Mount Ida College notes that a primary learning objective of students should be to gain the clinical skills and medical knowledge as outlined by the AVMA Essential Skills list. This is important because veterinarians rely on veterinary technologists to perform a range of clinical and laboratory duties, such as history taking, medication administration, diagnostic and laboratory testing, and owner education. Students should also develop excellent communication skills for future work with a veterinary team and as a representative of the animal health care community.
Aspiring veterinary technologists take a number of required courses, including veterinary anatomy, medical terminology, anesthesiology, physiology, hematology, parasitology, immunology, radiology, pathology, laboratory techniques, nutrition, chemistry and writing composition. In addition, the veterinary clinical component is essential to students' training; therefore, first-year students can already expect in the fall semester to begin work directly with animals.
Students can elect to concentrate their studies in specialized areas of veterinary technology. For example, St. Petersburg College offers concentrations in advanced clinical applications, veterinary hospital management and combined clinical and hospital management. Other schools provide advanced courses in integrative medicine, large animal medicine, laboratory animal medicine and equine studies, as well as a pre-veterinary tract for those students planning to later attend veterinary medical school.
The AMVA needs to certify all veterinary technologists, and accredited schools incorporate this into their veterinary technology curriculum. Globe University, Minnesota School of Business, for example, includes the course "Certified Veterinary Technician Review," which helps to prepare students for taking their certification exams. Many states also require veterinary technologists pass the National Veterinary Technician (NVT) test for state certification and licensing. In addition, students wanting to work in research facilities should complete the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification exams.
A bachelor's degree in veterinary technology offers graduates numerous career options. As mentioned, many seek work in private veterinary practice, working alongside a veterinarian. Others prefer to work with large animals and pursue careers in zoos or at wildlife rehabilitation centers. Students may also find work in veterinary hospital management, veterinary pharmaceutical or equipment and supply companies. The degree also prepares students for public health work, and graduates may become community liaisons for animal rescue or humane societies.