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Vet tech classes?
What classes in high school and collage would be most helpful with being a vet tech?
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Nirah’s Answer
Just as aspiring dentists need to attend dental school, and future nurses must enroll in nursing school, your journey to becoming a licensed, certified, or registered veterinary technician starts at a vet tech school. Many of these are two-year associate degree programs, but there are also institutions that offer a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology. You can discover a comprehensive list of AVMA accredited vet tech schools on the avma.org website.
To gain admission into these schools, you'll need to fulfill certain prerequisites during your high school years. Biology classes are particularly valuable in preparing you for a career as a veterinary technician. Once you've identified a few schools in locations that appeal to you, visit their websites to understand their unique admission requirements. This journey may seem challenging, but remember, every step you take is bringing you closer to your dream career.
To gain admission into these schools, you'll need to fulfill certain prerequisites during your high school years. Biology classes are particularly valuable in preparing you for a career as a veterinary technician. Once you've identified a few schools in locations that appeal to you, visit their websites to understand their unique admission requirements. This journey may seem challenging, but remember, every step you take is bringing you closer to your dream career.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Amber
Updated
Lesley’s Answer
If you're dreaming of becoming a veterinary technician, certain high school classes can give you a head start. Here's a friendly guide to the classes that can help you on your path:
High School:
1. **Biology:** This class will help you understand the basics of living things, like cell structure and function.
2. **Chemistry:** This subject gives you important knowledge about chemical reactions and properties. It's key for understanding medications and treatments.
3. **Mathematics:** Basic math and statistics are useful for calculating dosages and analyzing data.
4. **Anatomy and Physiology:** This class introduces you to the structure and function of animal bodies.
5. **Animal Science:** If your school offers it, this class gives you a direct look into animal care and management.
6. **Health and Nutrition:** This class helps you understand basic health principles and nutritional needs.
7. **English:** Strong reading and writing skills are important for documenting and communicating in this field.
8. **Computer Science:** Basic computer skills are needed for managing electronic health records and other tech-related tasks.
By taking a variety of these classes during high school, you'll be building a strong foundation for college and your future career as a veterinary technician.
High School:
1. **Biology:** This class will help you understand the basics of living things, like cell structure and function.
2. **Chemistry:** This subject gives you important knowledge about chemical reactions and properties. It's key for understanding medications and treatments.
3. **Mathematics:** Basic math and statistics are useful for calculating dosages and analyzing data.
4. **Anatomy and Physiology:** This class introduces you to the structure and function of animal bodies.
5. **Animal Science:** If your school offers it, this class gives you a direct look into animal care and management.
6. **Health and Nutrition:** This class helps you understand basic health principles and nutritional needs.
7. **English:** Strong reading and writing skills are important for documenting and communicating in this field.
8. **Computer Science:** Basic computer skills are needed for managing electronic health records and other tech-related tasks.
By taking a variety of these classes during high school, you'll be building a strong foundation for college and your future career as a veterinary technician.
Updated
Grady’s Answer
I'd say get lots of math. This is from someone who struggled with it & has to use it every day. Additionally, it helps if you want to further your schooling, and there are now lots of vet tech specialties you can get on top of your vet tech licensure, such as anesthesia, critical care, general practice, etc.
To answer your original question though, Dr. Shomer is pretty comprehensive, but I would have found it helpful to contact the program heads of a program & discuss with them as early as possible. I didn't even know that vet techs existed until I was 20, so it wasn't an option for me. The program directors can give insight to things that are not necessarily prerequisites, but are useful.
I graduated from Columbia State Community College, in Columbia, TN & I've met several people who have since I graduated. I definitely recommend that program. I got a fantastic education & exposure to working in small animal, mixed animal general practices & an equine specialty practice. I absolutely loved it! Good luck!
To answer your original question though, Dr. Shomer is pretty comprehensive, but I would have found it helpful to contact the program heads of a program & discuss with them as early as possible. I didn't even know that vet techs existed until I was 20, so it wasn't an option for me. The program directors can give insight to things that are not necessarily prerequisites, but are useful.
I graduated from Columbia State Community College, in Columbia, TN & I've met several people who have since I graduated. I definitely recommend that program. I got a fantastic education & exposure to working in small animal, mixed animal general practices & an equine specialty practice. I absolutely loved it! Good luck!
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Hi Amber,
As stated in the 2 previous answers, I would begin researching veterinary tech programs you are interested in attending in college. This will allow you to see what exact courses you will need to take and some courses and extracurriculars you can begin working on in high school. Generally speaking though, courses would include science (biology, chemistry), math (algebra, pre-calculus), and animal science (anatomy, behavior etc).
Good luck!
As stated in the 2 previous answers, I would begin researching veterinary tech programs you are interested in attending in college. This will allow you to see what exact courses you will need to take and some courses and extracurriculars you can begin working on in high school. Generally speaking though, courses would include science (biology, chemistry), math (algebra, pre-calculus), and animal science (anatomy, behavior etc).
Good luck!