Can you be a vet tech without schooling?

Answer 1

YES - with experience. Officially licensed? No. Can you be paid the same if not more with experience than someone with a license with less experience? Yes. Could the vet be sued by a client if the non-licensed person did something wrong because they technically wern't licensed to do so? Yes. Be careful. The above answer is partially incorrect. Some states will allow you to take the exam to be officially licensed without having gone through a 2 year vet tech program. You do however need substantial exprience working with a vet. Check with your local state licensing board for the exact criteria. There is a push to completely eliminate being able to take the exam without schooling so if you don't have any experiene right now, it would be best to just go to school. You can become a vet assistant without any credentials but you would not be allowed to do certain procedures and the pay is usually less.

Answer 2

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. There are a few states where that title is not protected by law and you can be called a "veterinary technician with no formal education or previous training. However to determine if you are in one of those states you would need to review the laws governing veterinary technology or veterinary medicine in your state or contact you state licensing board.

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 3

Yes, it is possible in many states in the US to earn a degree in veterinary technology which will allow you to sit for credentialing exams by taking college courses online. However, in most cases you must earn your degree from an AVMA accredited veterinary technology degree program so not just any online school will do. Also be aware that earning your degree in veterinary technology requires that you be employed or volunteering at a veterinary facility where you will have a mentor who over-sees and documents hands on training and skills prior to your being able to complete the degree program.

Answer 4

In the United States, the answer will depend upon what state you want to work in. Some states require veterinary technicians to have a college degree and have a license to practice; others don't, and there isn't any rhyme or reason as to why. In general, however, if you want to have a long-term career in veterinary technology, having at least an Associate's degree (two years of college) is a good idea - you'll make better money and have more opportunities than you would without a degree.

Answer 5

Yes. If you only went to school long enough to be a technician, you can always go back and get more schooling.