Veterinary phlebotomy is performed by veterinary technicians and technologists under the supervision of veterinarians. Veterinary phlebotomy is necessary to diagnose many diseases and disorders. In research laboratories, it is also used for genetic and toxicity tests. Veterinary phlebotomy requires much more skill and flexibility than human phlebotomy because different species have their blood drawn in different ways. It is common to draw blood from the jugular vein, tail veins, flipper veins or, in reptiles, from the heart.
To become a veterinary technician, you must earn an Associate of Science degree in veterinary technology and pass a state certification exam. Most community colleges have a veterinary technician A.S. program. Vocational, trade and technical schools and some four-year colleges and universities also offer these programs. You need the degree in order to apply for certification. Requirements for certification vary by state but always include an exam.
To become a veterinary technologist, you need to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in veterinary technology. This is a four-year degree. About 20 colleges, universities and vocational schools offer this degree in the United States. This degree requires more education but may allow you to perform more veterinary duties and earn a higher salary. A good place to look for this degree program is at land-grant colleges. Each state has one of these colleges. They often have the term "agricultural" or "polytechnic" in the title.
You cannot specialize in veterinary phlebotomy as you can for human phlebotomy. You must become a veterinary technician or technologist. Veterinary technology classes use live animals and dissection. In the course of your career, you will be called on to euthanize animals. You must love animals but be able to handle emotional strain, work as part of a team and communicate well with pet owners and coworkers. Vet techs often work nights, weekends, holidays and long hours. You will have to restrain and clean up after animals, and you will be bitten, scratched and exposed to diseases, vomit, urine and feces.
Math and science are required. If you plan to enter a veterinary technology program, take as much biology, laboratory science and math as possible. Community college is an excellent and affordable place to start, even if you plan to transfer to a four-year school. Seek out accredited veterinary technology programs with good reputations. Laboratory animal work requires different certification than work in a veterinary practice. If you are interested in working in a research laboratory, you should also take classes in animal husbandry and management.
Most veterinary technicians and technologists work in animal hospitals. Animal shelters and rescue organizations are also major employers. Zoos and aquariums hire vet techs but have very few positions available and the competition for them is heavy. Some wildlife facilities and a very few farming operations have positions available. Research laboratories often have more demand for veterinary technicians than applicants. Overall, this is an area where employment opportunities are growing faster than average.