How to Become a Zoo Veterinary Technician

Veterinary technicians are in high demand in all areas of specialization. A veterinary technician is a highly skilled member of a veterinary office who has had education in the care and handling of a variety of animals. Veterinary technicians are responsible for a variety of tasks, including gathering patient data, collecting specimens and preparing animals and instruments for surgery. A zoo veterinary technician has been trained specifically with zoo animals and other wild species. Becoming a zoo veterinary technician takes considerable time and training, but is a very rewarding experience.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Become a Zoo Veterinary Technician

1. Select an approved college program. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers numerous accredited college courses around the country. You must complete at least a two-year course in order to be certified as a veterinary technician.

2. Complete all of your required courses. Most veterinary technician programs require classes such as English and math, which may not seem important to a technician but are necessary to your degree.

3. Find a zoo that is willing to allow you to complete an internship. Veterinary technicians must complete time in a clinical setting in order to be certified as a technician. Call your local zoo curator to discuss your desire for an internship and he should give you information on the internship process.

4. Record all of your internship time and activities. You will need to turn in an official record of your time at the zoo in order to be certified, so have your supervisor at the zoo sign off on your paperwork.

5. Take the veterinary technician examinations required by your state. Most states require that veterinary technician candidates take both the national technician examination and the state board examination.

6. Apply for employment as a zoo veterinary technician once you have been issued your certificate. Zoo technicians are in high demand, and your new certification as a zoo veterinary technician will make you a very valuable candidate.

Tips & Warnings

• Sign up for veterinary technician schooling early. Most technician programs are in high demand and fill up quickly.
• Do not try and treat patients without proper schooling. Veterinary medicine is very complex and requires in-depth training to be properly performed.

Resources

• American Veterinary Medical Association

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.