Are you getting ready to graduate from a veterinary technician program and would like some study tips for the VTNE? The Veterinary Technician National Exam, or VTNE, is used by every state in the U.S. to ensure that licensing applicants are fully prepared to practice in the field of veterinary technology.
If you will be taking the VTNE soon, the study tips described below can help.
Know the VTNE Requirements
The American Association of Veterinary State Boards sets the rules for and administers the VTNE. First of all, before you can take the Veterinary Technician National Exam, you must have graduated from an approved vet tech program or be due to graduate within six months or less.
Additionally, prior to sitting for the exam, you will need to have your school send your official transcripts to the AAVSB.
As such, you will want to make sure that you make this request well in advance of your testing date to ensure that your transcripts arrive in plenty of time for the AAVSB to evaluate them.
Keep Your Notes Organized
Studying for the Veterinary Technician National Exam begins while you are still attending your veterinary technician program.
It is essential for you to keep all of your notes and assignments organized. Additionally, be sure to highlight anything that pertains to study methods or the VTNE.
Never underestimate the value of notes as they offer an easier and quicker way to locate information than sorting through page upon page in a textbook. You can also find great reference material for the VTNE directly on the AAVSB website. This information was used to create the exam, and you can download it at no charge.
Focus on Essential Topics
Although the subject matter on the VTNE may vary from time to time, there are some common topics that you need to study. Focusing on the following topics can help you perform well on your test.
- Internal and External Parasites
- Medical Math Calculations
- Veterinary Medicine Equipment/Names and Uses
- Pharmacology/Classifications, Uses and Side Effects
- Microbiology
- Animal Dentistry
It is essential to note that it does not matter whether you may want to specialize in small or large animal practices.
The VTNE includes questions pertaining to both small and large animals. It does not favor one or the other.
As such, you will need to be prepared to answer questions about both large and small animal medicine.
Take Several Practice Tests First
Before you take the actual VTNE, locate and take several practice exams first. There are many books that offer practice exams and study guides for the VTNE. However, one of the best sources is the Internet. There are many websites that offer practice tests for aspiring vet techs as well.
One such site is VetTechPrep.com. This site not only offers excellent practice tests, but it also offers extensive study guides for the VTNE. Furthermore, you can choose to take the test either in practice or timed mode. Finally, for a small fee, the AAVSB offers a detailed practice test as well.
Form a Study Group
In many cases, forming a study group can significantly help you with the VTNE. Get together with some of your fellow students or graduates and set aside a specific time one or two days a week to study. If you are having trouble in a certain area, one of your group’s members may be able to help and vice versa.
Do Not Cram
It is never a good idea to cram for the VTNE.
Allow yourself plenty of time prior to the exam to prepare and review your material. Cramming only results in exhaustion and stress. It is typically recommended to begin studying about two months before taking the VTNE to review your material and prepare.
Get Plenty of Rest
Finally, make sure you get plenty of rest the night before you are scheduled to take your VTNE. Be sure to eat a healthy breakfast prior to the test as well.
Furthermore, by arriving early, you can allow yourself some time to relax and review any significant topics you have been having trouble with.
If you are faced with taking the Veterinary Technician National Exam, you may be a bit nervous as you must pass this test to obtain your license. However, there are some great ways for you to prepare for your test, and the useful study tips described above can help reduce your stress.
Also check out this post: Tips On How To Pass The VTNE