How to Become a Certified Veterinary Technician with OCTC
Are you an animal lover? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of animals? Then becoming a Veterinary Technician might be the perfect career for you!
A Veterinary Technician is a vital part of the veterinary profession, providing essential medical and surgical care to both companion animals and livestock. Veterinary technicians work in a variety of settings, including private veterinary practices, animal hospitals, zoos, animal shelters, research laboratories, and more!
What is a Veterinary Technician?
As a Veterinary Technician you will be responsible for providing medical care to animals in need. This includes administering medications, assisting in diagnostic tests and procedures, and performing laboratory tests. You will also assist in surgery, provide emergency care, and take x-rays. You will also be responsible for educating pet owners about proper animal care and nutrition.
Once you have completed your degree, you will need to become certified. This is done through taking and passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). This exam is administered by the American Veterinary Medical Association and is the only way to become certified as a Veterinary Technician.
How to become a Veterinary Technician
In order to become a Veterinary Technician, you must have at least an associate’s degree in veterinary technology. This degree usually takes two years to complete, and you will be required to complete courses in anatomy and physiology, animal handling and restraint, clinical activities, and much more. You may also need to complete an internship in order to gain hands-on experience.
OCTC's AAS in Veterinary Technology
While there are many veterinary technician programs nationwide, Owensboro Community and Technical College's vet tech program is one of few in Kentucky.
OCTC's vet tech school offers an associate degree in Veterinary Technology. Program enrollment is limited and those interested must complete the application process, which includes completing clinical hours under a licensed veterinary technician. Find more details about the application process or request information here.
For those wanting to become a veterinary technician, the program can be challenging but very rewarding. The degree program offers students the chance to gain a comprehensive understanding of the health and wellness of animals. Through the completion of courses and hands-on experience, students can gain a deep understanding of the medical care practices and treatments used to care for animals.
Internship or Volunteer experience
Gaining experience in the veterinary field is an important step for any aspiring veterinary technician. Along with completing an associate degree, many also choose to take part in an internship or practicum to gain hands-on experience and better understand the industry. Internships can be a great way to not only learn more about the field, but also make valuable connections with professionals in the same field.
Internships can also provide an opportunity to network and make connections with other professionals in the veterinary field. This can come in handy when looking for a job after graduation, as your mentor may be able to provide advice and open doors for you in the future.
Becoming a veterinary technician is not an easy task, but it is well worth the effort for those who are passionate about the field and dedicated to learning. By obtaining an associate degree in veterinary technology and completing an internship, individuals can gain the necessary skills and knowledge to become a successful veterinary technician.
How to apply to OCTC's Vet Tech Program
Those interested in applying to OCTC's vet tech program must be:
- 18 years or older by time of admission.
- Current student at OCTC or current application for admission on file
- Official transcripts on file at OCTC Office of the Registrar
- Attend one online or in-person Pre-Admission Information Session
- Complete Veterinary Technology program application form
- ACT Composite score 18+
- Complete TEAS Assessment and submit official score along with application.
- Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7
- Complete a minimum of 16 Clinical Experience Hours under the supervision of a Licensed Veterinary Technician.
- Complete all required medical forms and screenings prior to summer orientation including rabies prophylaxis.
Why do applicants need clinical hours?
For those considering a career in veterinary technology, a clinical experience is an important part of the process. This experience helps applicants demonstrate their exposure to the field and gain valuable insight into the day-to-day of being a veterinary technician.
Prospective students of the OCTC Veterinary Technology Program are required to complete a minimum of 16 observation hours under the supervision of a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT/RVT) or DVM.
Where can I earn my clinical hours?
Field experience can take many forms, from volunteering, observing, or shadowing a licensed vet tech at a practice, to full-time employment. During this experience, applicants learn how to use and maintain medical equipment, how to follow safety protocols in the workplace, and how to interact with animals and their owners. They also learn how to work as part of a team, with other technicians and veterinarians.
The clinical experience is a great opportunity for aspiring veterinary technicians to gain real-world experience and apply their knowledge of the field. It helps them develop their skills and gain confidence in the workplace. Applicants who have experience in the field are more likely to be successful when they apply for jobs and are more attractive to employers.
The clinical experience is a crucial part of the path to becoming a vet tech. It allows applicants to gain valuable insight into the field, develop their skills, and demonstrate their commitment to the profession. With the right experience and dedication, applicants can put themselves in the best position to succeed in the veterinary field.
