2 answers
Lauren
Student
Lockport, New York
1
Question
Asked
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What should I start doing now to become a veterinary technician? #Fall25
I'm a high school senior, looking to major in veterinary technology next year. I currently volunteer at animal sanctuaries but wondering what else should I do to gain experience.
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2 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1209
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Lauren,
To become a veterinary technician in the state of New York, you need to complete high-school and at least an accredited 2-year college program in veterinary technology before you can take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) that is required to be licensed.
Volunteering at an animal shelter and/or on a farm and/or in a zoo are all good ways to get animal experience. Make sure you get a broad range of experiences with different types of animals and especially experience with the animal population you want to specialize on (if you want a specialty), e.g. exotic pets, birds, large animals, zoo animals, small animals etc.
Since you want to work in veterinary medicine, aim to get clinical experience with a veterinarian too. Ideally, you would find a mentor who can teach you and guide you through your education. But any shadowing, internship, part-time job would be valuable at this stage.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/veterinary-technician/license-requirements
To become a veterinary technician in the state of New York, you need to complete high-school and at least an accredited 2-year college program in veterinary technology before you can take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) that is required to be licensed.
Volunteering at an animal shelter and/or on a farm and/or in a zoo are all good ways to get animal experience. Make sure you get a broad range of experiences with different types of animals and especially experience with the animal population you want to specialize on (if you want a specialty), e.g. exotic pets, birds, large animals, zoo animals, small animals etc.
Since you want to work in veterinary medicine, aim to get clinical experience with a veterinarian too. Ideally, you would find a mentor who can teach you and guide you through your education. But any shadowing, internship, part-time job would be valuable at this stage.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Amie Wagner
Animal Care Technician
5
Answers
Germantown, New York
Updated
Amie’s Answer
Volunteering at an animal shelter to gain handling skills is so useful. Extra bonus if they have veterinary services and you can ask to volunteer there!!!