Vet Tech Recommended High School Classes

Science and math are the key high school classes that serve as the foundation for a veterinary technician career. Most vet tech programs require a certain number of these courses to be admitted, along with better-than-average grades in them. There is keen competition for placement, with only 131 accredited programs in the United States as of 2006.

Identification

One year each of high school algebra, biology and chemistry are essential for your entry into a veterinary technician program. Additional math and science courses will be a great addition to your transcripts as well. Other recommended courses include first aid, speech, bookkeeping and other office procedures, typing and computer courses. A course in agricultural science or agribusiness can be beneficial as well, depending on the type of practice you want to work in.

Considerations

Vet tech programs also consider your entire high school transcripts, ACT or equivalent test scores, and extra-curricular activities. They also require any technical school or college transcripts if you have those. If you become interested in this career later in high school or after graduating, and thus do not have the required math and science credits, you can make them up at the technical college before applying for enrollment in the vet tech program.

Features

Experience on a farm, working with a veterinarian, or other jobs involving animals are helpful in acquiring necessary skills and knowledge. Some schools give preference to applicants who have such experience.

Significance

Science and math courses are required because veterinary technician programs involve rigorous science and laboratory work. You can expect to learn about animal diseases, hematology, urinalysis, parasitology, pathology, comparative anatomy and physiology, medical and surgical techniques, and many other technical subjects. It takes much more than a love of animals to become a certified veterinary technician. In addition, the programs emphasize excellent communication skills because vet techs spend a large amount of time educating pet owners and discussing test results and treatments. For the more routine tasks like vaccinations, and for situations like chronic non-life-threatening illnesses that require ongoing blood work and tests, clients often interact with vet techs more than anyone else at the clinic.

Size

Veterinary technician programs are becoming increasingly competitive as demand for vet techs rises and salaries do as well, making the career more desirable. Many schools have waiting lists. In 2006, there were only 131 of these programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, with about 3,000 total graduates each year. Applicants need all the strong points they can accumulate, beginning with excellent grades in high school math and science.

Resources

• Veterinary Technician School directory and information