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Vet Technician Training Options
One of the first decisions that you will need to make is whether you desire to train as a veterinary assistant, technologist or technician. Part of your decision may be based on the amount of time and money that you have to invest in your education, but the principal factor will probably be which specialization interests you the most. What techs and assistants share in common is that they both work under the direct supervision of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And although there are numerous functions that they can carry out within the Arkansas veterinary clinic or hospital, they can't prescribe drugs, diagnose conditions, or conduct surgical procedures. In those areas they may only provide support to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work outside of the conventional veterinarian practice, for example for zoos, animal shelters or police departments. Let's take a look at the job functions and education prerequisites for each specialization.
- Vet Assistants in most cases will have gone through a formal training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a vet clinic or hospital, or by graduating from a certificate program at a community college or trade school. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the veterinarians and vet technicians in the performance of their duties. Normally they are not associated with more involved activities, such as assisting with surgeries. Some of their usual responsibilities may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or controlling pets during examinations.
- Vet Technicians undergo more extensive training compared with assistants and typically acquire a 2 year Associate Degree, ideally from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the veterinary counterparts of medical nurses, since their basic job function is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they differ from vet assistants is that they are included in more complex tasks, such as assisting with surgical procedures or providing medication. All states currently require vet technicians pass a credentialing examination for either registration, certification or licensing.
- Vet Technologists are similar to vet technicians and essentially perform the same job functions. They are mandated to earn a Bachelor's Degree in veterinary technology, which usually takes four years. So the only real distinction between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist's more advanced level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more career opportunities, increased salaries and possible management positions. They are also required to pass a credentialing examination for either registration, certification or licensing.
Veterinary techs and technologists may specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or emergency care. Many may obtain certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Arkansas laboratories or research facilities also.
Online Veterinary Technician Schools Offered
An alternative that might be a solution for those with a hectic schedule or who are working full-time while attending veterinarian college is to enroll in an online training program. Because the classes are offered via the internet, students can study on their own schedule wherever a computer is available. The syllabus is taught using several venues, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of vet tech and technologist degrees require practical training, that segment can normally be carried out as an internship or work study program at a local Arkansas veterinary clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, can in some instances reduce the cost of your education. Tuition and secondary costs, such as for commuting and study materials, may be cheaper compared to more traditional classroom programs. Just be sure that the program that you choose is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting organization. With the online courses and the practical training, everything is provided for a complete education. So if you are disciplined enough to learn in this more independent mode, an online veterinary technician program may be the right choice for you.