EDUCATION AND TRAINING

To become a veterinary technician, individuals must complete an accredited two-year program leading to an associate degree in veterinary technology. A few colleges offer a four-year bachelor's degree program in veterinary technology. These four-year programs, in addition to some vocational schools, also offer two-year programs in laboratory animal science. In 2004, there were 103 veterinary technology programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - 15 of which offer a four-year degree option.

Entrants to these programs must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Specific admission requirements vary. Generally, a strong background in high school science courses is helpful. Courses such as English, algebra, chemistry, physics, and biology are usually required. Summer or part-time work is also valuable for practical experience.

Specific courses in an AVMA-accredited program include ethics and jurisprudence in veterinary medicine., principles of veterinary anatomy and physiology, anestetic nursing and monitoring, medical terminology, and veterinary office management. Other studies include animal nutrition and feeding, animal care and management, animal husbandry, necropsy techniques, surgical assisting, pharmacology, hematology, parasitology and radiography.

Classes are taught in clinical and laboratory settings using live animals. Students also get clinical practice and field experience in a veterinary practice or animal health care center.

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