Veterinary Technician Training
For some people, working with animals all day is the perfect job. If this sounds like you, you may want to consider completing a veterinary technician training program.
Animal Lovers Needed: Veterinary Technician Training
If you're the type of person who loves to work with animals, as well as people, you may want to think about being a veterinary technician. Graduates of a two-year veterinary technician training program may work side-by-side with a veterinarian, performing many necessary tasks.
To attend a veterinary technician program, the usual route is to attend a community college that offers an associate's degree from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Once a graduate has the degree in hand, there is often a training period with the new employer.
Veterinary Technician Training: See Animals at Work Every Day
Graduates of veterinary technician training programs could:- Perform medical tests, including x-rays
- Assist with dental care
- Educate pet owners
- Take medical histories
- Provide postoperative care
- Clean supplies and cages
As you become more experienced, you may find yourself with more tasks and responsibilities, and maybe even heading up a team of technicians.
Veterinary technicians may find work in:- Private veterinary clinics
- Research laboratories
- Boarding kennels
- Animal shelters
- Rescue leagues
- Zoos
Veterinary Careers Require Certification
To work as a veterinary technician, you must be certified by your state. Not all states have the same requirements, so it's best to look up the ones that interest you. At the same time, consider what area of veterinary medicine you would like to work in. Are you interested in working in a vet clinic? Or in a university or research environment? If you are leaning towards a research environment, employers recommend getting certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). |