Veterinary Technician Education

Typical Courses in a Vet Tech Program

A good vet tech program will prepare you for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and immediate placement in a clinic or laboratory. Additionally, accredited programs are required to include an internship/externship in their curriculum. Be sure to look for these features when you consider program options.

Whether you choose an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, you must have a basic understanding of animal nursing, performing laboratory procedures, and assisting in all aspects of animal care, including surgical procedures. Certification and VTNE information is overseen by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Sample exam questions can also be found at the AAVSB Website.

Some courses in a typical veterinary technician curriculum include:

• Anatomy
• Anesthesiology
• Animal nursing
• Dentistry
• Parasitology
• Pharmacology
• Public health
• Physiology
• Radiology
• Zoonotic diseases

The Veterinary Technician National Exam

The VTNE is a 4-hour, 200 multiple choice question certification exam. The VTNE is prepared exclusively by the AAVSB. You can take the exam at certain times of the year in your state. The exam covers seven major areas of knowledge in which an entry level vet tech should be proficient:

• Pharmacy and pharmacology
• Surgical preparation and assisting
• Dentistry procedures
• Laboratory procedures
• Animal nursing
• Radiography, ultrasound, etc.
• Anesthesia

Visit the veterinary links page for associations and exam information.

Continue to reading about accreditation.