Veterinary Technician and Technologist Education
Veterinary Schools Offer Entry Level and Continuing Education
Veterinary technicians and technologists typically conduct clinical work in a private practice under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. These assistants often perform various medical tests, along with treating medical conditions and diseases in animals. For example, they perform laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood counts, assist with dental prophylaxis, prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and assist veterinarians as necessary.
While most duties performed by veterinary technicians and technologists are performed in clinical laboratory settings, many are not. For example, some veterinary technicians obtain and record animal patients’ case histories, expose and develop x-rays and radiographs, and provide specialized animal nursing care.
Veterinary technicians and technologists working for small-animal practitioners usually care for companion animals, such as cats and dogs. However, they can perform a variety of duties with mice, rats, sheep, pigs, cattle, horses, monkeys, birds, fish, and frogs. Very few veterinary technicians work in mixed animal practices, which care for both small companion animals and larger non-domestic animals.
Technicians and technologist usually begin work as trainees in routine positions under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Entry-level workers with an educational background which encompasses extensive hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory equipment, including diagnostic and medical equipment, typically require a short on-the-job training period.
Entry Level Education
Most entry-level veterinary technicians require a two-year associate degree from over 100 community or junior college programs which are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). In these programs, courses are taught in clinical and laboratory settings using live animals. Over a dozen colleges around the country offer veterinary technology programs which are longer and culminate in a bachelor degree in veterinary technology. Several veterinary schools offer courses via online distance learning.
Licensure and Certification Requirements
Graduation from an AVMA accredited veterinary school program allows students to take the credentialing exam in any State in the country. Each State regulates veterinary technicians and technologists differently; however, all States require passing a credentialing exam following college completion.
Passing a state exam assures the public that the veterinary technician or technologist has sufficient knowledge to work in an animal clinic or hospital. Candidates are tested for competency through an examination that includes oral, written, and practical portions. The exam is regulated by the State Board of Veterinary Examiners or an appropriate State agency. Depending on the state, candidates may become registered, licensed, or certified. Most states use the National Veterinary Technician exam.
Employers recommend American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification for anyone seeking employment in a research facility. AALAS offers certification which focuses on three principal areas. These focal areas are animal husbandry, facility management, and animal health and welfare.
Anyone who wishes to become certified must satisfy a combination of education and experience requirements prior to taking the AALAS examination. Work experience must be directly related to the maintenance, health, and well-being of laboratory animals and must be gained in a laboratory animal facility as defined by AALAS.
Veterinarian Continuing Education Opportunities
The AVMA offers continuing education opportunities through attendance at their national convention held annually, Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, and one to five day continuing education courses held at various locations around the country. Completing continuing education units provides technologist and technicians the opportunity to advance within the animal health care industry.
Paying for Veterinary School
Students in certified veterinary schools are eligible to receive financial aid from federal sources and other sources of free money to pay for this education. Additional alternative funding is available through unsecured Sallie Mae loans.
Making Connections as a Veterinarian Assistant
A veterinary assistant (veterinary technician and technologist) is an essential person in the treatment of animals, because the assistant is the right arm of a veterinarian. After completing entry level education requirements, graduates often have little difficulty finding employment considering it is the fastest growing career field in the animal care industry.
Between now and 2016 the employment outlook is an increase of over 29,000, for a 41 percent increase in employees (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009). This places this career field as one of the top ten growing occupations in the country today.
Veterinary Technician Education
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