Applicants should observe a variety of clinical tasks. Acceptable tasks to be observed include:
- Minor surgical procedure such as laceration repair
- Major surgical procedures such as ovariohysterectomy
- Office procedures such as financial transactions
- Client interaction such as history taking and discharge instructions
- Kennel or stall clean up
- Administration of medication such as pilling or injections
- Euthanasia, if possible
- Instrument care and sterilization
- Laboratory work such as blood analysis, microscopy
- Animal restraint techniques
Preparing For and Taking the VTNE
Once you have completed your degree in veterinary medicine, you will need to become certified in order to practice veterinary medicine. This is done by taking and passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam, which is administered by the American Veterinary Medical Association. This exam is the only way to become certified as a Veterinary Technician.
The exam is composed of multiple choice and essay questions that are designed to test the knowledge and skills of applicants. The exam is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on general veterinary technician knowledge and the second part focusing on specific clinical skills. To pass the exam, applicants must demonstrate a mastery of both general and specific knowledge and skills.
OCTC has a 100% pass rate for first time test takers of the VTNE.
Where can I take the VTNE?
The exam is typically administered at approved testing sites throughout the country. Applicants must register for the exam and pay the associated fees in order to take the exam. Once registered, applicants will receive the exam date, time, and location. Applicants are responsible for bringing the required documents to the test site and must arrive on time in order to take the exam. Learn more and register for the VTNE here.
Preparing for the VTNE
It is important to prepare for the exam. Applicants should review the exam material and practice the exam questions in order to gain an understanding of the material and to become comfortable with the exam format. There are also study guides and test prep materials available to help applicants prepare for the exam.
Once you have passed the exam, you will be certified as a Veterinary Technician. This certification will allow you to practice veterinary medicine. It is a very important step in the process of becoming a professional in the veterinary medicine field.
Careers after completing a veterinary technician program
As pet owners look for ways to ensure their furry friends are living the best life possible, the demand for vet tech schools has been growing rapidly. With an increase in the number of pet owners, the field of veterinary technology is one that is experiencing tremendous growth.
Veterinary technology encompasses a wide range of career opportunities, from teaching to pharmaceuticals to biomedical research. There is a growing demand for professionals in private practices, humane societies, diagnostic labs, zoo/wildlife medicine, and veterinary supply sales. Each of these areas requires a specialized set of skills and knowledge, as well as a commitment to the health and safety of animals.
Job outlook for Vet Techs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to grow 20 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 15,500 openings for veterinary technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Those with an associate degree in veterinary technology can expect a fast-paced work environment. They may work as a veterinary technologist, veterinary technicians, lab assistant, veterinary assistant, and more.
What is the salary for a veterinary technologist?
The median annual wage for veterinary technologists and technicians was $36,850 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,370, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,100.
The median wage for veterinary technologists and technicians is a good start for those looking to enter the field. With experience and knowledge, you may be able to boost your salary and further your career in veterinary technology.
Career field outlook
The demand for vet techs will continue to increase as more pet owners recognize the importance of providing their pets with the best care possible. With a growing number of career opportunities in the field, individuals looking to make a difference in the lives of animals have never had a better time to join the veterinary tech field.
Why choose a vet tech program?
If you are looking for a rewarding career that combines your love for animals with medical expertise, then becoming a vet tech may be the perfect fit for you. There are many opportunities for growth and advancement in this field, and you can make a difference in the lives of animals every day!
Learn more about OCTC's vet tech program
You can request info from any of OCTC's vet tech program contacts.
Laura Boarman, DVM
Program Director
(270) 686-4585
Jacqueline Jackson, BS, LVT
Associate Professor
(270) 686-4442
Tara Groves, BS, LVT
Instructor
(270) 852-8968
OCTC is a public community college in Owensboro, Kentucky. It is part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). Owensboro Community College (est. 1986) and Owensboro Technical College (est. 1929) consolidated to become OCTC.
Owensboro offers a variety of associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in a variety of fields, including business administration, information technology, health care, engineering, and automotive technology. The college also offers a variety of non-credit courses, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) and workforce education.
Owensboro Community and Technical College is committed to student success. The college offers a variety of support services, such as tutoring, academic advising, student life, and financial aid assistance. OCTC also has a strong commitment to workforce development. The college works with local businesses to develop and deliver training programs that meet the needs of the local economy.
The college is a valuable asset to the Owensboro community. The college provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. The college also helps to promote economic development in the community by providing training programs that meet the needs of local businesses.
Vet Tech Program at OCTC
