How Long Does It Take To Become a Vet Tech? (Guide)
A veterinary technician is a great career option for people seeking to achieve a healthcare career in a short time period.
The learners should settle themselves from high school for educational success. This article covers every aspect to help you get sufficient information regarding choosing a vet tech career. Veterinary technicians work under the assistance of licensed veterinarians, helping them with multiple tasks.
They assist the vets in the diagnosis and treatment of animals, both sick and healthy. Their duty is almost similar to that of a nurse working for humans. Vet tech programs are not as long as other medical field careers.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Vet Tech?
Generally, the training program takes about 2 to 3 years. Several institutions offer short degree programs for completing the course in an accelerated time. It’s a necessity for vets in many jurisdictions to be licensed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The students are required to complete high school, obtain an associate degree, get specialized training, and later earn credentials.
Is Being a Vet Tech Worth It?
Yes, it’s quite worth it and gratifying, especially for animal lovers. The employment of vet techs is in high demand and is predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to increase by 15% in the coming ten years. Pursuing this field offers numerous growth opportunities. Working under professionals might lead to the possibility of becoming a veterinary doctor at the same clinic. Besides, the profession pays a fair salary range yearly.
Vet Tech Salary & Career Scope
The salary of tech mostly depends on the years of experience in the field. The typical salary is around $29000 to $42000 yearly, depending on the experience, it is about $19 per hour. There is a possibility for well-experienced techs to earn up to $70000 per year. There is a high demand for vet careers in the USA, and even employment is predicted to grow in the coming ten years.
What Type of Vet Tech Earns The Most?
There are multiple options for vet tech specializations. Among them, the most paying are emergency and critical care vet techs, as the life and death of the animals lie in their hands. Emergency health issues can occur at times and require immediate attention and action. They may earn up to $80000 annually, which is higher than the standard salary.
How Long are Most Vet Tech Programs?
Choosing a veterinary career generally requires an associate degree of 2 years. Itβs recommended to enter the field early and learn entry-level skills quickly. However, there is always an opportunity for better and higher education, leading you to a veterinary technologist level by completing a 4-year degree program.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Vet Tech?
The program length and being either an in-state or out-state student, along with a few other factors decide the cost of it. Generally, the cost for in-state students is somewhere around $1300 to $12000. At the same time, the tuition and fees for out-states are around $8000 to $30000. The state and private schools’ tuition fees are higher than community colleges. The four-year degree program costs $67000 to $86000.
Educational Requirements to Become a Vet Tech
A two-year associate degree in this field is the basic educational requirement to become a vet tech. Many states require an accredited degree from the American Veterinary Medical Association. The techs require either a high school diploma or a GED certificate, some states require associate degrees. Some states require students to get specialized training and earn credentials, they should either be certified or registered.
Veterinary Technician Duties & Responsibilities
The Vet Tech is responsible for assisting the veterinary doctor in almost all clinical work. The diagnosis, care, and treatment of the animal are all included. They also assist throughout the surgery process, tasks during the operation, cleaning, and caring. The tech must provide a friendly and safe environment to the patients.
What Does a Vet Tech Do?
The profession requires numerous different tasks. We have mentioned a list below.
- Initial diagnosis of the animal
- Gather medical history
- Take blood sample
- First aid
- Assist in surgery
- Preparing animals
- Maintainance
- Client relations
Is It Hard to Learn To Be a Vet Tech?
It’s not entirely hard, and neither should it be taken too lightly. It requires a lot of time and hard work, patience with the animals, and staying active throughout the duty. You need to put all your interest and focus into learning correctly, and be prepared to spend irregular hours in emergency situations. It gets challenging to deal with different animals every day. However, it is relaxing for some people who are pet lovers and love taking care of and spending time around animals.
What Is The Next Measure After Becoming a Vet Tech?
Almost every career provides opportunities to grow more. Many techs try to advance their employment for better chances, or salaries and seek alternative careers, even the passionate ones too. The next step might be becoming a technologist or returning to studies to become a veterinary doctor.
Here are some important questions you might still have.
Q. How many years does becoming a vet tech take?
The general time to enter the vet tech field is about two years to complete an associate degree. Many states require AVMA-accredited degrees, some offer short programs to complete the course in accelerated time.
Q. What qualifications are needed to be a veterinary assistant?
The minimum qualification requirement for a veterinary assistant is a high school diploma or an equivalent course. The position also demands an experienced and trained employee.
Q. How much does a vet assistant typically earn?
Vet assistants make a fair amount of money annually. The salary may vary depending on factors, including education, skills, experience, etc. However, it ranges somewhere between $25000 to $38000.
Q. Are vet techs in high demand?
Yes, they are in high demand worldwide as people are growing fond of keeping pets. Moreover, an increase in vet employment by 15% is predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics which attracts more students to pursue this career.
Q. How do a vet assistant and a vet tech differ?
The primary difference between the two is a credentialing exam. A vet assistant is not required to pass the exams and labor with the tech. Whereas the vet tech must give the exam and work under the assistance of a licensed veterinarian.
A vet tech course takes a short time, enabling you to enter the field in 2 years & start your career. It’s fun work for pet lovers and requires passion and patience with the animals. The significant advantage of the profession is that it is evolving and in high demand.