How to become a vet tech

Do you dream of working with animals professionally, but are put off by the time and money required to finish vet school? A career as a veterinary technician or technologist (aka vet tech) may be for you. Vet techs enjoy a fulfilling career helping animals, but they only need to spend 2-4 years in college (in several states, even less).

In this article, we explain how to become a vet tech in 4 easy-to-follow steps and discuss some key differences between various jobs in the veterinary field: vet technicians, vet technologists, and vet assistants, oh my!

We also reveal government jobs and earnings data to give you a clearer picture of what kind of salary you could expect as a vet tech.

What does a vet tech do?

Vet techs are basically nurses for animals. They work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians to perform medical tests, provide general care to animals while they’re at the clinic (think feeding, bathing, administering meds), take X-rays, collect blood, provide critical care in emergencies, and handle paperwork.

Vet techs also assist in surgery by administering anesthesia, monitoring an animal’s vital signs, and sterilizing surgical equipment.

While it can be a rewarding career, it isn’t necessarily a glamorous one. This job may not be your cup of tea if you’re grossed out by blood, poo, pee, worms, fleas, and mange.

Most vet technicians work at animal hospitals or veterinary clinics; however, veterinary technologists can also work in laboratories, alongside researchers.

How long does it take to become a vet tech

Because you only need an associate degree to become a vet technician, you only need to spend 2 years in college.

Meanwhile, becoming a veterinary technologist usually takes a little longer – about 4 years – as this position requires a bachelor’s degree.

Vet tech requirements

The main requirements to become a vet tech are:

• An associate degree (for vet technicians) or a bachelor’s (for vet technologists) in most states
• Hands-on experience – usually an internship or externship. This may be an integral part of your degree program.
• The VTNE exam
• A license, certification, or registration

It is significantly easier to become a vet tech than a full-fledged veterinarian. Nevertheless, you will still probably need to obtain a college degree and pass some exams. We explain how to become a vet tech below.

Step 1: Get an associate or a bachelor’s degree

Whether you want to become a vet technician or a vet technologist, your journey most likely starts in college.

Vet technicians need to complete a 2-year veterinary technology program that has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These programs are usually offered at community colleges or vocational schools and culminate in an associate degree.

Vet technologists, on the other hand, need a bachelor’s in veterinary technology – these are usually offered at 4-year institutions.

What vet techs study

Regardless of whether you’re studying to become a vet technician or a vet technologist, your college curriculum will include anatomy and physiology, veterinary pharmacology, anesthesia, clinical pathology, and veterinary medical techniques. Some programs also have practical learning components.

Step 2: Find an internship or externship

Veterinary clinics prefer to hire vet techs with some experience handling animals. The best way to do this is to get an internship or externship while still in college.

An internship may be a required part of your vet tech program, which means you wouldn’t have to look for an internship on your own.

If you’re not able to secure an internship, try finding a volunteering position at an animal shelter, or even consider working on a farm.

Step 3: Pass the VTNE

Most states require vet techs to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). However, in some states – notably Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia – the VTNE is a voluntary credential.

The VTNE is an online test administered at special testing centers 3 times a year. It consists of 170 questions that you must answer over 3 hours. The exam has a roughly 70% pass rate.

The VTNE covers the following domains:

• Pharmacy and pharmacology
• Surgical nursing
• Dentistry
• Laboratory procedures
• Animal care and nursing
• Diagnostic imaging
• Anesthesia
• Emergency medicine/critical care
• Pain management/analgesia

Some states may require you to pass their own licensing exam in addition to or instead of the VTNE.

Step 4: Get your vet tech certification, license, or registration

In most states, you have to get a vet tech certification or a license before you start working. This could mean joining NAVTA or the AVMA or registering with your state’s licensing body. Remember that requirements vary based on where you live, so always check information specific to your state.

Your state’s licensing requirements will determine what credential you pursue, usually one of the following:

• Registered vet technician (RVT)
• Licensed vet technician (LVT)
• Certified vet technician (CVT)

All these designations are more or less equivalent. It’s just a matter of what state you live in.

Vet tech average salary info and job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the vet tech average salary is $36,850 per year, or $17.72 an hour. This is 33% less than the national average of $54,709 for people with a bachelor’s degree, but 50% higher than the national average of $24,727 for people with only a high school diploma.

Despite mediocre earnings, vet tech jobs are expected to grow by 20% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than average. In total, there are 122,800 vet tech jobs in the US as of 2021.

Final thoughts

While being a vet technician isn’t the most lucrative career, it’s a job that offers considerable satisfaction. You can rest assured that you’re making the world a better place, one furry friend at a time.

Furthermore, the route to being a vet tech is much shorter – and less expensive – than becoming a full-fledged veterinarian. Consider becoming a vet tech if you’re hesitant to spend too much time in school and you’re interested in a helping career.