If you are an animal lover and considering becoming a veterinary technician, you should know about your options when it comes to veterinary technician schools. There are a wide variety of different programs and colleges to choose from, and there is also a wide variation in how these programs go about teaching veterinary technicians.
Veterinary Technicians: What It Involves
To start, you should have a clear idea of what being a veterinary technician involves. Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians with a wide variety of different tasks. They are generally more skilled and better paid than veterinary assistants.
Most veterinary technician schools will provide you with clinical training using a wide variety of tools and medicines used in veterinary practice. This includes knowledge and experience using machines used for breathing and anesthetic purposes, radiographic machines, and even ultrasound technology.
As a veterinary technician you will not only need to know how to use these machines but also make sure they are functioning properly.
In addition, you will learn basic medicinal procedures such as how to care to wounds and setting up intravenous lines. You will also be trained in laboratory procedures such as urinalysis and in how to administer certain medications.
Veterinary Technician Training and Education
To become a veterinary technician, you will need to receive proper certification. In general, this means first taking the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Board. However, in order to take this exam, you will first have to have the appropriate training at one of the many accredited veterinary technician schools that are recognized by the AAVSB. There are currently more than 130 accredited schools that offer programs that will allow you to qualify for this exam.
Once you have successfully passed the VTNE, you will then need to apply for a veterinary technician certificate in the state in which you live. Different states have different requirements for certification, but nearly all require that you send them transcripts from an accredited veterinary technician program and the results of the VTNE in order to be properly certified.
Veterinary Technician Schools
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a veterinary technician, here are nine excellent universities and colleges that offer training to be a veterinary technician:
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine
- University of California (various campuses)
- University of Pennsylvania
- North Carolina State University
- Ohio State University
- Texas A&M University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
- Michigan State University
In addition, there are some online colleges that also offer training to be a veterinarian technician. You may want to check out your options both online and at regular veterinary technician schools before making a decision as to which will be right for you.