What kind of diploma do you need to become a vet tech?

Answer 1

In most states an associates degree or higher from an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited veterinary technology program is required. However, the laws vary from state to state so anyone interested in becoming a veterinary technician should check with their state veterinary medical licensing board or review their state's laws governing veterinary technicians.

Answer 2

Most states in the US require an associates degree or higher in veterinary technology from an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited veterinary technology program in order to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam and their state exam in order to be credentialed as a veterinary technician. All of the AVMA accredited programs can be found by going to the AVMA website's page on veterinary technician education: http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/vettech_programs/vettech_programs.asp

Answer 3

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.

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/vettech_programs.asp

Answer 4

Most states in the US require that you have a 2-year degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program, have passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam and often a state exam and be credentialed by the state veterinary licensing board in order to work as a veterinary technician.

Of course requirements vary from state to state and country to country so you should contact your local veterinary technician association or veterinary licensing board in order to determine the requirements where you are.