What Do You Need to Become a Veterinary Nurse?
The term veterinary nurse refers to what are commonly known in the U.S. as veterinary technologists or technicians. These individuals assist licensed veterinarians in much the same way as a nurse assists a physician or surgeon. They perform a wide range of tasks such as administering medical tests on animals, giving shots, collecting urine samples, preparing tissue samples, developing X-rays and setting up the operating room for surgery.
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Formal Education
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Veterinary nurses have different educational requirements depending on whether they are veterinary technicians or technologists. Veterinary technicians typically complete a two-year associate degree program, whereas technologists complete a four-year bachelor's degree. Both programs provide both clinical and laboratory instruction working with live animals. Students study a range of topics related to veterinary science, including diagnosis, pharmacology, biology and operating room procedures. There were approximately 160 veterinary technology programs in 45 States accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as of 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Competency Exam
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All veterinary nurses, both technicians and technologists, must take a competency exam in the state in which they plan to work. This certifies that they have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to begin work in this career. Most states use the the National Veterinary Technician (NVT) exam to test competency. Regulated by the State Board of Veterinary Examiners, this exam consists of oral, written and practical sections. A veterinary nurse who plans to move to a different state can usually transfer his passing exam scores as long as the both states use the same test, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Certification
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For veterinary nurses, technologists and technicians who want to work in a research facility, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). This organization offers certification for three different areas of veterinary science: animal health and welfare, animal husbandry and facility management. To become certified you must meet the education and experience requirements decided upon by the AALAS. Check out the AALAS website for more information.
Skills and Personal Qualities
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Veterinary nurses need a certain set of skills and personal qualities to excel in their career. Candidates should not only be comfortable working with animals, they should enjoy it. Veterinary nurses need to know how to properly handle animals and make them feel at ease, even animals who may have violent or erratic temperaments. They should have experience handling a wide range of animals as well, from tiny puppies and kittens to horses and birds. Communications skills are also important, as veterinary nurses have to interact with pet owners and other veterinarians. Strong teamwork skills, attention to detail and organization skills are also highly valued in this career.
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References
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- Photo Credit veterinarian with dog image by Jaimie Duplass from Fotolia.com
