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Does earning a bachelor's degree in veterinary science count as the credentials to become a vet technologist or do you need different schooling for that?
Wiki User
∙ 16y ago
There are primarily two levels of education and training for entry to this occupation: a 2-year program for veterinary technicians and a 4-year program for veterinary technologists. Education and training. Most entry-level veterinary technicians have a 2-year associate degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited community college program in veterinary technology in which courses are taught in clinical and laboratory settings using live animals. About 16 colleges offer veterinary technology programs that are longer and that culminate in a 4-year bachelor's degree in veterinary technology. These 4-year colleges, in addition to some vocational schools, also offer 2-year programs in laboratory animal science. Several schools offer distance learning. In 2006, 131 veterinary technology programs in 44 States were accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program allows students to take the credentialing exam in any State in the country. Persons interested in careers as veterinary technologists and technicians should take as many high school science, Biology, and math courses as possible. Science courses taken beyond high school, in an associate or bachelor's degree program, should emphasize practical skills in a clinical or laboratory setting. Technologists and technicians usually begin work as trainees in routine positions under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Entry-level workers whose training or educational background encompasses extensive hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory equipment, including diagnostic and medical equipment, usually require a shorter period of on-the-job training. Licensure and certification. Each State regulates veterinary technicians and technologists differently; however, all States require them to pass a credentialing exam following coursework. Passing the State exam assures the public that the technician or technologist has sufficient knowledge to work in a veterinary clinic or hospital. Candidates are tested for competency through an examination that includes oral, written, and practical portions and that is regulated by the State Board of Veterinary Examiners or the appropriate State agency. Depending on the State, candidates may become registered, licensed, or certified. Most States, however, use the National Veterinary Technician (NVT) exam. Prospects usually can have their passing scores transferred from one State to another, so long as both States use the same exam. Employers recommend American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification for those seeking employment in a research facility. AALAS offers certification for three levels of technician competence, with a focus on three principal areas-animal husbandry, facility management, and animal health and welfare. Those who wish to become certified must satisfy a combination of education and experience requirements prior to taking the AALAS examination. Work experience must be directly related to the maintenance, health, and well-being of laboratory animals and must be gained in a laboratory animal facility as defined by AALAS. Candidates who meet the necessary criteria can begin pursuing the desired certification on the basis of their qualifications. The lowest level of certification is Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), the second level is Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), and the highest level of certification is Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). The AALAS examination consists of multiple-choice questions and is longer and more difficult for higher levels of certification, ranging from 2 hours and 120 multiple choice questions for the ALAT to 3 hours and 180 multiple choice questions for the LATG. Other qualifications. As veterinary technologists and technicians often deal with pet owners, communication skills are very important. In addition, technologists and technicians should be able to work well with others, because teamwork with Veterinarians is common. Organizational ability and the ability to pay attention to detail also are important. Advancement. As they gain experience, technologists and technicians take on more responsibility and carry out more assignments under only general veterinary supervision. Some eventually may become supervisors. For the source and more detailed information concerning this subject, click on the related links section indicated below.
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∙ 16y ago
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What licensing or certification is required and or available for a veterinary technician?
The credentials available for a veterinary technician and what is required to earn those credentials varies from state to state and country to country. In the US, there are generally 3 different credentials commonly used. Veterinary technicians may be licensed (LVT), registered (RVT) or credentialed (CVT). Licensure is granted by a legal governing body such as a state licensing board and indicates that only people who hold a license may represent themselves as a "veterinary technician" or perform certain tasks. Registration refers to the keeping of lists of people who have met specific requirements to be a veterinanry technician but in most instances doesn't limit certain actions or the use of the term "veterinary technician" to only those who are registered. Certification is generally bestowed by a private organization such as a school or professional organization and hold no legal connotation. Certification is often granted by the state veterinary technician association in states where the laws nor the veterinary medical association require or recommmend credentialling of technicians. In most states, gaining credentials involves completing a 2-year American Veterinary Medical Association accredited veterinary technology program, passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam and a state written exam. To determine the exact requirements and the type of credentials granted in a specific area, contact the state veterinary licensing board, state veterinary medical association or state veterinary technician association.
How Long Does it take to become a certified Vet Technician?
Certified Veterinary Assistants and credentialed veterinary techicians are two different positions. Veterinary assistanting is an entry level position in the veterinary medical field and there are no educational requirements in any state in the US. There are some private organizations that offer certification, although these hold no educational or legal merit; the timeframe on certification in veterinary assisting will depend on the specific organization but is generally around 1 year. A credentialed veterinary technician has a 2-year Associate's degree; a credentialed veterinary technologist has a 4-year Bachelor's degree.
What is a technologists?
