Featured Online Programs Sponsored As an animal lover, you might think about becoming a veterinary technician (vet tech). But you may have no idea what the job entails. Vet techs work in many different settings, such as: But all vet techs have one thing in common. You all
love animals, and you want to help them in any way possible. A vet tech’s typical workday varies from day to day and workplace to workplace. As a vet tech, you will be:
DutiesHere are the duties you will perform:
How Much Does A Vet Tech EarnOne question many people ask is how much this job pays. The pay that you receive changes depending on a variety of factors, such as:
The national annual average salary ranges from $21,890 to $47,410. Average National Salary: $32,490*Salary information last updated 2022 Average Annual Salary by State
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Vet TechStep 1 Graduate From High School or Get Your GEDBefore anything else, you will need to get your high school diploma or GED equivalent. It allows you to take science and health courses necessary to study a vet tech program. For instance, biology and chemistry.
Step 2 Earn Your Associate’s DegreeOne advantage of having an associate’s degree is that it lands you a job as soon as you graduate. So when choosing a school, make sure it’s an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited one first. You can go to community colleges as they often have excellent vet tech training programs. And typically, training lasts up to two years. This is enough to get you into the entry-level position. Step 3 Consider Getting a SpecializationHaving a vet tech specialization means better job prospects. Here are some specializations you can consider taking:
Step 4 Hone Your Soft SkillsAside from the hard skills, you must also develop your soft skills. As a vet tech, you must have:
These ensure you can interact well with people, especially with your patient’s owners. Step 5 Get Your Certifications and LicensesEvery vet tech needs to either be:
The requirements vary per state, but most vet techs have to pass an exam, which has the following sections:
Passing this will prove to the state that you have the aptitude for animal care. Step 6 Complete the On-The-Job TrainingMost programs require you to intern with a licensed vet to get first-hand experience. This usually means a shorter training period for you. While in some cases, you will get the training after you’ve found employment. Nonetheless, during that time, you must immerse yourself and complete the training satisfactorily. Step 7 Think About Career Advancement OpportunitiesThe more experience you gain, the more opportunities you will encounter. For instance, getting a promotion to oversee veterinary assistants and junior technicians. Career opportunities also arise from:
Find Schools » Education Needed to Become a Vet TechTo get started on your vet tech journey, you first have to enroll in an AVMA-accredited school. Doing so means that you will get the quality education and extensive training necessary to be a vet tech. Here are some of those accredited schools in the U.S. you can check out:
For a full list of accredited schools, visit AVMA’s website. Once you’ve chosen a school, then you can proceed to your studies and hold an associate’s degree.
The course program lasts for about two years. And after successful completion, you will be officially recognized as a vet tech. You’re now able to apply for a job and do entry-level duties. Here’s a video from a seasoned vet tech to give you some insights on areas you should know about. Video About The CareerCertification & LicensingDepending on the state where you currently live, you may be a:
If you live anywhere but Alaska, California, or Wisconsin, you’ll need to:
State tests are usually waived if you’ve passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam. It’s a 200-question exam that will measure your competency at the entry level. This exam covers topics such as:
And if you’re planning to engage in research, you’ll also need certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. They have three certification levels.
Average Training Program Duration: 2-3 YearsPopular ProgramsJob Outlook and Growth for Vet TechsAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for vet techs is expected to grow up to 15% from 2020 to 2030. This rate is much higher compared to other occupations on average. Moreover, this number means that there’s going to be high demand for vet techs for years to come. This stems from how people consider animal care as part of their expenses. This positive growth potential has made vet tech an ideal career choice. Employment Growth Projection: 15%That's a higher than average projected growth of 17,100: Interest Over Time Should You Become a Vet Tech?Overall Satisfaction: HighIf you love animals, then this is a career you should very much consider. To start, you must think of the following, especially when choosing a suitable specialization:
Average Salary: MediumOn average, a vet tech will make $31,800 a year. Your salary will range from $21,890 to $47,410. This is roughly $17.40 per hour, though this amount can vary depending on where you work. The following factors will also affect your salary:
Job Growth Outlook: HighWith the projected growth rate of 15% by 2030, vet techs won’t have to worry about not getting jobs. They’re now in demand, leading animal care facilities to recruit them actively. Think of it this way:
Education Duration: 2-3 YearsSchooling for vet tech programs is relatively shorter than others. It lasts for two to three years wherein you have to secure an associate’s degree by then. And if you would like to earn a specialization or go further in your education, it will take longer. Personal Skills NeededThe number one criteria for being a vet tech is love and care for the animals’ health and welfare. Other important personal skills are:
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ. How many years will it take to become a vet tech?You only need an associate’s degree, which takes about two years to complete. Q. How much do vet techs make?On average, a vet tech will make $31,800 annually. Eighty percent of them can earn anywhere from $21,890 to $47,410. This is roughly $17.40 per hour. However, this can still vary depending on:
Q. What can you do with a vet tech degree?Having a degree opens up a lot of opportunities for you, most especially when you pass the licensure exam. You are able to work in a lot of environments. For instance:
Many technicians also use their degree as a starting point to another career, like:
Q. What does a vet tech do every day?A vet tech usually performs the following duties:
Similar CareersFind Schools » Does Arizona require vet tech license?Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVT)
To work as a veterinary technician in Arizona, certification is not required; earning a CVT is a voluntary action.
How much does it cost to become a vet tech in Arizona?Tuition and Financial Aid for Veterinary Technicians
Most programs can be completed in two to three years. Distance learning may vary more, depending on your design. Tuition is charged per credit hour, and most programs can be completed for under $15,000 (in-state costs).
Is Vet Tech School Hard?Veterinary technology school isn't easy. The curriculum is challenging, the time required to study is enormous and the responsibility of providing care for the animals living on campus never lets you forget why you're there.
How do you become a vet tech in Arizona?Graduate from a two- to four-year program in veterinary technology accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) Successfully pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
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