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Get your vet tech license in 5 easy steps by following these best practices.
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Introduction
Vet techs are in high demand. A career as a vet tech offers a chance to work with animals and help care for them. The best part is that you can get your vet tech license in as little as 5 easy steps.
Here’s what you need to do to get your vet tech license:
1. Complete an accredited veterinary technology program.
2. Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
3. Apply for licensure in your state.
4. Meet any additional requirements set by your state’s licensing board.
5. Start working as a licensed vet tech!
Step One: Research your state’s requirements
The first step to getting your vet tech license is to research the requirements of your state. Each state has different requirements, so you’ll need to make sure you know what is required of you before you can proceed. There are also a few states that require certification from an accredited institution, so be sure to check into that as well.
Step Two: Complete an accredited Veterinary Technician program
Once you have determined what your state’s requirements are, the next step is to complete an accredited Veterinary Technician program. There are many schools across the country that offer these programs, so you should have no trouble finding one that meets your needs. Once you have completed the program, you will need to take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Step Three: Apply for licensure in your state
After you have passed the VTNE, the next step is to apply for licensure in your state. You will need to submit an application and pay any associated fees. Once your application has been processed, you will be issued a license number which will allow you to practice as a vet tech in your state.
Step Four: Obtain liability insurance
Once you have been licensed, the next step is to obtain liability insurance. This insurance will protect you in case something goes wrong while you are practicing as a vet tech. Many states require that you have this insurance before you can start working, so be sure to check into it beforehand.
Step Five: Start looking for a job!
Now that you have met all of the requirements necessary to become a licensed vet tech, the final step is to start looking for a job! There are many great opportunities out there for qualified vet techs, so start searching today and see what kinds of positions are available in your area.
Step Two: Complete an accredited veterinary technology program
There are many accredited veterinary technology programs available across the United States. The programs typically take two to four years to complete, depending on whether you attend full- or part-time. During your coursework, you’ll likely take classes in animal science, medical terminology, pharmacology, and other related subjects. Many programs also include a clinical component, which allows you to get real-world experience working with animals in a veterinary setting. Once you’ve completed an accredited program, you’ll be eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), which is required for licensure in most states.
Step Three: Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
In order to become a licensed veterinary technician, you must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The VTNE is a computer-based exam that consists of 215 multiple-choice questions covering the following topics:
-Animal health and husbandry
-Medical and surgical nursing
-Pharmacology and pharmacy
-Laboratory procedures
-Anesthesia and analgesia
-Dentistry
-Radiography
-Nutrition
-Emergency medicine and critical care
You will have 3 hours to complete the exam, and you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly in order to pass.
Step Four: Apply for your state license
Once you have passed the VTNE, you are now eligible to apply for your state license. Each state has their own specific requirements, but generally, you will need to submit an application along with the appropriate fee. Once your application has been received and processed, you will be scheduled for a brief interview with a state licensing representative. Once you have completed the interview, you will receive your state license in the mail.
Step Five: Maintain your license
The final step to getting your vet tech license is to maintain it. Depending on your state, this may mean renewing your license every year or every two years. You will usually have to pay a renewal fee, and you may be required to complete continuing education credits to renew your license. Once you have your license, be sure to keep up with the requirements so you can continue working as a vet tech!
