On Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Kansas – Step By Step
Kansas is a state that currently shows great promise for the field of veterinary medicine. With its mixture of farms, cities and industry, there is a wide variety of businesses and private individuals who require access to effective veterinary care.
For this reason, becoming a registered veterinary technician is an increasingly attractive career goal for those considering work in Kansas.
The Responsibilities and Duties of a Vet Tech
A vet tech works under the supervision of a veterinarian, providing services to help maintain the health and comfort of the animals under his or her care. In many cases, a vet tech also supervises veterinary assistants, volunteers and other individuals working in the veterinarian’s office.
Administering medication that has been prescribed by the veterinarian. This also includes observing the animal to ensure that there are no adverse reactions.
- Working with the veterinarian and other coworkers to restrain frightened or injured animals so they can be treated without endangering the veterinary workers or further aggravating the animal’s condition.
- Conducting the initial physical for animals in order to provide the veterinarian with basic information on the animal’s condition.
- When critically injured animals are admitted, the vet tech may be required to provide emergency first aid in order to stabilize the animal until the veterinarian can arrive.
- The vet tech may conduct the initial interview with the owners of injured or ill animals, collecting information to assist in developing a program of care. This often requires that the vet tech be able to professionally interact with owners who are agitated and fearful for their pet’s safety.
In addition, some veterinary technicians have obtained further education in order to become qualified to work in certain specialized fields of veterinary medicine.
These fields can include the following:
- Dental care specialists assist in providing effective dental care, which may include removing infected teeth and administering cleaning procedures.
- Veterinary anesthesiologists assist the veterinarian during surgical procedures, administering anesthetic to the animal and monitoring its condition during the surgery.
- Critical care and emergency technicians are trained to effectively assist veterinarians in handling severely injured or ill animals, including animals that have been struck by vehicles or who have ingested poisonous substances.
Educational Requirements for a Veterinary Technician
In order to become a veterinary technician in Kansas, the candidate must meet a variety of educational requirements. All vet techs must complete a study program administered by a school that has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). In most cases, this course of study will take two years to complete and include a variety of academic and practical instruction in the field of veterinary technology.
After completing the program, the candidate must take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), which evaluates the candidate’s ability to carry out the duties of a veterinary technician. This test is regularly updated in order to ensure that the questions remain current with modern veterinary practice. In order to pass the VTNE, the student must score at least 425 on the test.
Registering With the Kansas Board of Veterinary Examiners
Once the candidate has completed the program and successfully taken the VTNE, he or she must register with the Kansas Board of Veterinary Examiners.
- A photocopy of the diploma the candidate received from the vet tech program he or she completed.
- The test scores from the VTNE will be automatically forwarded to the state board, unless the test was taken in another state, in which case the candidate will have to request that they be forwarded.
- A recent photo of the candidate that can be used for identification purposes.
- The completion of the Kansas exam covering the responsibilities of a vet tech under state and federal law. This is an open book exam that can be retaken, but must be passed before the candidate can be registered.
Finally, unlike many states, Kansas does not require any continuing education credits in order for veterinary technicians to renew their license.
Due to this, once licensed in Kansas, the vet tech only has to continue paying the annual renewal fees for his or her license.
Job Opportunities for Vet Techs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has confirmed that the vet tech field is one that is enjoying robust growth in both urban and rural areas. With above average job growth forecast through 2020, the field is especially attractive to newly graduated students who are looking for a long-term and rewarding career.
With the growing emphasis on pet care, vet techs in Kansas can expect to become part of a vibrant and socially valued profession. Whether working in a small rural clinic or a large urban veterinary practice, a licensed vet tech can be confident that he or she is providing a real contribution to the health of America’s pets.