Certification is required for veterinary technicians to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and talents on the job. To perform professionally as a veterinary technician, you must first obtain schooling and certification in your state. In this article, we outline who a vet tech is, their duties, the certification needed, and some program or programs they need to venture into either online or onsite in order to be certified. Let’s get to it.
What is a Vet Tech?
A veterinary technician, also known as a vet tech, is a trained animal care specialist who collaborates with veterinarians, veterinary technologists, and veterinary assistants to enhance patient health and wellness. Hence, they work as clinical nurses, assisting veterinarians in the treatment of diverse animal species such as wildlife, domesticated pets, and cattle.
Depending on their unique interests and available opportunities, vet techs may work in veterinary practices, research institutes, zoos, wildlife medical institutions, the private sector, the military, animal health clinics, pharmaceutical sales, and other places.
What Does a Vet Tech Do?
Vet technologists are in charge of a variety of clinical operations in veterinary practices. They are in charge of animal patient intake, physical examinations, and assessments, medicine administration, client education, laboratory work, specimen collection, radiological examination, surgical nursing, and other duties as needed. The clinical obligations that a vet tech takes on may vary depending on where they live and the certification they hold. Although some states allow vet techs to do high-level clinical care jobs, others only allow vet techs to function as clinical assistants.
What are Veterinary Technician Certifications?
Veterinary technician certification is a professional accreditation that validates veterinary technicians’ expertise and competence. Veterinary technicians are trained individuals that provide medical care for animals under the direction of veterinarians. Passing an exam administered by one of several organizations, such as the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) or the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), leads to certification.
Animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, laboratory techniques, and surgery are all areas in which certified veterinary technicians demonstrate their knowledge and skill. However, by being certified, veterinary technicians can exhibit their dedication to their careers and help ensure that their patients receive exceptional treatment. Certification also assists businesses in identifying personnel who have the requisite skills and knowledge to efficiently fulfill their job tasks. Certifications may also be required for specific roles or promotions within veterinary clinics and hospitals.
Finally, obtaining certification can help professionals preserve career security by allowing them to stay current on evolving trends in animal health care. However, it also implies that they have met certain national organization criteria, which can help them remain competitive in the job market.
Top 10 Veterinary Technician Certifications 2023
Here is our list of the greatest Veterinary Technician certifications available today.
#1. Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) administers the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). It is used to assess entry-level veterinary technicians’ knowledge, skills, and competencies. Hence, the VTNE is comprised of 200 multiple-choice questions covering anesthesia, clinical pathology, dentistry, emergency medicine, pharmacology, radiography, surgery, and other disciplines.
#2. Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)
A Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is a veterinary technician who has finished a rigorous program of study and training. The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) awards this certification. The CVT credential is nationally regarded as the gold standard for veterinary technology excellence.
Individuals must complete a two-year associate degree program from an authorized college or university and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) to become certified.
#3. Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is a licensed veterinarian who has completed an accredited veterinary technician program and passed the National Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). RVTs are licensed in their state to practice veterinary technology and are held to a higher standard of care than unlicensed technicians.
Depending on the sort of curriculum, an accredited veterinary technician program normally takes two years to finish. Prerequisites for most programs include biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and other related subjects.
#4. Certified Animal Health Technicians (CAHT)
CAHTs are highly trained specialists that provide a wide range of veterinary services to animals, including preventive medicine, diagnostics, and treatment. They are in charge of animal health and welfare in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research centers, zoos, and other animal care facilities.
Individuals must complete an authorized curriculum that normally takes two years or more to complete in order to become a CAHT.
#5. Certified Veterinary Practice Managers (CVPM)
The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) grants the credential Certified Veterinary Practice Managers (CVPM). However, it is intended to honor veterinary professionals who excel at practice management. Candidates for the CVPM program must have at least three years of experience in veterinary practice management and pass a comprehensive examination process.
#6. Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT)
Individuals who have earned a professional certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) are known as Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT). This certification is intended to recognize professionals who have a high degree of knowledge and experience in dog training.
#7. Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP)
A Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) is a professional certification program that recognizes veterinarians who have advanced knowledge and skills in diagnosing, assessing, and managing pain in animals. The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) bestows the CVPP certification.
#8. Certified Veterinary Behavior Technicians (CVBT)
Certified Veterinary Behavior Technicians (CVBTs) are animal behaviorists who specialize in animal welfare. They are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat animal behavioral issues. CVBTs collaborate with veterinarians, animal trainers, and other animal care experts to improve the lives of animals.
#9. Registered Veterinary Technician in Anesthesia and Analgesia (RVTA&A)
The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia (AVTAA) offers a certification program called Registered Veterinary Technician in Anesthesia and Analgesia (RVTA&A). Hence, this certification is for veterinary technicians who have completed anesthesia and analgesia training. This includes drug administration, monitoring patients under general anesthesia, and providing post-operative care.
