So you’re looking for a life devoted to helping and healing animals. That’s a great goal! Unless you’re prepared or willing for all of the schooling involved with being a vet, you might want to consider working towards a career as a vet technician!
But how do you do that, and what is a vet technician anyway?
We have the answers so you can learn how to become a vet technician and make an educated decision about your future career path. Keep reading to learn all about what becoming a vet tech is like.
What Does a Vet Technician Do?
A veterinary technician is to a vet what a nurse is to a doctor as far as their tasks go.
A vet tech assists the veterinarian. They’re able to do hands-on work with the animals. They can administer medicine and anesthesia, check vital signs, do dental work, take x-rays, and take samples. They’re also there to help hold and restrain animals during their visits.
The life of a vet technician is all about helping the vet do whatever they need to heal the animals.
How to Become a Vet Technician: The Process
So how do you become a vet technician?
It’s easier than becoming a vet, and the process is fairly quick considering the number of responsibilities that you’ll be tasked with. Let’s talk all about educational requirements and certifications.
Education
You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to become a vet tech. You do, however, need an associate’s degree from an accredited program. These degree programs last for two years and they’re comprehensive. They include math and science classes to ensure that students get a well-rounded education that prepares them for the administrative work and hands-on work that the job requires.
The end of the program will include an externship that allows students to interact with pets and vets in a real office setting to better prepare them for their future careers. They may also work with animal shelters.
Licensing
After a potential vet technician finishes their education, they need to get the proper certifications before they can start their career.
Most states require that new vet techs pass the veterinary technician national exam in order to receive certification.
Qualities of a Good Vet Tech
Not everyone is cut out for the job. It’s important to know what you’ll need as far as qualities and skills go.
A good vet tech is good at communication. They need to be able to listen to pet owners and respond to the needs of vets quickly. They also need to be able to explain concepts and instructions to pet owners and other staff members.
It’s important for a vet tech to be organized. They’ll work with samples and files that can’t be misplaced.
Most of all, they have to have compassion while remaining professional. Working in a veterinary office is hard. You see sick and dying animals, but you also get to see animals heal and thrive.
Part of your job is making sure that you’re able to put your emotions aside to support the pets and their owners.
Are You a Future Vet Technician?
Learning how to become a vet technician is the first step in the process. It’s time to hit the books and sign up for a great vet tech program so you can start your career.
It’s a hard job, but it’s fulfilling. Start today.
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