Florida Veterinary Technician Requirements
Veterinary technicians are employees who perform many of the same duties for a veterinarian that a nurse would for a doctor. Most veterinary technicians have a two-year associate's degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited program. Each state regulates veterinary technicians differently. In Florida, technicians must pass two credentialing exams following coursework to be certified as veterinary technicians.
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Certification Process
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In order to get certified as a licensed veterinary technician in Florida, a person must be 18 years or older, have graduated from an accredited veterinary technician program or university, and passed both the Florida Practical Examination and the Veterinary Technicians National Examination. A person must receive a score of 70 percent or better on the examinations in order to get licensed. After passing the exams, the candidate must apply for a license from the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.
Supervision
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According to Florida Statute 474.202(5), a veterinary technician cannot represent himself as a "veterinarian" even though he is a licensed veterinary technician. A technician must display his diploma and certification in his place of business to show clients his qualifications. Also, technicians must be supervised at all times by a veterinarian. This supervision means that a licensed veterinarian must be on the premises of the business whenever veterinary services are being provided and must approve all prescriptions for medication.
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Euthanasia Certification
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After initial certification, veterinary technicians who want to perform euthanasia have to receive further education. According to Florida Administrative Code Chapter 61G-16.005, a veterinary technician cannot perform euthanasia on an animal unless she has successfully completed a 16-hour euthanasia technician certification course. This certification course must include classes about pharmacology, federal and state euthanasia regulations and stress management.
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References
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