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Vet Tech Degree Options
One of the initial decisions that you will need to make is whether you wish to train as a veterinary assistant, technologist or technician. Part of your determination might be predicated on the amount of time and money that you have to commit to your training, but the primary determiner will probably be which specialization appeals to you the most. What technicians and assistants share in common is that they all work under the direct supervision of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And even though there are a number of functions that they can carry out within the California veterinary clinic or hospital, they can't prescribe medications, diagnose health issues, or carry out surgical procedures. In those areas they may only provide assistance to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work exclusive of the conventional veterinarian practice, for example for animal shelters, zoos or law enforcement. Let's take a look at the responsibilities and education requirements for each specialty.
- Vet Assistants in the majority of instances will have undergone a formal training program, either as an apprentice or intern in a vet clinic or hospital, or by finishing a certificate program at a vocational school or community college. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet technicians in the performance of their duties. Generally they are not associated with more involved activities, for instance assisting with surgeries. A few of their usual duties may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning exam rooms and equipment, or handling animals during exams.
- Vet Technicians get more advanced training compared with assistants and usually obtain a 2 year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a sense the veterinarian equivalent of medical nurses, since their fundamental job duty is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they stand apart from veterinary assistants is that they are included in more complex functions, for example assisting with surgeries or administering medication. All states currently require vet techs pass a credentialing exam for either certification, registration or licensing.
- Vet Technologists are similar to vet technicians and basically perform the same work functions. They are mandated to attain a Bachelor's Degree in veterinary technology, which usually takes four years to complete. So the main distinction between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist's higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more career options, increased salaries and possible management positions. They are also required to pass a credentialing exam for either licensing, registration or certification.
Veterinary techs and technologists can specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or emergency care. A number may acquire certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in California laboratories or research facilities also.
Online Veterinary Technician Programs Offered
An option that may be a solution for those with a hectic lifestyle or who are working full time while going to veterinarian college is to enroll in an online training program. Since the classes are made available over the internet, students can study on their own timetable wherever a computer is accessible. The educational program is taught using various venues, including slide shows, videos and live streaming webinars. And since most vet tech and technologist degrees require practical training, that portion can normally be completed as an internship or work study program at a local California veterinary practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in some instances lower the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary expenditures, for instance for traveling and study materials, may be cheaper compared to more traditional classroom programs. Just make certain that the program that you choose is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting organization. With the online classes and the clinical training, everything is furnished for a comprehensive education. So if you are dedicated enough to learn in this more independent mode, an online vet tech program may be the perfect choice for you.