Home » Squidoo Community » About Me » My Resume

My Vet Tech Training

Ranked #402 in Squidoo Community, #51,894 overall | Donates to Ferrets Unlimited Ferret Shelter, Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA

Vet Tech Explanation

I'm making this page about my Vet Tech Training because someone suggested it might make for interesting reading.

For those of you who don't know what a Vet Tech is, I'll explain. Basically, it's being an animal nurse. A Vet Tech does everything from being an Office Manager, to a Surgery Assistant, to a receptionist. We also field calls to and from the doctor, and deal with salesmen. It's not a career you'll ever be rich at, but if you love animals, it's a great choice.

 

Certified VS Non-Certified

There are two types of Vet Techs. One is Certified, the other is not. To become certified, you have to take and pass a test with at least 70%. You can still get a job if you're not certified, but if you are, you are worth more money. Once you become certified, you need to attend seminars and classes to keep your certification.

I don't know about anywhere else, but in Minnesota, the test is given twice a year, and you pay $150 to take it. They change the test every time. Rumor has it, that the Certification Test here is harder than anywhere else. If you pass the test here, you're good to go anywhere.

How And Why I Chose This Profession

I chose to become a Vet Tech because I was working in a retail store that closed. I was given the option of going to school on someone else's dime, so I took it. I figured I had the love of animals, and the intelligence to go to school, so I went for it. Keep in mind, I was almost 40 at the time.

After the decision was made, I had to choose a school. There are only two schools in Minnesota that are considered accredited by the Minnesota Veterinary Technicians Association. They are Globe College and Argosy University. Globe College was cheaper, so I chose that one. It was also easier to get to. I was actually among the first classes from that school after it had been given accreditation.

The Training Itself

Here's a partial list of the classes you are required to take in order to become a Veterinary Technician.

1. Introduction To Veterinary Technology, 2. Animal Anatomy And Disease,3. Veterinary Pharmacology,4. Immunology,5. Imaging, 6. Anesthesiology,7. Parasitology,8. Lab Animals, Exotics, And Pocket Pets,9. Basic Hematology,10. Veterinary Urinalysis,11. Small Animal Surgery,12. Small Animal Nutrition & Nursing,13. Zoonosis & Occupational Health Hazards,14. Comparative Hematology, 15. Special Procedures In Veterinary Medicine, 16. Production Animals, 17. Equine, 18. Veterinary Clinical Training (externship).

Since you are getting an Associate's Degree, you also have to take Liberal Arts Courses. As you can see, a lot of it is very scientific. You are given "hands-on" training. Sometimes, you even take field trips. The entire course consists of 110 credit hours.

Books You Have To Have

These books are the ones that every Vet Tech Needs. I have kept all my books in case I need to use them to reference to later on. They've come in handy a time or two already.
Loading

More Must Haves

Loading

Google Says

COS Vet tech program flunks review
We took a gamble and they didn't go for it," said Lannette Klassen, the current part-time director of the veterinary-technician program. School administrators close to the department have advised students to hold off taking courses in the program until ...
Ask a Richmond Vet Tech!
This column is not meant to serve by any means as a diagnosis, and as a licensed veterinary technician, I do not legally diagnose. It is always strongly recommended to go to your local veterinarian if you have concerns over your pet's health and to ...
Lindstrom veterinarian gives high school students lesson in doggie dental care
Local veterinarian Dr. Pete Lukasik and Shelly, his veterinary technician, demonstrated dental procedures on George, a German shorthair. Dr. Lukasik's practice is the Lakes Veterinary & Surgical Center in Lindstrom. He's been supportive of animal ...
Powered by Google

A Loving Pet

Hand Petting Cat




Buy This at Allposters.com

What's Your Opinion?

My opinion is that this is a respectable career choice if you're an animal lover. You get to make money doing something you love. You won't ever get rich, but you get to make animals and their owners feel better.

Is this a respectable career choice?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

Yes

Wordwinder says:

As long as you love and enjoy what you do, any career choice is respectable.

Posted January 04, 2012

flycatcher says:

it's a wonderful choice. I have a lot of respect for the Vet Techs who help to take care of my animals.

Posted December 08, 2011

BeyondRoses says:

Being a Vet Tech is a fine career choice, especially so for someone who loves animals. I feel, that at my cat's vet, the vet, and tech's are all caring about the cats. One even has a rescue, with some 20 cats.

Posted October 12, 2011

Jerrad28 says:

I have all the respect for Vets and Vet techs... I would love to help animals and be around animals all day too

Posted June 09, 2011

reasonablerobinson says:

1 million percent 'YES'! My partner is considering this as a profession after too long in commercial life. We have two oriental siamese cats called Harvey Wallbanger and Willy Swizzle and a black labrador called Grace.

Posted June 04, 2010

No

 
view all 26 comments

Did You Know It Was This Complicated?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Where To Go For More Info

Here's a couple of links for you to visit, if you found my lens interesting and want to research it more.
American Veterinary Medical Association
The AVMA Web site is the place where veterinary professionals, pet owners and animal lovers go to find comprehensive information on pet care, animal health, ...
Globe University / Minnesota School of Business (MSB) | College ...
Globe University/Minnesota School of Business has an on-campus or online college degree program to put you on the road to success. Contact us today!
Degrees in Business, Education, Psychology, and Health Care at ...
Learn more about degree programs at Argosy University, Find a school near you and earn your degree in Business Administration, Education, Psychology or ...

To Finish Up

Okay, I made this lens because it was suggested that I do so. I actually enjoyed making it though. I hadn't really thought about the actual training involved since I graduated. Let me know if you enjoyed this.

submit
Show All

About Dkprincess6

Loading

by

Dkprincess6

I've been a member of Squidoo since January 8, 2009. I made Giant Squid in my first try in April of 2009. I have an Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

The Best Book For This Career 

Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians Sixth Edition

Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians Sixth Edition

by: Dennis M. McCurnin DVM MS Dipl ACVS, Joanna M. Bassert VMD

Amazon Price: $44.00 (as of 02/16/2012)Buy Now

This book is considered the "bible" for Veterinary Technicians. There's a whole host of information in it. I refer to mine all the time.

Related Tags