How many years do you have to go to college to be a vetinarian?

Answer 1

No state in the US has any educational requirements for working as a veterinary ASSISTANT. This is an entry level-position in a veterinary facility and training is generally done on the job. Because most training is done on the job it is often very cursory and lacks the depth and breadth of a formal education. There are voluntary educational opportunities, however these are not equivalent to a college degree program and are instead basic vocational training. There is no over-sight by a professional body to ensure that the majority of these programs provide adequate or correct information. There is no requirement for hands-on training and instructors often have little or no experience or education in the veterinary field. There are a handful of certification programs that are designed and approved by veterinary professional organizations or that are offered by colleges which also offer accredited veterinary technology programs and these are better choices for someone who wants to be a veterinary assistant. All of these programs offer certification as a veterinary assistant, but this certification is not legally recognized or required by any state in the US. These progams may take anywhere from weeks to months to finish, so each one should be researched independently.

The other position on a veterinary staff that is often confused with a veterinary assistant is a veterinary technician. Veterinary technicians are required (in most states) to have a 2 year degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program, to have passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam and a state exam in order to be credentialed. They are also generally required to attend a set number of continuing education courses each year to keep up with changes in veterinary medicine. Veterinary technicians are educated in veterinary anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, animal husbandry, surgical assisting, anesthesia, medical nursing, diagnostics such as radiology and ultrasonography, clinical pathology, parasitology, medical terminology and record keeping, biological collection and sample handling and preperation, etc. They can also specialize in areas such as emergency and critical care, internal medicine, anesthesia, dentistry, behavior and equine nursing.

The American Veterinary Medical Association maintains a list of accredited degree programs on their website: http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/vettech_programs.asp

Answer 2

In the United States, a veterinary assistant is a lay person who is typically trained on the job in non-invasive tasks such as drawing up vaccines, filling prescriptions and taking medical histories. In general, a veterinary assistant has not attended college specifically for vet assistant training; a veterinary technician is more likely to have attended a college-based vet tech training program.

Answer 3

You do not have to attend college to become a veterinary assistant. Veterinary assisting is an entry level position and no state requires any special education or training for veterinary assistants.

Answer 4

Well WHY THE hell do you want to be one anyways?? Do you know what you have to do? YOU GET TO SHUV YOUR FINGER UP DOGS ASSHOL** ALL DAY. FUN FUN I LOVE TO TOUCH DOG BUTT HOLE!!

Answer 5

3-4 years of undergraduate plus 4 years of vet school.

Answer 6

I belive 2-4.

Answer 7

8-12 years