Questions to Ask When Choosing a Vet Tech Program Schools and Training

Choosing the right veterinary technician program is a significant step toward a rewarding career caring for animals. The quality of your education will greatly impact your future job prospects and your ability to provide excellent care. Carefully researching and selecting a program that aligns with your goals and learning style is essential.

Before enrolling, prospective students should ask questions about curriculum, accreditation, faculty, clinical experience, program costs, and career services. This article will outline the key areas to investigate to ensure you select the best vet tech program for your needs and aspirations.

What is a Veterinary Technician?

A veterinary technician (vet tech) is a trained and licensed professional who assists veterinarians in providing medical care to animals. Vet techs perform a wide range of duties, including:

  • Assisting in surgeries
  • Administering medications and vaccinations
  • Collecting and analyzing lab samples
  • Taking X-rays
  • Providing nursing care
  • Educating clients

Formal training is required to become a vet tech. Most states require vet techs to graduate from an accredited program and pass a national examination, such as the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), to become licensed, certified, or registered. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits veterinary technology programs.

Accreditation and Program Approval

Accreditation is a process by which an external organization evaluates the quality of an educational program. For veterinary technician programs, accreditation by the AVMA's Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) is crucial.

  • Why is accreditation important? Graduates of AVMA-accredited programs are eligible to take the VTNE. Many states require graduation from an AVMA-accredited program for licensure, certification, or registration. Accreditation ensures the program meets established standards for curriculum, faculty, facilities, and clinical experiences.

  • Questions to Ask When Choosing a Vet Tech Program Schools:

    • Is the program accredited by the AVMA's CVTEA?
    • How long has the program been accredited?
    • What is the program’s VTNE pass rate for first-time test takers?

You can verify a program's accreditation status on the AVMA website.

Curriculum and Learning Objectives

The curriculum of a vet tech program should provide a solid foundation in animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, and laboratory procedures. It should also include hands-on training in a variety of clinical settings.

  • Key areas to look for in the curriculum:

    • Anatomy and physiology
    • Pharmacology
    • Anesthesia and surgical assisting
    • Radiology
    • Clinical pathology
    • Animal nursing
    • Dentistry
    • Emergency and critical care
    • Large animal medicine (if interested)
    • Exotic animal medicine (if interested)

  • Questions to Ask When Choosing a Vet Tech Program Schools:

    • Can I see a detailed course syllabus for each required class?
    • What is the ratio of classroom instruction to hands-on laboratory and clinical experience?
    • Are there opportunities to specialize in a particular area of veterinary medicine, such as emergency care or exotic animals?
    • Does the curriculum align with the VTNE blueprint?

Faculty Qualifications and Experience

The quality of the faculty is a major indicator of a program's overall quality. The instructors should be experienced veterinary technicians and veterinarians with expertise in their respective fields.

  • What to look for in faculty credentials:

    • Licensed/Registered/Certified Veterinary Technicians (LVT/RVT/CVT)
    • Veterinarians (DVM/VMD)
    • Advanced degrees or certifications in specialized areas

  • Questions to Ask When Choosing a Vet Tech Program Schools:

    • What are the qualifications and experience of the faculty members?
    • How many faculty members are licensed/registered/certified veterinary technicians?
    • What is the student-to-faculty ratio?
    • Are faculty members actively involved in veterinary practice or research?

Clinical Experience and Externships

Clinical experience is an essential component of vet tech training. Students should have ample opportunities to practice their skills in real-world veterinary settings.

  • What to look for in clinical experiences:

    • Variety of settings (small animal clinics, large animal practices, emergency hospitals, specialty practices, research facilities, shelters)
    • Sufficient hours of hands-on experience
    • Opportunity to work with a diverse range of animal species
    • Supervision by experienced veterinarians and veterinary technicians

  • Questions to Ask When Choosing a Vet Tech Program Schools:

    • Where are the clinical externship sites located?
    • How many hours of clinical experience are required?
    • What types of cases and procedures will I be exposed to during my externship?
    • Are the externship sites accredited veterinary facilities?
    • Does the program help students find externship placements?

Program Costs and Financial Aid

Veterinary technician programs can vary considerably in cost. Be sure to factor in tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses.

  • Factors to consider when evaluating program costs:

    • Tuition and fees
    • Cost of books and supplies
    • Uniform or scrub requirements
    • Transportation costs
    • Living expenses (if relocating)

  • Questions to Ask When Choosing a Vet Tech Program Schools:

    • What is the total cost of the program?
    • What payment options are available?
    • Does the program participate in federal financial aid programs?
    • Are there any scholarships or grants available?
    • What is the refund policy if I withdraw from the program?

You can also explore financial aid options through the U.S. Department of Education.

Career Services and Job Placement

A good vet tech program will provide career services to help students find employment after graduation.

  • What to look for in career services:

    • Resume and cover letter writing assistance
    • Interview skills training
    • Job search resources
    • Networking opportunities with local veterinary practices
    • Job placement assistance

  • Questions to Ask When Choosing a Vet Tech Program Schools:

    • Does the program offer career counseling or job placement assistance?
    • Does the program have relationships with local veterinary practices?
    • What is the job placement rate for graduates of the program?
    • Does the program offer alumni networking opportunities?

Program Format and Flexibility

Consider your learning style and lifestyle when choosing a vet tech program. Some programs are offered online, while others are offered in a traditional classroom setting. Some programs are full-time, while others are part-time.

  • Questions to Ask When Choosing a Vet Tech Program Schools:
    • Is the program offered online, in-person, or in a hybrid format?
    • Does the program offer flexible scheduling options?
    • How many hours per week will I need to dedicate to the program?
    • Will the program fit into my current work or family commitments?

Assessing Overall Program "Fit"

Choosing a program that aligns with your personal goals and learning style is crucial. Consider visiting the campus, speaking with current students, and attending an information session to get a better sense of the program's environment and culture.

  • Questions to Ask When Choosing a Vet Tech Program Schools:
    • Can I visit the campus and tour the facilities?
    • Can I speak with current students or alumni of the program?
    • What is the program's learning environment and culture like?
    • Does the program seem like a good fit for my personality and learning style?