Find out how to become a registered veterinary technician in just a few steps. Get all the information you need to start your new career today.
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Introduction
A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), also known as a Veterinary Nurse in some states, is an individual who has graduated from an accredited veterinary technician program and has passed a national and/or state examination.
To become credentialed as an RVT, individuals must first graduate from an AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) accredited veterinary technology program. There are currently over 150 AVMA accredited veterinary technology programs across the United States. Once you have completed a vet tech program, you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in order to earn your credential.
The VTNE is a three-hour, computer-based exam that consists of 170 multiple-choice questions covering the following content areas: general, clinical, and laboratory.
After successfully passing the VTNE, you will need to apply to your state’s regulatory board for licensure. Each state has different requirements for licensure, so it is important to check with your state’s board to find out what is required.
Once you have met all the requirements for licensure in your state, you will be able to use the title Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), or Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), depending on your state’s regulations.
What is a Registered Vet Tech?
A Registered Vet Tech is a credentialed professional who has graduated from an accredited veterinary technology program and has passed a nationally recognized credentialing exam. Registered Vet Techs support veterinarians in animal hospitals, clinics, and research facilities. They are an important part of the veterinary health care team.
The Role of a Registered Vet Tech
Vet techs are an important part of the animal health care team. They work closely with veterinarians, performing many of the same tasks as nurses in human medicine.
Vet techs typically have two years of formal training, although some have four-year degrees. After completing their studies, vet techs must pass a national exam to become registered with the state in which they practice.
Registered vet techs may perform a variety of tasks, including taking X-rays, administering anesthesia, and assisting in surgery. They also collect samples for lab testing, maintain medical records, and educate pet owners on animal care.
Vet techs often specialize in one or more areas of animal health care, such as dentistry, nutrition, or emergency medicine.
The Educational Requirements of a Registered Vet Tech
In order to become a Registered Veterinary Technician, you must complete an accredited Veterinary Technology program. The program must be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and lead to an Associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology.
There are currently 26 AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology programs in Canada. All of the provinces except for Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) have at least one accredited program.
Most programs typically take two to four years to complete, although there are some accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 18 months.
After successfully completing a Veterinary Technology program, you must then pass the national examination administered by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).
How to Become a Registered Vet Tech
A Registered Vet Tech is a professional who provides technical support to veterinarians. They are responsible for animal care, laboratory work, and may also assist in surgical procedures. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, the first step is to become a registered vet tech.
Register with the State Veterinary Board
In order to become a registered vet tech, you’ll need to register with the state veterinary board. This process will involve completing an application and passing an exam. Once you’re registered, you’ll be able to practice as a vet tech in your state.
Complete an Approved Veterinary Technician Program
Becoming a registered veterinary technician (RVT) requires completing an approved program and passing a credentialing exam. There are many ways to become an RVT, each of which has its own set of admission requirements, curriculum, and costs.
The most direct path to becoming an RVT is to complete a two-year associate’s degree or four-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology from an accredited institution. These programs must be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in order to prepare students for the credentialing exam.
There are also a number of distance learning options available for those who wish to complete their education online or through a combination of online and in-person coursework. These programs typically take longer to complete than traditional on-campus programs, but may be more flexible in terms of scheduling and expenses.
Finally, some states offer alternative pathways to RVT licensure for those who have already completed a veterinary technician program but do not hold AVMA accreditation. These programs typically involve completing additional coursework and/or passing a state-specific exam.
Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam
The Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). To be eligible to sit for the VTNE, candidates must first graduate from an accredited veterinary technology program.
The AAVSB offers a variety of resources to help candidates prepare for the VTNE, including practice tests, webinars, and review courses. Candidates who need additional help may also want to consider hiring a tutor or enrolling in a review course.
Once you’ve passed the VTNE, you’ll need to apply for licensure in the state where you want to practice. Each state has different requirements for licensure, so be sure to check with your state’s Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for more information.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a good understanding of what it takes to become a registered vet tech. The most important things to remember are that you need to complete an accredited veterinary technician program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Once you have done these things, you will be well on your way to a rewarding career as a registered vet tech!
