Working with veterinarians comes with an increasing level of responsibility. You can become veterinary assistants, technicians or technologists in this job. The associate and bachelor’s degrees are the preparation for these positions. Today, veterinarians accept assistants with at least an associate’s degree in veterinary technology. In most times, they require from an accredited community college or technical school. How long does it take to become a veterinary technician? The associate’s level training takes two years or less to complete the program. You can also choose to complete a bachelor’s degree program in the field. The veterinary technologist levels are available online and on-campus formats.
Associate’s Degree
This degree introduces students to many basic veterinary topics. The associate vet tech cover programs such as animal health care and management. Students generally learn animal anatomy and physiology. In the two years of learning, they will undergo and may engage in practical training. They will also have a clinical experience with live animals at a local veterinary office. Some of the topics in both online and on-campus learning include:
- Animal anatomy
- Animal medicine
- Animal nursing
- Animal physiology
- Large animal diseases
- Small animal breeds and behavior
Bachelor’s Degree
The bachelor’s degree in vet tech is important to enter in the veterinary school. This degree is generally earned through a four-year curriculum. Enrolling in this program takes some of the same courses in an associate’s degree program. You may encounter veterinary pharmacology and veterinary radiology under the program. This is more comprehensive and prepares students to assist with more complicated procedures. You will also experience practical tests and clinical study at a veterinary office. This training is usually included in the curriculum and a rule for graduation. Most of the topics might include:
- Functional histology
- General pharmacology and toxicology
- Intro to veterinary anatomy
- Neurobiology
- Principles and prevention of livestock diseases
Continuing Specializations
In most cases, veterinary assistants or technicians need to have credentials. This will usually include passing written, oral and practical portions of an exam. There are also workshops available to students who are in veterinary technology. This is important to know more about the field. For veterinarian assistants, there may be some other courses and seminars available. This is to stay current on new types of veterinary equipment and advances in treatment. There are also general veterinary conferences that often include workshops or courses. Attending these activities will help in the learning years as veterinarian assistants.
How long does it take to become a veterinary technician?
The associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs will prepare as an aspiring vet assistant. The credential examinations and careers assisting vets in a variety tasks is also a need. The bachelor’s degree will allow graduates to become veterinary technologists. This is a more advanced position and a preparation for veterinary school.
It can take a student about 3 to 4 years to become a veterinarian assistant. You can try to do it in 3 years by taking the associates degree. If you need to prepare a bit more for the veterinary school, take the four-year programs. The internship time range is optional if you want a bit longer or specialize in some of the other fields.
