Becoming a Veterinary Technician: Education, Training & Career Path

Veterinary technicians must complete several levels of training and education before they can begin their career administering to animals. People who want to pursue this career track will have to earn a college degree in the subject, become certified and serve as a trainee.

Description

• According to the VetInfo website, veterinary technicians assist veterinarians by giving injections or anesthesia, performing lab tests and updating patient histories.

High School

• Future veterinary technicians should start in high school by focusing on math, biology and science, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

College

• The Bureau of Labor statistics states that veterinary technicians hold a degree from a college veterinary technology program. Courses typically include biology, chemistry, anesthesia, animal diseases and anatomy, according to VetInfo.com.

Job Site Training

• Newly degreed veterinary technicians continue to learn on the job as trainees working for a veterinarian. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the length of the trainee period depends on the trainee's practical education.

Licenses and Certifications

• Every state requires its veterinary technicians to become credentialed by passing a state exam. Technicians may additionally earn certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), earning the title of assistant laboratory animal technician (ALAT), laboratory animal technician (LAT) or laboratory animal technologist (LATG).