What’s Needed Beyond 2010 to be a Vet Tech?

Veterinary Technicians have always helped veterinarians run efficient offices by assisting them with medical tasks. To become a Veterinary Technician, students must complete a veterinary technology program. Here is some information about education requirements for becoming Vet Technicians in 2010 and beyond.

Definition of a Vet Tech
A Veterinary Technician, also known as a Vet Technician, is a veterinary professional who works under the supervision of a certified veterinarian. Technicians often help with preparing animals for medical tests, analyzing medical tests, taking x-rays of animals, assisting veterinarians during check-ups and medical procedures and speaking to animal owners. They work for a private practice alongside other veterinarian technicians and technologists and veterinarians. Some veterinary technicians choose to specialize in the care of specific animals such as large animals, farm animals or small domesticated animals.

Get Yourself Educated
Vet technicians must complete a two-year or four-year accredited veterinary technology program. These programs are available at community colleges, universities and technical schools. Many programs include courses such as:
• Animal Disease
• Animal Management and Nutrition
• Advanced Animal Nursing
• Ultrasonography for Animals
• Veterinary Clinical Laboratory Techniques
• Principles of Animal Science
• Veterinary Pharmacology and Anesthesia
• Veterinary Medical Terminology
After completing a program, some students choose to receive their certification. Certification further proves that these technicians are proficient in veterinary practices. However, certification is not required by all employers.

Job Outlook Beyond 2010 is Positive
According to the writers at College Board, government experts expect the occupational outlook for technicians to be good. Job growth should be increasing. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nearly 3 million jobs should open up over the next few years. The pet population will continue to increase, and many pet owners are becoming more aware of their animals’ health needs.

Money is Good
In 2008, the median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians was $28,900, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Get an Associate’s Degree Online
If you want to work to heal and help animals, but don’t want to spend the time and money required to become a veterinarian, you may want to consider becoming a veterinary technician. With an online associate of veterinary technician degree, entering the field is easy.

What is an Associate of Veterinary Technician Online Degree?
An associate veterinary technician degree is designed to provide students with the fundamental principles of veterinary medicine. This online program can get you that degree in a short time at your own convenience.

Course Study
Students in an online veterinary technician degree program should be challenged by instructors to learn and to apply skills in veterinary support, client communication, office management, and patient care.

Skills You Will Acquire
An online veterinary technician degree program will give students the skills needed to assist veterinarians in a variety of situations. Students may also use the program to prepare for the CVT (Certified Veterinary Technician) exam.

Why Earn a Veterinary Technician Associate Degree Online?
With this program, you can start preparing for your new career in as little as two years. Many veterinarians started out as veterinary technicians. The experience you’ll gain on the job is great preparation for vet school if you ever decide to go.