How do I Become a Vet Tech in Denton, TX?

Veterinary technicians work closely with animals.

The field of veterinary medicine is fast-growing, with the need for veterinary technicians expected to grow as much as 36% by 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Veterinary technicians (also called vet techs) assist veterinarians to treat and diagnose animals. Their duties include running laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood counts, assisting with pet dental care and preparing tissue and blood samples. Vet techs in Denton, Texas, need proper education to practice in a local veterinarian's office.

Instructions

1. Apply to a college or university in Texas that has a veterinary technician program, approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA website lists seven accredited schools in the state of Texas that meet its standards. The nearest school to Denton is Cedar Valley College, which offers both online and in-person training. Applicants must go through an assessment process to determine readiness and complete four prerequisite courses. The total cost of the program is $2,400 for tuition, as of September 2010.

2. Start your vet tech program. The Veterinary Technology program will take two years to complete and consists of a 72-credit hour curriculum, according to Cedar Valley College. The course curriculum includes classes in veterinary medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, parasitology, clinical pharmacology, clinical pathology, clinical management, anesthesia and office management. Courses involve hands-on learning with live animals and laboratory equipment. If you take training courses through distance learning, you must work with a local veterinarian to complete the hands-on portion of your program. Upon completion of the program you will receive an associate degree in applied science.

3. Apply to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Have your school send your transcript directly to the AAVSB. Complete and submit the VTNE application online. The fee, submitted along with the application to take the test, is $300, as of September 2010.

4. Register to take the VTNE once approved to do so through the AAVSB. You will receive an authorization letter granting permission to register. The letter explains how to make an appointment with the Prometric Testing Center nearest to Denton, which will determine the date and time of your test.

5. Take the VTNE. Bring a current picture ID and your authorization letter. You must pass with a score of 70 or better, according to the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), to become a registered vet tech.

6. Take and pass the Texas State Regulatory Exam. Information about the upcoming veterinary technician regulatory exam is available through the TVMA website. Test applications are available on the website for download in April of each year and are due by the end of May. Submit your transcript to the TVMA, along with your application.

7. Register with the TVMA. Initial registration is automatic after passing the Texas State Regulatory Exam. The first year of registration is free. Subsequent years have a $40 renewal fee, as of September 2010.

8. Submit your resume to local veterinarians and animal shelters in Denton, Texas to obtain employment as a vet tech. The TVMA offers a classified section on its website through its "services" link. The AVMA also has a classified section to search for vet tech jobs on its website. In addition, the Denton Record-Chronicle has a classified section on its website which provides a job search of local jobs. Job descriptions will include directions of how and where to submit your resume.

Tips & Warnings

• Texas does not require veterinary technicians to have a license to practice in the state, but encourages registration with the TVMA.

• In order to become a veterinary technician, you must be comfortable handling animals.

References

• United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
• Texas Veterinary Medical Association: Registered Veterinary Technician
• American Veterinary Medical Association: Career and School Information
• Texas Veterinary Medical Association: Texas Registered Veterinary Technician Program
• American Association of Veterinary State Boards: Veterinary Technician National Exam Handbook

Resources

• American Association of Veterinary State Boards: Service Application
• Prometric: Test Center Selection
• American Association of Veterinary State Boards: Application Process
• Cedar Valley College: Veterinary Technology Program
• Denton Record-Chronicle: Search for Jobs