Can I Be a Vet Tech While in College? Steps to Get Started
Becoming a vet technician has many rewards, but it comes with challenges as well.
A student’s most frequent question can be: “Can I be a vet tech in college?”
The appropriate answer is that if you are in college, you can get experience or entry-level in the veterinary field, but it depends on your career goals and location.
Here, we will explain how to become a vet tech, the degree required, and job opportunities. And we will mainly answer the query on how can I be a vet tech while in college.
What Is a Vet Tech, and What Do They Do?
A veterinary technologist is a health care specialist working with the veterinarian to diagnose pets.
The role involves:
- Giving Medication
- Conducting Laboratory Tests
- Supporting Surgical Procedures
- Engaging with Clients to Ensure Clear Communication
Most students interested in animal care can start their careers as junior veterinary technicians for experience and practice.
Can I Be a Vet Tech While in College?
Yes, you can start a job if you seek entry-level vet tech jobs or assistance while studying in college.
Some clinics and animal hospitals hire students to work part-time or for a few hours, which benefits those planning to make a vet tech career path.
However, the position level that you may qualify for depends on:
- Training
- Certification
- Local Requirements
Education Needed to Be a Vet Tech
Every vet technician has at least two years of Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from an accredited program.
This degree is required for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), a licensure requirement in most states. Check out this for more information about what degree do you need to be a vet tech.
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DON’T FORGET If you are in a minor program, find out if your school offers major subjects in veterinary technology or has partnerships with clinics for work experience. |
Pathways to Becoming a Vet Tech: Degree and Non-Degree Options
Now, the question on your mind is whether it is necessary to get a degree and how to become a vet tech without college.
Below are the answers to these questions:
Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology
- Ideal for students committed to a vet tech career path.
- Duration is approximately two years.
- It prepares you for certification exams, opens more job opportunities, and is a faster route to licensure.
On-the-job training and Entry-Level Roles
- Ideal for those interested in entry-level animal care jobs to gain experience while studying.
- No degree is required, though some experience with animals can help.
- You learn on the job and in-the-real world experience – which can be useful if you take an official vet tech program later.
Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science or Related Field
- Ideal for students interested in advancing to specialized roles or vet school.
- Broader knowledge base, potential for leadership roles, and opens doors to related fields in animal science.
Entry-Level Vet Tech Jobs: Getting Started with No Experience
If you are looking to get a job as a vet tech but do not have experience, here are some entry-level starting positions:
- Vet Assistant:
- Assists vet techs and veterinarians, often without the need for a degree.
- Animal Care Attendant:
- Being responsible for feeding, cleaning, and monitoring animals is a familiar role for students.
- Kennel Assistant:
- Takes care of animal boarding, feeding, and monitoring.
Many clinics offer training for motivated college students, which can be a valuable entry point in the veterinary care field.
How to Balance College with Vet Tech Work: Tips for Success
Managing both college classes and vet tech jobs requires careful planning and dedication.
These are a few ideas to help you stay on track:
- Work-study-work (Prioratize class time around clinic hours).
- If you want a vet tech license, look for clinics that allow flexible hours or internships.
- Use planners or digital tools to track assignments, work shifts, and exams.
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Expert Tip You should prefer some veterinary clinics that offer student-friendly schedules, like on weekends, during semester breaks, or in summer holidays. |
Do Vet Techs Need a Degree? Exploring the Options
While a degree is typically required for licensed vet tech roles, you may find veterinary assistant positions without one.
Here is a look at what different roles require:
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Role |
Degree Requirement |
Certification Needed |
Duties |
|
Veterinary Technician |
Associate Degree |
Yes, VTNE |
Assisting in surgery, lab work. |
|
Vet Assistant |
Not always |
Optional |
Basic animal care, feeding, cleaning. |
|
Animal Care Attendant |
No |
No |
Feeding, monitoring, cleaning. |
Vet Tech Career Path: Where Can This Role Lead?
Veterinary technician is one job that opens the gate to a wonderful world of animal care.
Vet techs can also advance to specialized fields or veterinary nursing or even get into veterinary medicine if they pursue further studies.
Common vet tech career paths include:
- Specialized Vet Tech (e.g., surgical, dental, emergency)
- Veterinarian (with further study in veterinary school)
- Animal Care or Hospital Management
- Veterinary Nursing
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Expert Tip Working in different veterinary clinic departments can help you expand your competence and eventually find a specialization. |
Conclusion
A college student can begin a career as a vet technician, which may be good practice for students wishing to enter the field of veterinary medicine.
If you want to get a full degree or start from scratch, the journey gives hands-on training, animal care experience, and the groundwork for a meaningful career.
Ensure you familiarise yourself with regional requirements and have an appropriate schedule.
With the help of these methods and tips from professionals, you will be able to balance your studies and the rewarding position in animal health care.
This is all about how can I be a vet tech while in college.
To learn about vet tech courses and veterinary advancements, explore Vet and Tech. You can also access online educational resources and continue your veterinary professional development. Also, register for our upcoming free CE webinars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you be a vet tech with no degree?
If you do not have a degree, you can take entry-level positions like the vet assistant job. However, you usually require a degree to work as a certified vet tech, especially in areas involving complicated clinical work.
How Do I Find Entry-Level Vet Tech Jobs with No Experience?
Firstly, seek a job as a vet or kennel attendant in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter. Working at animal shelters or getting a pet boarding service job can develop the same skills.
What Degree is Best for a Vet Tech?
An associate degree in veterinary technology is, of course, the best preparation for a vet tech profession. Obtaining a license in some areas is mandatory, which leads to numerous positions in veterinary clinics.
