Vet Tech Requirements Texas
Texas is the second-largest state in the country, and it is home to large cities and small towns. Since the state is so large, there are a variety of opportunities for veterinary technicians (VTs). Almost every type of practice setting can be found in Texas: private practices, emergency clinics, pet hospitals/animal hospitals, mobile clinics/mobile vet tech jobs, boarding facilities/boarding facilities that employ vet techs…the list goes on! Vet tech jobs in Texas are plentiful—and they offer competitive salaries.
In Texas, vet techs are referred to as veterinary technicians.
Veterinary technician is a designation used to refer to the profession of veterinary healthcare. In Texas, the term is used specifically for veterinary technicians who are employed by veterinarians or veterinary clinics and medical facilities.
Vet techs can perform a variety of duties at their place of employment, such as:
- Taking care of animals
- Performing laboratory analysis on samples from animals
- Applying medications and performing other tasks under the supervision of a veterinarian
To become a vet tech in Texas, you first need to get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology.
To become a vet tech in Texas, you first need to get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology.
There are two main paths to becoming a vet tech: get an associate’s degree from an AVMA-accredited program that takes two years to complete, or earn a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year AVMA-accredited program.
The next step is getting your master’s degree (or doctorate), which typically takes two years of full-time study.
You will also need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and apply for your license from the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
You will also need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and apply for your license from the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
To take this exam, you must first have graduated from an accredited program that provides at least 900 hours of instruction and includes a laboratory component and clinical field experience. Once you have completed these requirements, you can take this exam at any time after graduation as long as you’re in good standing with your school’s licensing board.
Once you receive your license, you can choose to become certified by taking the Texas Association of Licensed Veterinary Technicians (TALVT) exam.
You do not need to be TALVT certified in Texas. Many veterinarians and animal hospitals have a strong preference for certified technicians, but some employers hire untrained assistants and give them the training needed on the job. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) requires its members to offer this kind of career development opportunity to their employees, but there is no law requiring it.
In addition, certification does not guarantee that you will make more money or get promoted faster than an uncertified technician working at the same facility with similar experience and skills. Certification is considered by some employers as a sign of dedication and professionalism among veterinary technologists; however, many vet techs choose not to pursue certification because it can be expensive and time-consuming.
Keep reading for more information on how to become a veterinary technician in Texas.
Next, you will need to take the National Veterinary Technician Exam and pass. You must also complete an accredited degree program in veterinary technology or an associate’s degree in animal science.
In Texas, you are required to have a high school diploma or GED, as well as either 1,800 hours of hands-on training or 45 college credit hours in animal science or equivalent coursework. With this license and education under your belt (or paws), you can begin working at a veterinary clinic anywhere in the state!
Becoming a vet tech in Texas is a great career option, especially if you love animals and have an interest in the medical field. It’s also important to note that this profession can be beneficial for those who want to enter into other fields as well, such as pharmacy or pharmaceutics. If you are looking for more information on how to become a veterinary technician in Texas and want to learn more about our program at San Antonio College then contact us today!