A veterinary technician (or vet tech) is
trained to assist a licensed veterinarian in medical, surgical and
laboratory procedures. Training is a mix of classroom learning and
hands-on experience, because the American Veterinary Medical Association
requires that students complete internships prior to licensure. The
educational minimum--an associate degree--can be completed entirely
online. In this case, internships can be satisfied at local, approved
facilities.
The most common online veterinary technology degree is the Associate
of Applied Science (AAS). An AAS in Veterinary Technology can be earned
in as little as two years, although schools may allow students up to
five years to complete this program.
Programs may require anywhere from 60-75 credits, which typically
take two years to achieve. However, there may be a delay in course
availability if schools only offer certain veterinary technician courses
online every few semesters or years--so students must plan their
schedules accordingly. Participants may also be required to travel to
approved sites for proctored examinations and to complete clinical
experiences. Most coursework is hosted online, but if textbooks are
required in addition to materials delivered online, it will be announced
during registration or when classes start.
List of Sample Veterinary Technology Courses
A veterinary technician must be prepared to work with a variety of
animals, but also be available to assist in business operations. As a
result, associate degree programs include medical, science and business
courses. Students also learn about the uses and affects of various
medications. They practice drawing blood and obtaining specimens for
laboratory examination.
Anatomy and Physiology Course
In anatomy and physiology courses, students study the organ systems
of large and small animals, including non-traditional pets, such as
reptiles. They also learn about histology and genetics.
Office Management for Veterinary Practices Course
Lessons touch upon the reception protocols, computer programs and
financial practices used in veterinary offices. A veterinary technician
may also be trained in animal behavior and grief counseling. These
courses include topics such as inventory control, accountability and
personnel management.
Veterinary Nursing Care Course
Students learn bandaging, medication administering and medical sample
collecting techniques. These courses also cover dentistry, small
animal care and problems with specific bodily systems, including the
cardiovascular and digestive systems.
A graduate with a vet tech degree can find employment in veterinary
clinics or animals hospitals. Duties include performing anesthesia and
radiology, nursing sick animals and collecting biological samples for
laboratory analysis. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
veterinary technicians
and technologists earned between $19,000 and $42,000 in May 2008.
Veterinary technician jobs are projected to increase by as much as 36%
from 2008-2018 (
www.bls.gov).
Continuing Education
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology programs are available,
and may be offered online. They are more commonly available on college
campuses. A bachelor's degree takes approximately four years to complete
and may require additional internships and clinical experiences. Some
schools accept transfer credits from the earned AAS.
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