The first step in choosing a veterinary technician program is to make sure the college is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). According to the AVMA, 172 programs in the United States are fully accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. But anyone interested in pursuing an education at any of these schools should first develop skills in a clinical or laboratory setting with a bachelor's or associate degree, as well as pursue a solid foundation of basic high-school math and science skills.
Many veterinary technician programs in the western region of the U.S. feature hands-on learning not only in clinical or laboratory environments, but also in the field. For example, the program at AMVA-accredited Colorado Mountain College is set on a 220-acre vet school farm that includes outdoor pens, a science lab and animal work areas. Programs such as this offer a variety of learning opportunities to simulate an on-the-job environment, including X-ray and dental laboratory areas and surgical stations. Also common is the opportunity to work with a number of different animals, from dogs and cats to livestock and birds.
At Carrington College in Sacramento, Calif., semesters last 18 weeks, with 63 classroom hours and 376 externship hours required to complete a degree. In the 2008-2009 school year, Carrington had 35 graduates, with a maximum student capacity of 120.
The Veterinary Science program at Canton University in Canton, N.Y. features hands-on experience for students in a laboratory section of about 20 students. Once enrolled, Canton requires students complete all coursework within four years, although certain extensions can be granted for extraordinary situations at the discretion of the program director. Classes range from "Fundamental Veterinary Nursing Skills" and "College Biology" in the first semester, to more advanced courses such as "Veterinary Microbiology" and "Radiographic Techniques" later in the program.
Some schools, such as Becker College in Worcester Mass., feature on-site veterinary clinics. Becker's Lenfest Animal Health Center accepts around 1,000 animal patients annually, which allows students critical hands-on practice in their field. In addition to this clinic work, Becker employs several outreach programs such as trips to animal shelters and large animal facilities.
There are also a number of AMVA-accredited distance educational programs provided by some institutions. For example, the technician program at Jefferson State Community College includes theory classes that are conducted online, as well as clinical training with nearby veterinarians. Therefore, while Jefferson State is located in Birmingham, Alabama, students are not required to relocate there to pursue a degree. Students must simply have access to an Internet-ready computer and be able to meet a 20-hours-per-week minimum lab requirement with a veterinarian.
After graduation from a veterinary technician program, all states require a credentialing examination. While exams can vary from state to state, they are similar in that they require candidates to demonstrate competency through written, oral and practical exam portions. In fact, most states choose to use the National Veterinary Technicians Exam. That way, once certified, technicians can freely move to another state and transfer their scores. The only requirement is that the states use the same exam.