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Vet Technician Degree Options
One of the initial decisions that you will have to make is whether you wish to train as a vet assistant, technician or technologist. Part of your decision might be predicated on the amount of time and money that you have to invest in your training, but the main factor will probably be which specialization appeals to you the most. What techs and assistants share in common is that they both work under the direct guidance of a licensed and practicing veterinarian. And while there are many jobs that they can carry out within the Colorado veterinary practice or hospital, they can't prescribe medicines, diagnose conditions, or perform surgical procedures. In those areas they may only provide assistance to a licensed vet. There are technologists and technicians that work away from the standard vet practice, such as for animal shelters, zoos or police departments. Let's take a look at the duties and training requirements for each specialization.
- Vet Assistants in almost all instances will have completed 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 vocational school or community college. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet techs in the completion of their duties. Generally they are not associated with more involved undertakings, for example assisting with surgical procedures. Some of their usual duties may include working at the front desk, cleaning and preparing examination rooms and equipment, or controlling pets during examinations.
- Vet Technicians get more extensive training compared to assistants and generally obtain a 2 year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a fashion the veterinarian equivalent of medical nurses, since their fundamental job function is to assist vets with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they stand apart from veterinary assistants is that they are included in more complicated duties, such as assisting with surgical procedures or administering medication. All states currently require veterinary technicians pass a credentialing examination for either certification, registration or licensing.
- Vet Technologists are comparable to vet techs and basically perform the same work functions. They are mandated to earn a Bachelor's Degree in veterinary technology, which typically takes 4 years. Therefore the only real distinction between a vet technologist and a technician is the technologist's more advanced level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more work opportunities, higher salaries and potential management positions. They are additionally required to pass a credentialing exam for either licensing, registration or certification.
Veterinary technicians and technologists can specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or emergency care. A number may earn certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Colorado laboratories or research facilities as well.
Online Veterinary Technician Programs Available
An approach that might make sense for those with a busy schedule or who are working full time while attending vet college is to enroll in an online program. Since the classes are made available over the internet, students can attend on their own schedule wherever a computer is accessible. The curriculum is taught using several methods, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since most veterinary technician and technologist degrees require clinical training, that portion can normally be fulfilled as an internship or work study program at a local Colorado veterinarian clinic or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, can in many instances reduce the cost of your education. Tuition and ancillary expenses, for example for traveling and study materials, can be more affordable compared to more traditional classroom programs. Just be sure that the online school that you choose is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally recognized accrediting organization. With the online classes and the practical 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 school may be the ideal choice for you.