How Do I Become a Vet Tech? Your Step-by-Step Guide
Interested in how to become a credentialed veterinary technician? With Experienced Faculty, Career Services success (90%+ graduate employment rates), and over 8,000 graduates since 2003, we have compiled a step-by-step guide to a rewarding career.
Step 1: Earn Your High School Diploma or GED
We encourage you to focus on science and math courses. Subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics will help you in the rigorous veterinary technology curriculum ahead.
Tip: Experience with animals helps! Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or working part-time at a dog daycare or pet store.
Step 2: Enroll in an AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
Why is accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) important? It ensures you receive a quality education and makes you eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which is required for credentialing in most states.
Tip: You can always check the AVMA's official list of accredited programs to verify a school's status.
Step 3: Study Hard in your Vet Tech program and Graduate!
Step 4: Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
What is the VTNE? The VTNE is a 3-hour, computer-based, multiple-choice examination designed to evaluate the competency of entry-level veterinary technicians. It's administered during three two-month windows each year by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
Tip: Most students need to review what they have learned in school to be ready for the exam. Expect to participate in exam-preparation courses, which your school may offer.
Step 5: Obtain Initial State-Specific Credential
After passing the VTNE, are you almost there? Yes! The final step to becoming a practicing veterinary technician is to meet your specific state's requirements for credentialing.
In Illinois, there is an application, a criminal background check and a modest fee. You become a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)!
In Indiana, there is an application, a criminal background check and a modest fee. You become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)!
In Pennsylvania, there is an application, a background check and a modest fee. You become a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)!
In Texas, there is a Texas State Veterinary Licensing Examination (SBE) focusing on state laws. There also is an application, a background check, fingerprinting, and a $35 fee. You become a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)!
Most other states have similar requirements.
Tip: If you have a criminal history, you may have difficulty passing your state’s background check. Do some research before making a big investment!
Step 6: Launch Your Vet Tech Career and Consider Specialization
With your education complete and credential in hand, you're ready to launch your rewarding career as a credentialed veterinary technician! And, if you want, there currently are 16 specialty certifications you can pursue through NAVTA-approved academies while working. Sometimes, employers will even offer reimbursement!
Tip: For more about what to expect, visit our Vet Tech Careers page.