How To Become a Vet Assistant
If you're interested in becoming a veterinarian, but the schooling seems too extensive or difficult, a career as a vet tech may be a match for you. Though the training for a veterinary technician is by no means easy, it is much shorter than that required of a veterinarian, so you can be on the job within as little as 2 years.
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Instructions
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Determine what type of animal you want to work with as a vet tech. If you know before you begin your program, you can choose a vet tech program that offers coursework geared to your interests. As a professional vet technician, you can work in such places as a clinic that treats domestic animals, a zoo or aquarium, an exotic animal refuge or a wildlife rehabilitation program.
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Decide how much time you want to invest in your degree. You can obtain an associate's degree with 2 years of full-time schooling, or you can obtain a bachelor's degree with 4 years of full-time schooling. A 4-year degree will make you more marketable if there is high competition for vet tech jobs in your area.
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Research schools that offer a vet technician degree certified by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Consider how much hands-on experience you'll receive and how many of their graduates find work in the field. Another consideration is how animals used in the program are treated, as some vet tech training programs still use animals as disposable experimental subjects, a situation that can be traumatic if you're an animal lover.
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Obtain a job in a veterinary office as you pursue your degree. Working in a vet office, even if it's just as a receptionist or animal caregiver, will give you insight into what vet technicians do and will also allow you to become familiar with what it's like to work with injured and ill animals.
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Look into your state's certification and license requirements for becoming a vet technician, as most states have additional requirements after you obtain your degree. If you're going to work in the same state where you attended college, your program should provide you with all of the information. If not, you can check the American Association of Veterinary State Boards for each state's requirements.
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Tips & Warnings
Volunteer for hands-on positions with a variety of animal-focused organizations to gain more insight into what type of animals you'd eventually like to work with. Check with local animal shelters, sanctuaries and zoos for volunteer opportunities. In addition to giving you experience, volunteering can make you more marketable to potential employers.
Many online schools say that they offer vet technician training, but they are not certified. Be sure to get proof of certification, especially if you are not going to a traditional brick and mortar school.
