Veterinary Technicians

The veterinary technician is an integral member of the veterinary health care team who has been educated in the care and handling of animals, the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in routine laboratory and clinical procedures. All veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian and assist in performing a wide variety of tasks.

A veterinary technician employed in a veterinary clinic or hospital handles many of the same responsibilities that nurses and other professionals perform for physicians. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits veterinary technician programs throughout the U.S. that are conducted in laboratory or clinical settings involving the humane use of live animals. Most AVMA-accredited programs lead to an associate' degree after two years but some lead to a four-year baccalaureate degree.

To accommodate work and family obligations, distance learning is an option for many students wishing to earn a veterinary technician degree from home. The AVMA accredits several distance-learning courses that meet the same Standards of Accreditation as traditional programs and includes a clinical component. Students fulfill the clinical training through sponsorship by a licensed veterinarian. (source: the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA)

Please visit the Rhode Island Veterinary Technician’s Association (RIVTA) at http://www.rivta.org  

Other helpful links:

North American Veterinary Technician Association http://www.navta.net

Career and School Information:

http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/vettech_programs/vettech_programs.asp