If you're an animal lover, serving as a vet tech can be a rewarding career. Not only do you get the opportunity to hang out with four-legged creatures every day, but you get paid for it, too. Attending school to become a vet tech doesn't take as long as becoming a veterinarian. Here's what you need to know about how to become a licensed vet tech.
Step 1
Earn your degree from an accredited program. While there are a number of different vet tech programs at colleges and universities across the United States, you should earn your degree from one that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Graduating from an accredited program is required in some states to become a licensed vet tech.
Step 2
Complete your clinical experience. Accredited vet tech programs all require some type of clinical experience that allows you to work with animals in an actual animal care facility applying what you've learned. Some colleges include the clinical experience as part of their classroom instruction, while others require you to complete internships.
Step 3
Take the national certification exam once you've received your degree. The Veterinary Technician National Exam tests the skills and knowledge you learned in school and how you will apply it in an actual animal care setting.
Step 4
Register for your license in your state after receiving your score from your national exam. Each state has a separate application process depending upon the requirements for a license. Contact your state government offices to determine how to apply, which documents you need to show proof of your education and the passing score on the national exam.
Skill: Moderate
Tip: It is highly recommended that after becoming a licensed vet tech you join a professional organization such as the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
There are approximately 10 schools in the United States that have distance learning degrees for vet techs.
Keyword: licensed vet tech veterinary technician
