The veterinary care sector in America is experiencing sustained and robust growth, due to the increasing importance society places on high quality care for pets and commercial animals alike.
Wyoming is an excellent example of a state where the combination of rural and urban families and a large farming and ranching sector has made veterinary care especially important.
Due to this, individuals seeking to become Wyoming veterinary technicians have excellent career and salary options.
The Veterinary Technician’s Career Prospects
Currently, the field of veterinary medicine is a rapidly expanding one. As a vital component of any veterinary practice, the field of veterinary technology is enjoying rapid growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) currently estimates that there are over 80,000 veterinary technicians in the United States, and has determined that the projected job growth of over 50 percent by 2020 is well above average. Because of this growth, a career in veterinary technology is very attractive for newly graduated students, as well as those who are seeking to transition to a more rewarding career.
Becoming a Vet Tech in Wyoming
Wyoming does not currently require certification for vet techs who work in the state. However, becoming a certified vet tech dramatically improves the individual’s career and salary options.
Because of this, it is generally advisable to become a certified vet tech. In Wyoming, the Wyoming Veterinary Technician Association (WyVTA) is authorized to provide certification for those vet techs who complete its requirements, letting them 
identify themselves as certified vet techs to employers and the public alike.
The requirements to become a certified Wyoming veterinary technician include the following:
- Successfully complete an accredited veterinary technology program.
- Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
- Apply to the WyVTA and provide documentation of having completed the required steps.
Vet Tech Programs
Most veterinary technology programs take approximately two years for a full-time student to complete. They cover all aspects of a veterinary technician’s duties, and include both classroom and lab based education. Many programs also offer part-time and distance learning options, allowing students who are currently working, for example, to complete the veterinary technology program on their own schedule.
It is important that students only enter programs that have been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This association ensures that all accredited programs are capable of fulfilling all the requirements in order to provide and effective veterinary technology program. The WyVTA does not accept classes taken from non-accredited programs.
The VTNE
The VTNE is a professional examination that evaluates all aspects of the candidate’s academic and practical qualifications to work as a certified veterinary technician. The VTNE is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), and is constantly updated to ensure that it remains current with the modern state of veterinary medicine. In order to pass the VTNE, the candidate must score at least 425 on the test.
While it is possible to repeat the test if the individual fails to pass, the AAVSB reserves the right to limit how many times the test can be retaken. In general, the AAVSB does not allow candidates to retake the test more than five times. For this reason, it is important that candidates only take the test when they feel that they are fully prepared.
Becoming a Certified Vet Tech and Continuing Education
After successfully completing an accredited program and passing the VTNE, the candidate may become certified by the WyVTA. However, the individual must renew his or her certification every two years. The WyVTA requires at least ten hours of approved continuing education every two years for all certified vet techs who intend to renew their status with the WyVTA.
Employment Opportunities in Wyoming
As a state with a combination of urban and rural areas, in addition to a vibrant farming and ranching sector, Wyoming has a wide variety of employment opportunities for certified vet techs. Among the more common careers are the following:
- Working as a vet tech in an urban or rural veterinary practice.
- Serving as a vet tech in the farming or ranching sector in order to ensure the health and comfort of livestock and production animals.
- Wildlife management organizations often require vet techs to assist in the treatment of animals.
Becoming a certified vet tech in Wyoming can be excellent choice for those individuals desiring to become a professional veterinary care worker. In addition, veterinary technicians are respected by the community and their fellow professionals alike. When combined with the excellent career and salary options, the field of veterinary technology is an extremely attractive career choice.
Vet Tech Programs In Wyoming
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