Veterinary Technician Certification
Working as a veterinary technician is a noble profession. Whether you work in clinical, research, laboratory or field environment, you are dealing with the humane treatment of animals, and promoting their welfare and that of the humans who benefit from animals. Most employers would want to hire only the best, to ensure the quality of service that they give to their human and animal clients. For this purpose, becoming a certified veterinary technician will give you an edge in terms of advancing in this profession.
Depending on the state, you can gain credentials as a Licensed or Certified Veterinary Technician (LVT or CVT), which signifies that you meet the standards of the state’s licensing body, and that you have undergone the required formal education to become a veterinary technician.
Certifying Organizations
Certification to become a Veterinary Technician is usually given by a governing body or organization. Foremost in certifying vet techs in the United States is the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA gives accreditation to the various schools and academic programs that provide training to prospective veterinary technicians.
Accreditation is not a requirement in order to run a veterinary technician program, as this is a voluntary activity. Attending an accredited school does have its benefits. It comes with prestige, as the school you have attended is viewed to have high standards. It will also make it easier for you to apply for licensure.
Education and Experience
Formal education to become a licensed veterinary technician will involve varying lengths of study. Some programs will last for 16 to 24 months, leading to an Associate Degree. Some schools offer a four-year Bachelor’s Degree program. These will also involve a certain number of hours of internship as part of the overall program. In general, state licensing boards do not necessarily give preference to AVMA accredited Veterinary Technician programs. However, those who graduate from non-accredited schools might have to undergo more hours of hands-on experience in order to meet the minimum qualifications for licensure.
Examination and Licensing
Most states would require you to undertake and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). This exam is given by each state’s Veterinary State Board thrice a year, and is prepared by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The VTNE involves 200 multiple choice questions in various areas that a veterinary technician is expected to have expertise in. The test usually lasts four hours, and covers seven major aspects of the profession:
• Pharmacology and pharmacy;
• Surgical assisting and preparation;
• Dentistry procedures;
• Laboratory procedures;
• Nursing for animals;
• Radiography, ultrasound, et al; and,
• Anesthesia.
Once you pass this exam, you will gain eligibility to become a LVT or CVT. Note that the AAVSB does not grant certifications or licenses, but only prepares the exam for veterinary technicians. It will be the state board’s responsibility to grant the license.