Degree Requirements for a Veterinary Technician

• Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians with all types of animal health care. Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

  Veterinary technicians enter a career field with ample opportunity according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. Job openings for vet techs are expected to increase 36 percent between 2008 and 2018. The median salary for vet techs was $28,900 in 2008, according to BLS. Typically, veterinary technicians complete two-year associate's degree programs, while veterinary technologists earn four-year bachelor's degree programs.

General Requirements

• Veterinary techs must complete degree programs approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association, or AVMA. Most vet tech degree programs will include some basic general education courses such as English composition, computer technology courses, mathematics and possibly business courses as well. Communication or speech courses may also be included.

Major Courses

• The main focus of veterinary technician courses will be classes such as zoology, microbiology, chemistry, anatomy and genetics. Courses more specific to the field include animal sciences, zoonoses, animal restraint, animal breeds, animal diseases and animal behavior.

Clinical Courses

• An important part of an AVMA degree program for technicians is the clinical education component. This is typically referred to as preceptorship, practicum or externship and gives the student hands-on training. Students should expect to learn how to collect specimens and perform basic lab tests, obtain patient histories, prepare for surgery by prepping the animal and equipment, assist with medical procedures and diagnostic techniques and deal with pet owners.