Education for a potential veterinary technician or technologist must be acquired at a college that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA). A veterinary technician position requires a two-year degree from an AMVA-accredited school; a technologist position requires a four-year degree. Many schools offer two-year associate's degrees for veterinary technicians, but only about 20 schools certify graduates as veterinary technologists with a bachelor's degree.
Students entering a college program for veterinary technicians or technologists should have a strong math and science background; most students pursuing these fields have an aptitude for biology. It's important to be able to write and speak well when working in this job field, so having a good history of English and writing coursework is also beneficial. Some areas of college-level coursework include animal nursing, anatomy, dentistry, anesthesiology, parasitology, physiology, pharmacology, diseases and radiology in the care and treatment of animals. Students may choose to specialize in specific areas of veterinary medicine, including dentistry and anesthesiology.
After college coursework has been completed, every state requires certification for veterinary technicians and technologists before entering the job field. The certification requirements are different in each state, but all new technicians and technologists must pass the state-required exam, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A state may have its own credentialing examination or it may use the National Veterinary Technician (NVT) examination. Students are tested via practical or clinical knowledge as well as by written and oral tests. Transferring certification between states can occur if the two states administer the same exams.
College programs accredited by the AVMA require clinical experience for all students. This hands-on training prepares students for work in a clinical setting, such as an animal hospital or veterinary clinic. Essential clinical experience includes learning to correctly administer tests and read test results; becoming familiar with specialized equipment and diagnostic tools; interacting with animal owners and collecting patient histories; and learning how to provide animal nursing care.
State licensing boards may require veterinary technicians to continue their education in order to renew a state license. Taking new courses keeps professional technicians up to date on the latest advances in technology and veterinary practices. Continuing education requirements vary, but usually are stated in a specific number of hours needed for license renewal.