Q. In order to become a vet assistant, do I need to take any math courses or any courses in a community college before I get into Penn Foster to take an online course just for being a vet assistant?
A. No, there are no prerequisites to become a Veterinary Assistant or to even take classes. Assistants are entry level positions (and so is the pay) that almost anyone can apply for and be employed. However, what will make the difference between you and any other joe that applies - it will be education.
Now, if you have plans to start "assisting" and eventually want to move on the Vet Tech level, this will require at least a two-year degree and preferably from an AVMA accredited school. "Assisting" can help you begin to establish professional relationships and field experience that is usually recommended prior to enrolling in a Vet Tech course. Opinions will vary plus "Assistant" courses will not transfer into college so keep that in mind as well.
However, if your goal is to become an Assistant and stay an Assistant (which usually does not happen), then having the advantage of an accredited course will give you the advantage over the next person with no experience even though it is not required to get the job.
You are doing a good job asking all the right questions. Good luck in your research and your future.
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Now, if you have plans to start "assisting" and eventually want to move on the Vet Tech level, this will require at least a two-year degree and preferably from an AVMA accredited school. "Assisting" can help you begin to establish professional relationships and field experience that is usually recommended prior to enrolling in a Vet Tech course. Opinions will vary plus "Assistant" courses will not transfer into college so keep that in mind as well.
However, if your goal is to become an Assistant and stay an Assistant (which usually does not happen), then having the advantage of an accredited course will give you the advantage over the next person with no experience even though it is not required to get the job.
You are doing a good job asking all the right questions. Good luck in your research and your future.
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Does anyone know if Penn Foster is a good online college?
Q. I want to do the vet tech program online because I am stuck in a town that does not offer it at the local college. I am with someone that is in the military and i figured this would be good. I plan on taking vet related classes at the local college after completing the online degree to maybe get some hands on experience if they offer that...I don't want to get ripped off though. So has anyone done Penn Foster?
A. Penn Foster's veterinary technology is American Veterinary Medical Association accredited and therefore accepted by all of the states that credential veterinary technicians. However, I have known vet tech students who had serious problems with Penn Foster concerning getting aid and answers to questions about the program and approval of the "in clinic" portion of the degree program. So, you might want to consider one of the other AVMA accredited online veterinary technology programs. You can find a list of these on the AVMA website: http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/vettech_distance_learning.asp
Understand that ANY of these programs require that you are employeed by a veterinary facility at some point during the time that you are earning the degree in order to finish all of the requirements for completing the program. So, you will be getting hands-on experience even with taking an online program. Some of them require that you be employeed at a veterinary facility throughtout your 2 years while others require that you be involved only in the final semester.
Understand that ANY of these programs require that you are employeed by a veterinary facility at some point during the time that you are earning the degree in order to finish all of the requirements for completing the program. So, you will be getting hands-on experience even with taking an online program. Some of them require that you be employeed at a veterinary facility throughtout your 2 years while others require that you be involved only in the final semester.
Are there any vets in Bakersfield california that knows how to care for chinchillas?
Q. My boyfriend and I both have chinchillas and im worried that when i need care for them from a vet i wont know where to go. I have searched online to find one but I have had no luck. Please if you have any recommendations let me know.
A. You may want to check out http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com. CnH is a web forum and it has a section just for veterinary listings that owners's recommend, plus you do not find one listed in your area you could post the question to see if there is another owner in your area and if they have a favorite.
What is the difference between Veterinary Technician LVT, RVT and CVT?
Q. I am trying to figure out the difference between Veterinary Technician LVT, RVT, CVT and Veterinary Assistants? I want to go to school for a Vet Tech but which one is the most rewarding in salary? I cant find any info on the net. Also,which one is the best online school?
A. It�s easy to get confused by all of the initials when looking into RVT programs. You may see LVT, RVT or CVT. The various initials are simply a matter of licensing or certification which is dependent upon the state in which you want to work. An RVT is a registered veterinary technician, an LVT is a licensed veterinary technician, and a CVT is a certified veterinary technician. They're all the same thing.
Many states allow you to work as a veterinary assistant with no certification or licensing. As an assistant, you are limited to what your duties can be and as a result warrant lower pay. A veterinary technician works right alongside a veterinarian in caring and treating the animal patients. Vet techs do a lot of lab work, conduct medical tests, draw blood, place catheters, give the animals medication, assist surgeries, and educate the pet owners.
Veterinary assistants are on the lower end of the veterinary hierarchy. They often perform the more mundane tasks. Some of a veterinary assistant�s duties include general husbandry, such as- cleaning cages, washing, feeding, and exercising the animals, them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the general annual salary of a registered veterinary technician was $34,000. A veterinary assistant earns an annual median salary of $24,000.
To begin a career as a veterinary technician, you must attend (either on campus or over the internet) an accredited vet tech school and successfully complete your education and training. Once you've received your Asso. of Applied Science, you sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination.
It's important to research the requirements of the state you wish to work in. Once you pass the National Boards, you need to register with your state to receive your official credentials. Different states have different requirements with regards to schooling and testing. Each state has its own veterinary certification boards who can give you information regarding the requirements, extra testing, and deadlines you need to finish. This is the final step in attaining your RVT credentials.
I live in Texas and started at one of the top ranked schools in the nation- Tomball College. I had to move, so I finished the last of my education at a top ranked online school called Cedar Valley. Cedar Valley was an awesome school! I recommend you look in to it.
Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions! :)
11/6 update- Cindy is correct abt Registered Veterinary Nurse not being legal in Texas. I practiced in Germany for the past several years and that's what they call RVTs in Europe (in fact RVTs are called RVNs everywhere except the USA and Canada). Anyways, sometime old habits die hard! lol If I'm posting on here I should be representing properly. Thanks for the reminder Cindy! :)
Many states allow you to work as a veterinary assistant with no certification or licensing. As an assistant, you are limited to what your duties can be and as a result warrant lower pay. A veterinary technician works right alongside a veterinarian in caring and treating the animal patients. Vet techs do a lot of lab work, conduct medical tests, draw blood, place catheters, give the animals medication, assist surgeries, and educate the pet owners.
Veterinary assistants are on the lower end of the veterinary hierarchy. They often perform the more mundane tasks. Some of a veterinary assistant�s duties include general husbandry, such as- cleaning cages, washing, feeding, and exercising the animals, them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the general annual salary of a registered veterinary technician was $34,000. A veterinary assistant earns an annual median salary of $24,000.
To begin a career as a veterinary technician, you must attend (either on campus or over the internet) an accredited vet tech school and successfully complete your education and training. Once you've received your Asso. of Applied Science, you sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination.
It's important to research the requirements of the state you wish to work in. Once you pass the National Boards, you need to register with your state to receive your official credentials. Different states have different requirements with regards to schooling and testing. Each state has its own veterinary certification boards who can give you information regarding the requirements, extra testing, and deadlines you need to finish. This is the final step in attaining your RVT credentials.
I live in Texas and started at one of the top ranked schools in the nation- Tomball College. I had to move, so I finished the last of my education at a top ranked online school called Cedar Valley. Cedar Valley was an awesome school! I recommend you look in to it.
Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions! :)
11/6 update- Cindy is correct abt Registered Veterinary Nurse not being legal in Texas. I practiced in Germany for the past several years and that's what they call RVTs in Europe (in fact RVTs are called RVNs everywhere except the USA and Canada). Anyways, sometime old habits die hard! lol If I'm posting on here I should be representing properly. Thanks for the reminder Cindy! :)
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