2 answers
Sydney
Student
Morristown, Vermont
2
Questions
Asked
675 views
What does it take to be a vet tech
What school would be best in VT and how long would I have to go for college and what will I be getting myself into
Login to comment
2 answers
Hiram Chu
High School College Counselor
11
Answers
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Updated
Hiram’s Answer
A vet tech is a credentialed profession, not just a job title, and the general is:
-Graduate from an AVMA-CVTEA accredited program (associate or bachelor's). Non-accredited programs generally don't qualify you for licensure without extra years of supervised work experience as a substitute.
-Pass the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination), offered at Pearson VUE testing centers a few times a year. It's the standard credentialing exam nationwide.
-Apply for state credentialing. The title varies by state: Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). But the underlying requirement is the same everywhere: accredited program + VTNE + state application (often with a background check and sometimes a state jurisprudence exam).
-Maintain the credential with continuing education each renewal cycle.
This is a different, shorter, and much less expensive pathway than becoming a veterinarian (DVM) since vet techs work under a licensed vet's supervision doing nursing care, anesthesia, diagnostics, and client education, but can't diagnose or prescribe.
Program length varies depending on the specific one you choose:
-Associate degree: about 2 years; the standard, most common route and the minimum most states require.
-Bachelor's degree: about 4 years; same core AVMA-CVTEA curriculum plus more science/management depth; useful for practice management, specialty credentialing (VTS), teaching, or industry roles later.
Both formats exist on-campus, hybrid, and fully online (with in-person clinical externships required regardless of format).
Programs that are well-respected include Purdue University (bachelor's-level, housed within its College of Veterinary Medicine), Colorado State-affiliated programs, and University of New Hampshire. For flexible/online AVMA-accredited options, you can look into San Juan College, Colby Community College, and Penn Foster.
Hope this helps!
-Graduate from an AVMA-CVTEA accredited program (associate or bachelor's). Non-accredited programs generally don't qualify you for licensure without extra years of supervised work experience as a substitute.
-Pass the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination), offered at Pearson VUE testing centers a few times a year. It's the standard credentialing exam nationwide.
-Apply for state credentialing. The title varies by state: Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). But the underlying requirement is the same everywhere: accredited program + VTNE + state application (often with a background check and sometimes a state jurisprudence exam).
-Maintain the credential with continuing education each renewal cycle.
This is a different, shorter, and much less expensive pathway than becoming a veterinarian (DVM) since vet techs work under a licensed vet's supervision doing nursing care, anesthesia, diagnostics, and client education, but can't diagnose or prescribe.
Program length varies depending on the specific one you choose:
-Associate degree: about 2 years; the standard, most common route and the minimum most states require.
-Bachelor's degree: about 4 years; same core AVMA-CVTEA curriculum plus more science/management depth; useful for practice management, specialty credentialing (VTS), teaching, or industry roles later.
Both formats exist on-campus, hybrid, and fully online (with in-person clinical externships required regardless of format).
Programs that are well-respected include Purdue University (bachelor's-level, housed within its College of Veterinary Medicine), Colorado State-affiliated programs, and University of New Hampshire. For flexible/online AVMA-accredited options, you can look into San Juan College, Colby Community College, and Penn Foster.
Hope this helps!
Johnson Tran
Tutor
101
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Johnson’s Answer
If you love animals and want to work in animal healthcare, becoming a vet tech is a great choice. Here's what you need to know about doing this in Vermont.
What does a vet tech do?
Vet techs are essential in a clinic. You’ll be:
- Taking patient histories and helping with exams
- Drawing blood and running lab tests
- Administering medications and monitoring animals under anesthesia during surgery
- Assisting with X-rays
- Communicating with pet owners
The work is fast-paced and can be messy, but it's very rewarding.
Education requirements:
You need proper credentials to start. Here’s the usual path:
1. Earn an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology, which takes about 2 years.
2. Pass the VTNE, the national licensing exam.
3. Get licensed to work in Vermont.
So, in short: 2 years of school → pass the exam → start working.
Where to study in Vermont:
You have a few options:
- Vermont Technical College (VTC) offers an accredited degree.
- Online programs accredited by the AVMA, with local clinical hours.
- Out-of-state schools in nearby NH, NY, or Massachusetts.
What to expect:
The job is demanding but fulfilling. You’ll help animals daily, but it can be physically and emotionally challenging. The good news is vet techs are in high demand, so finding a job should be easy.
What does a vet tech do?
Vet techs are essential in a clinic. You’ll be:
- Taking patient histories and helping with exams
- Drawing blood and running lab tests
- Administering medications and monitoring animals under anesthesia during surgery
- Assisting with X-rays
- Communicating with pet owners
The work is fast-paced and can be messy, but it's very rewarding.
Education requirements:
You need proper credentials to start. Here’s the usual path:
1. Earn an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology, which takes about 2 years.
2. Pass the VTNE, the national licensing exam.
3. Get licensed to work in Vermont.
So, in short: 2 years of school → pass the exam → start working.
Where to study in Vermont:
You have a few options:
- Vermont Technical College (VTC) offers an accredited degree.
- Online programs accredited by the AVMA, with local clinical hours.
- Out-of-state schools in nearby NH, NY, or Massachusetts.
What to expect:
The job is demanding but fulfilling. You’ll help animals daily, but it can be physically and emotionally challenging. The good news is vet techs are in high demand, so finding a job should be easy.
Thank you for the information! I love animals very much
Sydney