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Veterinary Technician Certification

In the U.S., Qualification requirements for certification vary by state. Typically, the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, or another appropriate state agency, governs veterinary technician credentialing. Some states require licensure, registration, or accreditation. In some cases, you can transfer your qualification between States if both use the same examination.

In 2004, there were 101 fully accredited veterinary technician courses, campus-based and online, available in 43 States and Canada according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). There are a small number with provisional accreditation. States, which require licensure, may expect you to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination before issuing you a license.

Examinations and training vary a little between schools, however typical subjects of study may include a variety of classroom-based topics and practical skills. Online courses generally provide for the clinical skills by allowing you to be sponsored by a licensed Veterinarian. This period of hands-on training is called a preceptorship, practicum, or externship, and is a critical component of accredited veterinary technician certification programs.

Following your two- or four-year training period and your veterinary technician certification, your job prospects will be exceptionally strong, as demand for veterinary technicians far outweighs supply. Your vet tech responsibilities may include:

• obtaining and recording patient case histories
• providing specialized nursing care
• preparing animals, instruments, and equipment for surgery
• assisting in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures
• performing dental prophylaxes
• collecting specimens and performing laboratory procedures
• advising and educating animal owners
• supervising and training practice personnel
• exposing and developing radiographs