is required to become a credentialed vet tech.
Accreditation is a process of evaluation that many educational institutions or programs must complete to ensure they meet certain standards of quality and competence. It is performed by an external body that is recognized for its authority in the field.
The AVMA is the primary accrediting body for vet tech programs. The committee within the AVMA that evaluates vet tech programs is the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). The CVTEA evaluates programs based on the following set of 11 standards of accreditation:
Institutional Accreditation
Finances
Organization and Communications
Physical Facilities and Equipment
Resources for Clinical Instruction
Library and Informational Resources
Admissions
Students
Faculty and Staff
Curriculum
Outcomes Assessment
While there are a few states that will allow someone to take the VTNE without having graduated from an AVMA-accredited program, most of the states require graduation from an AVMA-accredited program to sit for the VTNE. Most people working in the field as credentialed vet techs in the United States have graduated from an AVMA-accredited program.
Luna recommends the following next steps:
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
162
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Sunnie,
You will typically need an associate's degree from a vet tech program- this is around a two-year program at a community college or trade school. Sometimes you can get a bachelor's degree that takes 4 years.
You might find these two links helpful:
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2056.00
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm
https://www.avma.org/
I would also talk with your high school guidance counselor to see if your school offers a CTE program for vet medicine.
Look into job shadowing a vet tech, volunteering with animals, or even when you are 16 getting a part-time job working with animals. You could also offer to pet sit for people before you are 16 to gain experience.
I hope this helps!
You will typically need an associate's degree from a vet tech program- this is around a two-year program at a community college or trade school. Sometimes you can get a bachelor's degree that takes 4 years.
You might find these two links helpful:
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2056.00
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm
https://www.avma.org/
I would also talk with your high school guidance counselor to see if your school offers a CTE program for vet medicine.
Look into job shadowing a vet tech, volunteering with animals, or even when you are 16 getting a part-time job working with animals. You could also offer to pet sit for people before you are 16 to gain experience.
I hope this helps!