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Vet Technician Training Options
Among the first decisions that you will have to make is whether you desire to train as a vet assistant, technician or technologist. Part of your decision might be based on the amount of time and money that you have to devote to your education, but the principal factor will undoubtedly be which specialization interests you the most. What techs and assistants have in common is that they all work under the immediate direction of a practicing and licensed veterinarian. And although there are a number of duties that they can carry out within the Wisconsin veterinary practice or hospital, they can't prescribe drugs, diagnose health issues, or perform surgical procedures. In those areas they can only furnish assistance to a licensed veterinarian. There are technicians and technologists that work away from the standard veterinarian practice, for instance for animal shelters, zoos or police departments. Let's take a look at the job functions and education requirements for each position.
- Vet Assistants in most cases will have undergone a structured training program, either as an intern or apprentice in a practice, or by graduating from a certificate program at a community college or vocational school. As the name implies, their job function is to assist the vets and vet techs in the performance of their duties. Generally they are not associated with more complex undertakings, such as assisting with surgical procedures. A few of their regular responsibilities may include working at the front desk, preparing and cleaning examination rooms and equipment, or handling pets during exams.
- Vet Technicians receive more advanced training compared with assistants and typically earn a 2 year Associate Degree, preferably from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. They are in a fashion the vet counterparts of medical nurses, since their general job function is to assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animal patients. Where they stand apart from vet assistants is that they are included in more involved duties, for instance assisting with surgical procedures or providing medication. All states currently require vet techs pass a credentialing exam for either licensing, registration or certification.
- Vet Technologists are comparable to veterinary technicians and for the most part carry out the same job functions. They are mandated to attain a Bachelor's Degree in veterinary technology, which generally takes four years to complete. Therefore the only real difference between a vet technician and a technologist is the technologist's higher level of education. But with an advanced degree comes more career opportunities, increased salaries and potential management positions. They are also required to pass a credentialing examination for either licensing, registration or certification.
Veterinary techs and technologists may specialize in areas such as anesthesia, internal medicine or urgent care. Many may obtain certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) to work in Wisconsin labs or research facilities also.
Online Vet Tech Programs Available
An option that might make sense for those with a busy schedule or who are working full-time while going to vet college is to enroll in an online program. Since the classes are offered by means of the internet, students can attend on their own schedule wherever a computer is accessible. The course of study is taught using various methods, including videos, slide shows and live streaming webinars. And since the majority of vet tech and technologist degrees require practical training, that segment can typically be completed as an internship or work study program at a local Wisconsin veterinarian practice or hospital. Distance learning, as it is also called, may in many instances lower the cost of your education. Tuition and secondary expenses, for example for commuting and study supplies, may be lower compared to more traditional classroom programs. Just confirm that the online school that you enroll in is accredited, either by the AVMA or another nationally certified accrediting organization. With the online courses and the practical training, everything is furnished for a complete education. So if you are disciplined enough to learn in this more independent manner, an online veterinary technician program may be the ideal option for you.