To properly answer this question one must understand there are different levels of classification of staff members who assist in the field of veterinary medicine. The veterinary technologist is the one with the most formal education in the field and there are different classifications of a veterinary technologist or "vet tech."To achieve the degree of veterinary technologist one has to go to a college/junior college that offers this course of study and it is typically a two year program. They take basic science classes related to veterinary medicine and animal care. In addition, there is a great deal of time spent learning how to perform laboratory work, taking radiographs, assisting in surgery, animal handling, and other techniques which must be mastered in order to be able to function in a veterinary practice. As part of the educational requirements, time must be spent working in a veterinary practice as an "extern" for a period of time determined by the particular curriculum of the school. Some veterinary technology programs are at schools in close proximity to a veterinary college, so a great deal of the practical experience is obtained there. Upon graduation from such a program, the degree of veterinary technologist is achieved. The graduate can then pursue a career in a private veterinary practice, academia, research, and other animal-related fields.However, it does not stop there. A standardized test can then be taken and if passed the designation of "Certified Veterinary Technologist" (CVT) is awarded. A CVT can command a higher salary and can perform certain functions non-certified technologists cannot. For example, our practice has a four year accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association and one of the standards we must follow is that only a CVT can assist the veterinarian in surgery.A veterinary assistant is someone who helps the veterinarians in a practice, does not have a veterinary technologist degree, but has learned essentially "on the job."Some people take on-line courses but the degree will be for an animal care specialist (or something similar) but cannot achieve the designation as a veterinary technologist.CVTs, veterinary technologists, and veterinary assistants are essential in the functioning of any veterinary practice. Depending upon the way a practice is run they may have a wide range of responsibilities and duties. They may place clients in exam rooms, take a history, aid the veterinarian during the physical examination, collect blood samples, take radiographs, conduct the laboratory testing, groom pets, treat hospitalized patients, spend a great deal of time interacting with the clients and explaining proper pet care or if a pet is being sent home with medication, how to properly administer the home treatments, assisting in surgery, the list goes on.It is a worthwhile career and I know our practice could not function as effectively without them.
Vacation for a veterinary technologist and technicians?
As with all questions about benefits for different jobs, it depends on where a person works and what company they work for. Benefits are not set by any state, local or other governing body but rather decided on by the owner of the company that is employing people.
What is the difference between an registered veterinary technician licensed veterinary technician and certified veterinary technician?
These are all 3 types of credentials that a veterinary technician earns by attaining a set level of education and testing, the difference in the three titles has to do with the type of group or agency that presents them. The reason that there are different types of credentials for veterinary technicians is because each state sets it's own laws governing the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology, so there are differences from state to state in the types of credentials granted. Licensure refers to a legal right to do something that is granted by a governing body. Just like a license to practice medicine or drive a car. It means that without having earned that license, it is illegal for you to perform certain actions. Registeration refers to keeping lists of people who have achieved set requirements. It doesn't necessarily imply a legal right to perform tasks/duties that others may not but it does in certain states. Registration may be granted by a governing or professional body. Certification is granted by anyone. It doesn't imply a legal right to perform certain duties and is generally a voluntary achievement. It is often offered by an educational entity or in the case of veterinary technicians by a professional organization. For all three credentials, it is generally required that the person have earned a degree in veterinary technology from an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited veterinary technology program and have passed both the Veterinary Technician National Exam and a state exam. But the specific type of credential granted varies from state to state based upon the laws of that state. Cindy D., Registered Vetrinary Technician
How you can get vet tech certificate?
In order to be credentialed as a veterinary technician (the title is different depending on the state), a personally generally is required to complete an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program, pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam and apply for credentialing through the agency that oversees technicians in the state where the person intends to work. Some states also require that applicants pass a state examination as well as the VTNE and have a background check performed. For specific details about becoming credentialed, contact the agency that credentials veterinary technicians in your state.
What's the purpose of a lab technologist?
A lab technologist tests and prepares different things to be tested. It depends on what the field is (what does the lab specialise in) as to specifically what the technologist will do. If it was microbiology, for example, you would be expected to test substances for their bacterial safety/viability.
Where are some veterinary programs in my area?
There are many veterinary programs available in different areas of the world. If you are from the US, you can try the Association of Veterinarian Medical Colleges or the American Veterinary Medical Association. Each of these offer different veterinary programs which you might be interested.
What times are veterinary open?
A veterinary clinic will have different times that they are open. Generally, a veterinary clinic is open from 8 to 5 or 9 to 5. Sometimes they are open in the morning on Saturday.
What is the difference between veterinary bioscience and animal and veterinary bioscience?
If you have looked for courses at different universities, it could be pretty much the same course but each university has a slightly different name for it
Do you need to become a veterinary Technician first and then a vet or what?
No, veterinary technology and veterinary medicine are two different professions and degree programs. For someone looking to become a veterinarian, they would choose a university which offers a degree program in veterinary medicine. For someone looking to become a veterinary technician, they would choose an AVMA accredited veterinary technology degree program.
What are the different jobs available in the field of veterinary medicine?
Some common jobs in veterinary medicine include veterinarians who diagnose and treat animals, veterinary technicians who assist with procedures and provide nursing care, and veterinary assistants who help with basic animal care tasks. Other roles include veterinary specialists who focus on specific areas like surgery or dentistry, as well as veterinary researchers who conduct studies to improve animal health.
