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Vet Tech School
By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January 27th, 2010
What technical courses are included in vet tech programs?
Vet tech careers are highly technical in nature and the training that prepares graduates for these careers reflects this. Veterinary technician programs will offer didactic, laboratory, and clinical training in all areas of veterinary medicine such that all the functions of the job will be familiar to graduates as they begin their careers. The following is a general overview of vet tech specific coursework that can be expected of both associate’s and bachelor’s level programs:
- Dental Prophylaxis
- Vaccine and Medicine Administration
- Methods of Educating Pet Owners
- Assisting in Surgery
- Office and Clinical Management
- Physical Examination of Animals
- Biomedical Research
- Acquiring Patient Histories
- Patient Care and Hospitalization
- Clinical Laboratory Procedures
- Administering Anesthetics/Anesthesiology
What soft skills are developed through veterinary technician schools?
Vet Tech schools also prepare graduates for the uniquely sensitive process of treating farm animals and pets that owners have
grown to love and become very attached to. A unique challenge arises from the fact that pet owners are as much a part of the treatment process as the pet being treated. Beyond courses related specifically to veterinary medicine, aspiring veterinary technicians can expect some time to be spent on human psychology and sensitivity training. Although the individuals drawn to this profession tend to be extraordinarily empathetic by nature, some vet tech schools still give time to the methods by which to deliver bad news or broach the subject of euthanization over treatment when it is a reasonable option for pet owners to consider.
What are my veterinary technician degree options?
Choosing to pursue veterinary technician jobs means committing to at least two years in vet tech school. This is the standard enforced by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) and the CVMA (Canadian Veterinary Medical Association) as universal training requirements that ensure a homogeneous similarity in the education received by all veterinary technicians and veterinary technologists. The AVMA and CVMA accredit both online and campus based vet tech schools providing both associate’s and bachelor’s level degree programs.Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Medicine (AS):
The two-year Associate of Science degree is the industry standard for veterinary technicians. With an AS degree graduates are ready for vet tech work in any setting and can feel confident knowing they have received a comprehensive education. After earning an AS, graduates are given the professional moniker of veterinary technician.Bachelor of Science Degree in Veterinary Medicine (BS):
The four-year BS programs culminate in graduates receiving the title of veterinary technologist. In practice the distinction is minimal as both technicians and technologists perform much the same tasks. However, in large veterinary clinics like those found in more metropolitan areas or those serving farming communities with large populations of domesticated animals, one may find veterinary technicians working under the management of veterinary technologists.©2012 Alliedhealthworld.com All rights reserved.