Becoming a veterinary technician requires you to complete a two-year associate's degree from a community college or technical program. Choose an American Veterinary Medical Association-certified college to ensure the quality of your education. Some four-year colleges offer bachelor's degrees in veterinary technology. Completing a four-year program may increase your entry-level salary.
Veterinary technology programs typically include rotations through veterinary clinics. These clinical rotations allow you to work with veterinarians to receive practical instruction in veterinary medicine. Choose programs that provide extensive training working with diagnostic and medical equipment. These skills decrease your need for on-the-job training, making you a more attractive applicant to future employers.
Veterinary technologists must achieve high technical proficiency in a variety of skills. Develop the ability to manage an office by scheduling and admitting clients, maintaining patient records, managing drug inventory and maintaining a clean work environment. Veterinary technicians must also be able to prepare medications, follow pharmacy orders, administer drugs, monitor patient response, restrain animals, collect diagnostic specimens and administer anaesthesia. Many positions require veterinary technicians to perform clinical laboratory analysis and produce radiographic images. These specialized skills develop from academic training and on-the-job learning.
In addition to acquiring excellent technical skills, veterinary technicians must have strong interpersonal skills. Many veterinary clinics require technicians to be the liaison between a client and the veterinarian. Be prepared to explain complex medical conditions in layperson's terms, deal with angry clients, work effectively under pressure and provide assistance to the veterinarian. Compassion for animals and strong clinical judgment also benefit veterinary technicians.