How to Be a Vet Tech in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania verterinary technicians must be licensed.

If you love working with animals, but don't want to devote the time or expense required to become a doctor of veterinary medicine, then becoming a veterinary technician may be an option. Veterinary technicians typically work in small animal veterinary practices and assist the veterinarian in much the same way that nurses assist doctors. In Pennsylvania, you must attend an approved training course as well as pass a state examination to obtain licensure as a veterinary technician.

Things You'll Need

• License application

Instructions

1. Graduate from high school or obtain your high school equivalency diploma.

2. Complete an American Veterinary Medicine Association approved veterinary technician program. The amount of time required to complete a program will vary depending on whether you attend full or part-time; however you must complete six semesters’ worth of credits. The cost of attendance varies by school but financial aid is available for those who qualify.

3. Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. The American Association of Veterinary State Boards administers the test. The test is comprised of 200 multiple choice questions as well as an additional 25 pilot test questions; however, you are not graded on the pilot questions. Apply to take the exam from the AAVSB and pay the required fee. The school you attended will certify that you are qualified to take the test. Once you apply to take the test, you must schedule the exam at the location nearest you through the Prometric website (see Resources).

4. Apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Veterinary Medicine. Applications are available on the Board's website. The application asks basic questions about your education and completion of the VTNE. In addition, you must respond to questions regarding any past issues with drugs or alcohol and any past criminal history as well as whether you have previously held a veterinary license or ever had a professional license suspended or revoked.

5. Pay the required license fee. As of publication, the fee is $35.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to gain practical experience working in a veterinarian office as a volunteer or office staff while attending school. If you do not pass the VTNE on the first try, retake the examination up to four times. A fifth try requires approval from the AAVSB Board of Directors.

References

• Manor College: Program of Verterinary Technology
• Pennsylvania Code: Section 31.32
• Pennsylvania Code: Section 31.35
• Pennsylvania Code: Section 31.41
• Vet Tech Institute: Become A Veterinary Technician

Resources

• Pennsylvania Department of State: State Board of Veterinary Medicine Licensure Informaton
• AAVSB: Verterinary Technician National Exam
• Prometric: Schedule an Exam
• AVMA: Pennsylvania Accredited Schools