A career in veterinary technology (or vet techs) is in high demand, and because of that, many students and potential vet techs are pursuing this worthwhile vocation. It’s like any other healthcare profession that needs specific knowledge and education to work in the field. Vet techs need the right basic and technical skills that relate to veterinary technology.
To have a career in veterinary technology, persons will need to complete a vet tech program that will educate and train them. It also ensures that patients get the best care and the high quality of services they desire. Many vet tech schools, universities and colleges offer both associate and bachelor degree programs in veterinary technology.
Thanks to the recent advances in both communications and information technology, more people have the opportunity to finish their vet tech courses online with the help of distance learning programs. This allows potential vet tech students the ability to find the best learning environment for them.
Currently, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the United States key accrediting organization for vet tech schools, identifies 158 programs, 18 four-year degree programs and nine vet tech distance learning programs. Before any person registers for classes, it’s imperative they check to see if it’s accredited.
There are two key levels of veterinary technology education training; either a two year degree (associate) or a four year degree (bachelor). Every educational organization has prerequisites students must meet before they’re allowed entry into the veterinary technology program; however, high school students are allowed to enter whatever degree program they want.
During the first year of either veterinary degree programs, students will focus on the general education requirements such as:
- Animal anatomy and physiology
- Chemistry
- Math
Some others also taught are:
- Animal medical and surgical nursing
- Animal agriculture
- Pathophysiology
When students are going after an associate’s degree, they’re required to take a specific number of hours/rotations in which the student must prove they can provide treatment and care for animals in a teaching hospital or veterinary facility.
When students are after a bachelor’s degree, they’ll have courses that are incorporated with the associate degree curriculum. This is generally seen in the second and third years. Senior vet tech students must finish advanced veterinary technology courses like:
- Instrumentation
- Large animal health management
- Pharmacology and toxicology
They not only have to do these courses but most also finish so many hours of clinical rotations and externship programs in hospital settings. During these rotations, students will need to successfully perform real technical skills and procedures that coincide with the treatment of the animal medical conditions. These skills are then evaluated by licensed personnel who will make the determination if students are ready to graduate from their four-year vet tech program.
Before any student chooses to go into a vet tech program, they must seriously think it over. There has to be a genuine interest in protecting animals’ health and welfare.