Applicants must have at least two years of experience as a veterinary technician, with at least one year of experience in anesthesia or analgesia.
#10. American Association of Feline Practitioners Feline Nursing Assistant Certification Program
The Feline Nursing Assistant Certification Program of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) is a program designed to give veterinary technicians and assistants the information and abilities needed to care for cats in a veterinary setting. Furthermore, this veterinary technician certification program is divided into two parts: an online self-study course and a practical exam.
However, students will learn about feline anatomy, physiology, nutrition, behavior, diseases, treatments, and client communication in this course.
How to Earn a Vet Tech Certification
The specific path you should take to obtain your vet tech certification will be determined by situational criteria such as your education level, professional experience, and the regulations established by your state’s local veterinary association. With these considerations in mind, there are a few critical measures you should take as you pursue your certifications. Here are the six stages to earning your vet tech certification:
#1. Earn your high school diploma or equivalent
Earning your high school diploma or similar degree is the first step toward earning your vet tech certification. Hence, to enroll in most authorized veterinary technician schools, candidates must have a high school diploma. This is because graduating from high school allows you to establish a firm foundation of skills and knowledge in some areas such as physics and mathematics, which are essential for working in the veterinary industry.
#2. Research your state’s licensing requirements
It’s a good idea to examine your state’s licensure criteria for vet technologists while still in high school. Each state has its own set of qualifications for candidates.
As a result, you should perform research on your state’s criteria to ensure that you’re completing all of the necessary steps toward obtaining your certification. This can assist you in achieving professional status while avoiding wasting time and energy chasing credentials that your state does not recognize.
#3. Attend an accredited veterinary technician school
Regardless of their specific certification requirements, most states need candidates to attend an AMVA-accredited veterinary technician program in order to acquire vital ideas and build key skills for success in their careers. These programs are typically two years long and culminate in applicants gaining associate degrees. Vet tech certification programs are available at a variety of educational institutions, including technical schools, community colleges, and four-year universities, in both in-person and online formats.
#4. Take and pass the veterinary technician national examination
You can take the veterinary technician national examination (VTNE) after graduating from an authorized veterinary technician program, which is sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). However, the computer-based test is administered three times per year and normally lasts three hours. It has 170 multiple-choice questions.
#5. Complete any clinical hours required by your state
Some states require vet techs to complete a certain amount of clinical hours before they may be certified. You should complete any clinical hours required for certification based on the requirements you found during your research in step three. To speed the certification process, several vet tech programs allow candidates to complete clinical rotations while also earning their degrees.
#6. Apply for your credentials and register as a veterinary technician
You can apply for your credentials after graduating from an AMVA-accredited vet tech program, passing the VTNE, and completing any clinical hours required by your state’s governing agency. Once you’ve been accepted and licensed as a vet tech in your state, you can register as a professional in the field and appear on a list of practicing vet techs.
Do You Really Need a Veterinary Technician Certificate?
Yes, a veterinary technician certificate is a vital credential for anyone who wants to work as a veterinary technician. Hence, a veterinary technician certificate will help you find new jobs and provide you an advantage over other applicants in the field.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Vet Tech in the US?
Technologists often require a four-year bachelor’s degree, whereas technicians only a two-year associate’s degree. Depending on the criteria of the state in which they operate, both technologists and technicians must typically complete a credentialing exam in order to become registered, licensed, or certified.
What’s the Difference Between Vet Tech and Vet Assistant?
One significant distinction between both occupations is that veterinary technicians operate under the supervision of a professional veterinarian and must pass a credentialing exam. However, veterinary assistants work alongside veterinarians or veterinary technicians and are not required to pass any exams.
What Can I Do With a Veterinary Technician Associate Degree?
The majority of veterinary technicians work in private clinics, although there are alternative options, which include:
- Research.
- Diagnostic laboratories.
- Humane Societies.
- Livestock production.
- Rescue centers for birds of prey, exotic or aquatic animals.
- Veterinary teaching hospitals.
- Universities.
- Military service.
Is the Veterinary Technician Degree Accredited?
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) presently accredits all Veterinary Technology programs on our campuses.
How Do I Become a Licensed Vet Tech in Washington State?
To earn the LVT license, applicants must first finish a veterinary technology program, the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), and any other state requirements.
How Much Does a Vet Tech Get Paid in Washington?
This license earns Veterinary Technicians +8.82% more than the average base wage of $24.95 per hour.
Conclusion
Overall, acquiring a vet tech certification, whether online or in person, is required if you want to work as a veterinary technician. It not only proves that you have gained the requisite animal care skills and knowledge, but it also gives businesses assurance that they are hiring someone who has met particular requirements. Furthermore, depending on the employer’s needs, holding such certification may result in more career opportunities or higher income.
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