How to Become a Veterinary Technician

Love animals and want a career helping them stay healthy?
Becoming a Veterinary Technician lets you work side-by-side with veterinarians in clinics, hospitals, and animal care facilities — providing hands-on medical support to pets and wildlife.

Vet techs are the healthcare professionals of the animal world. You’ll assist with exams, surgeries, lab work, and emergency care — and every day brings a chance to make a difference.

What Veterinary Technicians Actually Do

Veterinary technicians support veterinarians in all aspects of animal care and treatment.

Common Responsibilities

• Assisting veterinarians during surgeries and procedures
• Collecting blood, urine, or tissue samples for lab testing
• Administering medications, vaccines, and anesthesia
• Taking x-rays and performing diagnostic imaging
• Monitoring animal recovery and patient records
• Educating pet owners about care and treatment

Veterinary technicians are the bridge between animals, medicine, and compassion — ensuring every patient gets quality care.

How to Become a Veterinary Technician (5 Steps)

Becoming a vet tech takes dedication — but you can enter the field with a two-year associate degree and national certification.

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED
   Take courses in biology, chemistry, and math to prepare for veterinary technology programs.

2. Complete an Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
   Enroll in a program accredited by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association).
   Coursework includes:

   • Animal anatomy and physiology
   • Veterinary pharmacology
   • Surgical and clinical procedures
   • Diagnostic imaging and lab testing
   • Veterinary ethics and recordkeeping

Most programs take 2 years and include supervised clinical rotations.

3. Pass the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam)
   After graduation, you’ll need to pass the VTNE, a national certification exam administered by the AAVSB (American Association of Veterinary State Boards).

4. Apply for State Licensure (if required)
   Most states require a license, registration, or certification. Check your state’s veterinary board for requirements.

5. Start Working as a Veterinary Technician
   Vet techs are employed in clinics, animal hospitals, research labs, and even zoos and wildlife centers.

Licensing & Certification

To work as a vet tech, you’ll typically need:

• Graduation from an AVMA-accredited program
• Passing the VTNE exam
• State licensure (Registered, Licensed, or Certified Veterinary Technician)

Optional certifications are available for specialization:

• Emergency & Critical Care (VTS-ECC)
• Anesthesia & Analgesia (VTS-AA)
• Dental or Surgical Technology

Advanced certifications can lead to higher pay and more specialized roles in animal healthcare.

Skills That Make You Great at This

• Compassion and patience for animals
• Attention to detail under pressure
• Strong communication with pet owners
• Technical proficiency in lab and surgical work
• Emotional resilience and problem-solving

Great vet techs balance clinical skill with empathy — comforting both animals and their humans.

Where You’ll Work (and Grow)

Veterinary technicians can work in:

• Veterinary clinics and hospitals
• Animal shelters and humane societies
• Research laboratories
• Zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers
• Military or government agencies

Career Growth Paths

• Veterinary Technologist (Bachelor’s degree)
• Veterinary Practice Manager
• Specialty Technician (Emergency, Surgery, Dentistry)
• Animal Nutrition or Research Specialist

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Rapidly growing career field
• Deep emotional satisfaction helping animals
• Variety of work environments and specializations
• Entry-level career with advancement opportunities

Cons:

• Physically and emotionally demanding
• Exposure to injured or sick animals
• Moderate pay compared to human healthcare fields

Start Your Veterinary Technician Journey

If you’re passionate about animals and want a career that blends science, care, and compassion, veterinary technology is the perfect fit.

• Find Veterinary Technician Schools »
• Check State Licensing Requirements »

Turn your love for animals into a lifelong career in veterinary medicine.

Veterinary Technician Salary by State