How to Become a Veterinary Technician

A veterinary technician is the equivalent to a nurse for pets. Aside from providing medication and administering shots, a veterinary technician may also work x-ray machines, suture after surgeries and help with animals staying overnight in a clinic. A veterinary technician differs from a veterinary assistant because of the level of knowledge and medical care he can provide. For example, technicians can often treat small wounds, even if a veterinarian is not present.

Instructions

1. Be prepared to attend a minimum of 2 years (and as much as 4) of college before you are allowed to pass the final exam and become a certified technician. There are both associate and bachelor degrees in the field, depending on how far you want to grow in this profession.

2. Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), a 4-hour test covering surgical preparation, animal nursing, pharmacology, laboratory procedures and other topics. The exam is needed to work at any animal hospital or small clinic.

3. Take a job in a major hospital to improve your knowledge and fulfill your internship requirements. Try to land a position that allows you to cover all areas of study in your degree, including surgery, dental procedures and physical examinations.

4. Become a member of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) to improve your chances of landing a great job and to network with other professionals in the field (see Resources below). The NAVTA also offers opportunities for career development and continuing education credits.

5. Consider a specialization if you want to improve your chances to land a better job. Current fields include: critical care, anesthesia, internal medicine, behavior, dentistry and equine medicine. Each field has a special academy and its own regulations, which should be carefully considered before choosing any specialization (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Look beyond clinics and hospitals for job opportunities. Many veterinary technicians work in zoos, conservation centers, research and internal medicine.

• Create a resume that emphasizes technical experience, including assisting with anesthesiology, conducting internal medicine procedures and monitoring heart and breathing conditions during surgical procedures. Technical skills are especially valued if you are looking for a job at a major animal hospital.

Resources

• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) for networking opportunities
• NAVTA list of recognized specializations