Veterinary Technology Degree Programs - myFootpath

A veterinary technician is someone who cares for all kinds of animals in a number of different settings, though most work with domesticated house pets in clinics.  A simple analogy is that a veterinary technician is to a veterinarian as a nurse is to a doctor.

They are responsible for performing tests in the laboratory such as urinalysis and blood counts; preparing tissue samples; taking blood samples; administering medications; recording information such as diet, weight, signs of duress; suturing and dressing wounds; advising pet owners on proper care procedures; and much more.  Sometimes technicians vaccinate animals and also have to euthanize seriously ill, wounded or unwanted animals.

People who go into this field must also be comfortable with cleaning and moving cages, restraining animals and working in a sometimes-noisy environment.

Veterinary technicians find jobs in private clinics of all sizes and in larger animal hospitals.  Technicians may also work in research facilities, animal shelters, aquariums and at zoos nationwide.

Types of Veterinary Technology Degrees Available
Most entry-level technicians hold an associate degree in veterinary technology.  These can typically be earned after two years of full-time study, but most need to be completed on a traditional campus because of the laboratory and clinical classes, many of which use live animals.

A handful of online degree options are also available, but they end with an on-site practicum (usually two months long) that students must take in order to gain valuable hands-on experience in the laboratory and clinic.

A four-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology is also available from some schools.  These degrees, which require about two times the amount of coursework for graduation, can set you up for a higher salary or future career advancement.  Another reason people pursue longer-term degrees is for the opportunity to take more classes outside of their major or unrelated to their degree, making them more well-rounded.

Featured Schools for Veterinary Technology Degree Programs:

• Argosy University, Twin Cities campus – Request Information
  

• Brown Mackie College – Request Information

What a Veterinary Technology Degree Teaches You
Some of the courses you will take while earning your degree include animal anatomy and physiology; zoology; veterinary office management; animal nutrition, reproduction, genetics and aging.  After graduating, entry-level technicians continue their education on the job, learning more as they practice.

Questions to Ask About a Veterinary Technology Degree:

1. Do I love animals?  Can I see myself in a career where I work with a wide variety of animals on a day-to-day basis?

2. Working with animals can be physically dangerous.  Am I comfortable working in an emotionally and physically draining position?

3. Do I have basic organization skills and the ability to pay attention to small details?

4. Teamwork among veterinarians and technicians is common in most practices.  Do I work well with other people and take criticism well?

5. Do I possess arm and hand steadiness so that I can work with the animals and operate various pieces of lab equipment?

Still have more questions?  Need to talk with one of our college experts?  Call us at 1-866-305-8525 and we can assist you in your search for schools that offer veterinary technology degrees.