Here at the Vet Tech Guide we get quite a few questions. We’re not always able to answer all of them for many reasons, but we can in some cases answer questions and/or direct readers to where they can get them answered.
Question:
I am currently in my last semester in college and will be graduating with a bachelors in sociology.
I’ve always wanted to be a vet and work with animals, but went a different route in college not really knowing what it was that I wanted to do in life.
Can you tell me what my next step is to becoming a vet tech?
Also is there any programs that you can enroll in and advance your way up to be a vet from being a vet tech? Thank you
Answer:
1. The steps to becoming a vet tech are outlined in detail in the following articles. In addition please refer to the specific state where you want to practice as each state has some different requirements to work a veterinary technician.
This page will give you a good overview of the requirements to become a vet tech, but go a bit further and select the state that interests you: that is where you’ll find more detailed information about what the state needs from you. Although there are common requirements, some states require additional testing and licensing.
The real life experience from Erin may be of help on her process to become a vet tech and this one is about what you can expect in school.
2. A career as a veterinary technician and veterinary require two different paths.
The schooling for each career is different. That means that the courses you take to become a veterinary technician will not necessarily transfer if you want to pursue a veterinarian career. Of course the experience will benefit you. Read about Olga’s journey from being a vet tech to becoming a veterinarian.
Also see: This overview of the requirements to become a veterinarian and more detailed schooling requirements.
Find out what your state requires to become a vet tech. In each state specific articles there are links to your local state board. Also contact a school that provides vet tech courses, and it would be even better if it provides courses for both vet techs and veterinarians.
They would give you the most detailed information and provide you with advice on which courses to take, some of which may satisfy the basic requirements to become a veterinarian, especially if you have already taken college level courses in the sciences.
Update: Please also view this article about advancing from a vet tech to a veterinarian.