Animal health care is a growing industry. For
those interested in careers taking care of animals, a number of online
associate degree programs in veterinary technology are available to
prepare students for state licensing exams. These associate degree
programs prepare graduates for jobs as veterinary technicians. Less
common online bachelor's degree programs may further prepare students to
become veterinary technologists.
Overview of Online Associate Degree Programs in Veterinary Technology
Animal lovers may consider an
animal science
career in veterinary medicine. Online associate degree programs in
veterinary technology are commonly available and designed to meet the
needs of working professionals, especially those already employed in the
animal health care industry. Graduates are fully trained for jobs as
veterinary technicians and meet the education requirements for state
licensing. Students acquire essential skills to assist veterinarians in
restraining and handling animals, as well as to provide exceptional
customer service.
A veterinary technology associate degree can be obtained online in
two years. Distance learners are often required to conduct hands-on
clinical training, which usually can be completed at a student's current
workplace or other local
animal care
facility. Access to a high-speed Internet connection and e-mail are
necessary for Web-based assignments. Students may be expected to devote
at least four hours per week to each online class.
Common Online Courses
General education courses in a veterinary technology program include
communication and writing, which give students the tools for effectively
communicating with veterinarians and customers. Applied math classes
provide the skills needed for accurate dosage of medicine and office
accounting. Introductory biology classes also prepare students for
advanced study of animal science. Veterinary technology coursework
covers such topics as medicine, medical procedures, anatomy, diseases,
pathologies and biomedical research.
Large Animal Disease Course
Proper sanitation conditions are imperative for the prevention of
diseases in livestock. Students in this online class learn about the
prevention, transmission, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses in
large animals.
Small Animal Care Course
Distance learners study the equipment and techniques used in treating
small animals. Common diseases and parasites afflicting dogs and cats
are also reviewed.
Veterinary Equipment Course
The tools used by veterinarians are introduced in this class. Online
students learn the proper procedures for safely operating ultrasound and
X-ray equipment.
A veterinary technology associate degree program prepares graduates
for entry-level jobs as veterinary technicians, assisting veterinarians
in animal hospitals, kennels and shelters. In 2009, the mean salary for
veterinary technologists and technicians was $30,580 as reported by the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov).
Overview of Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Veterinary Technology
Bachelor's degree programs in veterinary technology are not common,
and online programs are even rarer due to the intensive clinical
training components. Applicants must already possess an associate degree
in veterinary technology and have hands-on experience working with
animals. This bachelor's degree distance learning program is ideal for
technicians already working in the industry and can be tailored to
management or medical roles in animal science.
A bachelor's degree program in veterinary technology typically
accepts transfer credit from 2-year degree programs and, therefore, can
be completed online in an additional two years. Successful students
often dedicate at least 10 hours per week to each online class.
Interactive online discussions and assignments may necessitate the use
of a webcam with a microphone.
Common Online Courses
Introductory science coursework provides the foundation for advanced
veterinary medicine courses. Students gain valuable communication skills
through writing and speech classes. While all distance learners enroll
in the basic veterinary technology courses, electives can be geared
towards either a clinical or a management career path.
Veterinary Business Course
Students learn the roles of a veterinary hospital manager.
Accounting, financial forecasting and other general business concepts
are introduced, as well as topics specific to the animal health
industry.
Animal Nutrition Course
Proper diet is essential to animal health. Distance learners gain an
understanding of the role of nutrition for animals of different sizes,
ages and physical conditions.
Veterinary Safety Course
Students are introduced to safety regulations and procedures that
protect themselves, as well as their animal patients from potentially
dangerous situations. License and permit requirements are reviewed.
Veterinary technologists often possess bachelor's degrees in
veterinary technology and may work in animal hospitals, animal health
research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and zoos. According to
the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in this
field are expected to grow faster than average from 2008-2018,
increasing by more than 36%.
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