Animal Veterinarians

Several distance learning veterinarian technician programs are accredited by the AVMA. Veterinary medicine has become very complex and sophisticated in recent years. Veterinarians use skilled veterinary technicians to perform routine clinical and laboratory procedures. The need for veterinary technicians is expected to grow. Veterinary technician training programs throughout the US are accredited by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association).

The AVMA accredits veterinarian technicians programs that are conducted in laboratory, or clinical settings, and involve the humane use of live animals. Most of these programs lead to an associate degree, after 2 years of study. Some lead to a baccalaureate degree, after 4 years. Distance learning veterinarian technician programs offer flexibility and convenience.

Working as a Veterinary Technician

Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. They help them by providing nursing care, preparing for surgery, collecting specimens, advising owners of animals, etc. They are not permitted to prescribe, diagnose, perform surgery, or to do anything that is prohibited by the state’s practice act.

This may be the right career for you, if you like animals, are good at decision making and basic mathematics and enjoy working with your hands. The work involves working with people and handling a variety of responsibilities.

New career fields are opening up for veterinary technicians that involve working in fields related to human beings, as well as animals. Some of them are Military Service, Diagnostic Research, Education, Biomedical Research, Drug and Feed Manufacturing Companies, Zoos and Wildlife Facilities, etc.

Distance Learning Programs

Some of the distance learning veterinarian technician programs accredited by AVMA, are mentioned here. Be sure to investigate each one carefully before enrolling to determine if it is the right program for you.

The Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine offers an online Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program. This Associate of Science Program is accredited by the AVMA and is meant for students who are employed elsewhere. Students are required to complete a Clinical Mentorship, with a veterinarian.

The Blue Ridge Community College offers a Veterinary Technology associate degree program, accredited by the AVMA. The program starts every 3 years and is conducted via a live 2-way television connection. One of the eligibility requirements is that applicants must be employed by a veterinarian for at least 20 hours a week.

Distance learning veterinarian technician programs are suitable for students who are employed by a veterinarian or who have developed a relationship with one. Look for an accredited program that is nationally recognized.



By: Jim Zorn

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Basically, when a person thinks of working with animals, the only options that come to mind are veterinary practices or pet grooming. There are many ways in which you can combine your interest in working with animals and make a living out of it. The jobs based on scientific know-how, biology and veterinary medicine. Candidates need to be knowledgeable in organic chemistry, calculus and physics.

Qualifications

To function as a professional animal trainer, you have to understand animals and their specific behavior. Animal trainers are generally certified and if you want to be successful trainer, you must gain a 2-year local college degree and also have some knowledge in business and psychology. Trainers often set their own fees. A business license is a must for any trainer.

Job Prospects

You can also work with a veterinarian as an assistant or technician, where you may be asked to check animal patients. You may have to clean the cages and examination rooms. If you have a veterinary degree, then you qualify for vaccinating the animals and can assist the veterinarian during surgical procedures.

Another job would be to work in a shelter, where you may have to assist with euthanasia. Sometimes, non-profit shelters offer minimum wage, but city-run shelters offer wages set by the City Council. State or local governing bodies certify all these positions. In some states, there is a set and identified basic difference between veterinary technicians and assistants, so before you select your field of work, you should check with local authorities.

Grooming is also a profession for which you have to acquire some basic training. Some states offer certificate courses for pet grooming. The costs of various training courses vary widely. These programs are usually not eligible for educational loans.

You can also practice as a holistic practitioner for animals. You can heal animals by using traditional methods, aided by the study of biology, nutrition and other sciences. To pursue this career, you should complete a certificate course. Some chiropractic colleges also conduct animal programs. These practitioners are usually self-employed.

To be a professional veterinarian, you have to acquire a degree from a recognized university. It is very difficult to get admission to these colleges. The preliminary requirements can be acquired from any local college and then, you could pursue specialization in a veterinary college.

There is a dearth of veterinarians in the USA and this is not due to lack of students, but fewer colleges. A professional veterinarian earns $90,000 to$225,000 a year.



By: Tony Jacowski

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