What Qualifications Do You Need to Achieve As a Veterinary Technician?

Job Duties

Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians during examinations, treatments, surgery and dental procedures. They provide specialized care for pets that may include administering medication and other treatments. Vet techs draw blood and perform laboratory tests on blood samples, urine and feces. They record each animal's health history and problems by talking with the pet owner.

Training

Most veterinary technicians complete a two-year associate degree from a vocational college program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, as noted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Courses include classroom, clinical and laboratory work, and students gain experience working with animals. Not all states have specific educational requirements, and some veterinarians hire techs without a degree.

Credentials

States vary in regard to their regulation of this profession, and some are much more stringent than others. Depending on the state, veterinary technicians may need to become certified, licensed or registered. In New York, for instance, aspiring vet techs must become licensed after completing a high school program and a two-year diploma or degree in veterinary technology registered by the New York State Education Department or accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The BLS advises that veterinary technicians wanting to work in a research facility are likely to need certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.

Skills and Personal Qualities

In addition to technical skills, veterinary technicians need excellent communication skills because they work not only with pets but pet owners. Some vet techs have more contact with pet owners than the veterinarians do. Veterinary technicians typically must be good at working as part of a team, and they need organizational skills and a keen eye for detail. Importantly, veterinary technicians must have the emotional strength to deal with unpleasant situations involving severely injured pets, animal abuse, euthanasia and distraught pet owners.

Continuing Education

Some states require continuing education for veterinary technicians. Nebraska, for instance, requires vet techs to complete 16 hours of approved additional training or coursework every two years.