3 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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3 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
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:
Adaobi Maryann Ezeogidi
Medical Assistant
31
Answers
Abia, AB
Updated
Adaobi Maryann’s Answer
Hello Lauren,
You are doing great by wanting to be ahead. It shows you are futuristic. Here are some points
1. Get Hands-On Experience in Clinical Settings
Volunteering at animal sanctuaries is great, but vet tech programs love to see clinical experience.
You can:
Shadow a veterinarian or vet tech at a local clinic.(this exposes you faster to the kind of work you'll soon be doing)
Ask to help with kennel work, cleaning, restocking, or observing exams/surgeries.
2. Strengthen Your Animal Handling Skills like:
Restraining dogs/cats safely
Handling stressed, fearful, or injured animals
Basic grooming, nail trims, etc.
Sanctuaries help with this, but clinics expose you to medical handling.
3. Take Science Courses Seriously
Biology
Chemistry
Anatomy/Physiology etc
4. Learn Basic Veterinary Terminology
You don’t need to be perfect, but knowing common terms like will go a long way.
Please note there are free online courses and YouTube channels that teach these.
5. Build a Simple “Experience Portfolio”
Proof of hours you have worked
A personal statement
Start keeping:
A list of where you volunteer
What tasks you perform
Skills you have learned
This will help when applying or interviewing.
8. Develop your Soft Skills such as:
Communication
Compassion mixed with firmness
Stress management
Teamwork etc
I believe these few points will get you started. Good luck all the way.
You are doing great by wanting to be ahead. It shows you are futuristic. Here are some points
1. Get Hands-On Experience in Clinical Settings
Volunteering at animal sanctuaries is great, but vet tech programs love to see clinical experience.
You can:
Shadow a veterinarian or vet tech at a local clinic.(this exposes you faster to the kind of work you'll soon be doing)
Ask to help with kennel work, cleaning, restocking, or observing exams/surgeries.
2. Strengthen Your Animal Handling Skills like:
Restraining dogs/cats safely
Handling stressed, fearful, or injured animals
Basic grooming, nail trims, etc.
Sanctuaries help with this, but clinics expose you to medical handling.
3. Take Science Courses Seriously
Biology
Chemistry
Anatomy/Physiology etc
4. Learn Basic Veterinary Terminology
You don’t need to be perfect, but knowing common terms like will go a long way.
Please note there are free online courses and YouTube channels that teach these.
5. Build a Simple “Experience Portfolio”
Proof of hours you have worked
A personal statement
Start keeping:
A list of where you volunteer
What tasks you perform
Skills you have learned
This will help when applying or interviewing.
8. Develop your Soft Skills such as:
Communication
Compassion mixed with firmness
Stress management
Teamwork etc
I believe these few points will get you started. Good luck all the way.
Amie Wagner
Veterinary Technician
4
Answers
New York, 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!!!