How to Become a Vet Technologist
As nurses are to doctors, so veterinary technologists are to veterinarians. Technologists provide clinical and surgical assistance to vets. Duties include assisting at operations, taking X-rays, taking blood and urine samples, administering vaccines and performing laboratory tests. They also oversee the work of veterinary technicians who provide clinical and administrative support to the practice. With a growing population leading to increased pet ownership, allied to an increasing willingness for people to spend money on veterinary care, there has never been a better time to work in the veterinary field. Potential veterinary technologists need to complete a degree program before getting a job.
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Instructions
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Get good high school grades. To access the higher education courses needed to begin a career as a veterinary technologist, you must obtain a good high school diploma or GED. Science and maths courses are particularly relevant to the career. As an example, admission to the veterinary technology program at Pierce College in Washington state, is dependent upon candidates achieving a grade point average of 2.0 or above in biology, chemistry, English, intermediate algebra and medical terminology.
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Pursue a veterinary technology degree. You need to study for a bachelor's degree in veterinary technology, which typically takes four years, as opposed to veterinary technician degree, which takes two years to complete resulting in an associate degree. During the program, you receive instruction in laboratory analysis, surgical assistance, radiology and records-keeping. You study in classrooms as well as laboratories, working with live animals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are about 20 veterinary technology programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association at the time of publication.
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Get licensed. Most states require veterinary technologists to be licensed. To qualify, you must have completed a recognized degree program and sit for an examination. Many states use the National Veterinary Technician exam.
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Get certified in certain fields. If you wish to work in animal research facilities you should apply for certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. The highest level of certification is Laboratory Animal Technologist and is awarded to candidates who have passed a recognized education program, have completed relevant work experience and passed a written examination.
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Find work. Most technologists work in veterinary practices, although others find employment in research facilities, in universities, animal husbandry facilities and private businesses, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects to see a rise in employment opportunities for veterinary technologists of approximately 36 percent over the decade from 2008 to 2018. The BLS also expects more vacancies in the field than suitable candidates to fill them, making the chances of finding employment excellent.
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Tips & Warnings
Successful veterinary technologists need good communication skills, the ability to work as part of a team, organizational aptitude and attention to detail.
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