Have you considered a career as a veterinary technician or vet tech? Employment for professionals in the industry is projected to grow 19% from 2021 to 2031. Since the pandemic, the need for animal medical care has increased. Twenty-three million pet owners have adopted a new pet in the first year of the pandemic.
Pet owners are becoming increasingly aware of the additional health needs of their furry friends. This demand for veterinary medicine and clinical care has put tremendous strain on the veterinary community and the need for veterinary technicians. The veterinarian industry is becoming one of the fastest-growing industries for young professionals to dive into. This article will discuss online vet tech programs and career paths within the veterinary industry.
Career Outlook: Can You Thrive in Vet Tech Programs?
Helping and administering care to animals can be an enriching career, but it can also produce stress, anxiety, and long working hours. Across all medical fields, there has been an increase in worker burnout and exhaustion. You can read more about healthcare and business insights for veterinarians here. Many young professionals wonder if they can survive as a vet tech and have what it takes to make it their career.
Veterinary technicians are often the first point of contact before a veterinarian and handle many daily medical and clinical procedures. Some of these job duties include performing medical and surgical procedures, laboratory testing, anesthesia induction, recovery maintenance, and monitoring.
Which States Offer the Best Compensation for Graduates of Vet Tech Programs?
Every state will have different compensation levels for veterinary technicians. According to U.S. News and Zippia.com, Alaska and California are two of the highest-paying states for vet techs. This difference in compensation could be due to a higher standard of living and overall expenses in these states.
In states with lower income levels and living costs, the average salary for a licensed veterinary technician is considerably less, and the market is less competitive. States with the lowest-paid vet techs include Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
Understanding Accredited Online Vet Tech Programs
To ensure your training and veterinary education are recognized by future employers, it’s best to attend schools with official and legal accreditation. For a school or online veterinary technology program to be accredited, it must be recognized and approved by the Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
To verify if an online vet tech program is accredited, you can usually check their website for a link to their certification. You can also search the Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s website for accreditation. Initial accreditation is a crucial step for any vet tech program to gain full accreditation status.
Featured Online Vet Tech Programs by State
Online Vet Tech Programs in Texas: Dallas College
Dallas College is located in Dallas, Texas, and offers a customizable veterinary technology program for veterinary technicians who need more flexibility. They offer classes three times a year, and required classes are available every block. This flexibility makes it simple for students who want to take some time off but also re-enroll in the courses they need when they return.
Online Vet Tech Programs in Indiana: Purdue University
Purdue University is located in West Lafayette, Indiana, and offers online veterinary education for veterinary technicians called “distance learning.” Their programs are customizable and can be structured for three years, six years, or a specific timeline for graduation. This program is ideal for those seeking a certificate program or degree with a strong emphasis on health science.
Online Vet Tech Programs in Georgia: Ashworth College
Ashworth College is located in Norcross, Georgia, and offers an affordable online veterinary technician program that lets students complete work at their own pace. The curriculum can be tailored to a student’s unique financial situation and can even be paid for monthly.
Online Vet Tech Programs in Canada: Thomas Rivers University
No matter where you go, there will always be a need for veterinary professionals. One option for students already working in a veterinary clinical setting to further their skills is the Veterinary Technology Diploma from Thomas Rivers University. Thomas Rivers University offers this program during the winter, spring, and fall semesters.
Free Vet Tech Online Courses for Aspiring Veterinary Assistants
Luckily, there are many free courses to find more information and materials on veterinary technician education and certifications. Although most programs will require hands-on and in-person training, many introductory veterinary technician courses can be completed remotely.
Pursuing training from accredited schools and officially recognized vet tech programs is wise to protect yourself when finding future employment. This strategy will also ensure you receive the best training and education to help your veterinary career. However, there are some free tools to provide additional veterinary education:
Vet Med Team
Vet Med Team offers courses that work with veterinary companies. These organizations aim to provide additional education so that veterinary professionals can deliver the best animal care possible. The classes are free to enroll in, and you can join anytime.
What Courses Do Vet Tech Students Typically Study?
To receive your associate degree in this field, you will start with general education courses such as an introduction to math, English, and applied science. Many programs will require some electives that don’t highlight your specialized field but are good courses to develop other skills and try new things.
As your degree progresses, your classes will become more specific to your area of concentration. These specialized courses might include primary animal nursing care, biochemistry, animal diseases, pharmaceutical training, and anesthesia training. Since the best way to learn these skills is to practice hands-on, most veterinary programs require students to complete an internship or externship as part of the required curriculum.
Before receiving your certification and degree, you must also pass the national Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The VTNE is an examination designed to evaluate entry-level veterinary technicians’ competency to practice and to become credentialed. Successful completion of the VTNE is required for licensure in most states and Canadian provinces. Passing this examination is critical for those planning to pursue a career as a licensed veterinary technician.
What Career Paths Do Students in Vet Tech Programs Typically Take?
One thing to remember is the difference between a vet technician and a vet technologist. Earning a degree as a veterinary technician requires a minimum two-year degree through an accredited college, and you must pass the VTNE. A veterinary technologist requires a minimum four-year degree and has additional certifications and exams in addition to passing the VTNE and earning an associate degree.
The most common route for students who want a career as a veterinarian technician is to receive a two-year degree from a community college or university. This path will allow you to become a vet tech more quickly and begin working in the field as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Beginning your path as a vet tech is an exciting decision and can lead to an enriching and fulfilling career. If you are unsure where to start, you can browse more topics on veterinary practices here and view what job outlook vet professionals have in 2022.
If you’re a veterinary professional looking to create a better experience for your team members or a more powerful vet practice, check out what Weave offers. You can also browse Weave’s Podcast, The Happy Practice Playbook, for more ideas about how to keep your team members happy and create a better patient experience.
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