Veterinary Technician State Requirements And Programs In Alabama

Have you been thinking about becoming a veterinary technician in Alabama but would like to learn more about the requirements? If so, we can help! Careers in veterinary technology are quite popular today, and they offer fantastic starting salaries as well. If you want to become a vet tech in Alabama, the following information can get you started.

Vet Tech Schools in Alabama

Of course, the first thing you will need to do to begin your new career is locate a school that offers a veterinary technology program. There are many such schools in Alabama; however, you need to make sure that the program is approved for licensing by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The following schools meet this criteria.

• Jefferson State Community College – Birmingham, Pell City, Clanton
• Auburn University – Auburn
• Tuskegee University – Tuskegee

Admission Requirements

Before you can be admitted into a veterinary technician program, you will need to meet various requirements as set by the school you choose.

While these requirements may vary from one facility to another, some of the most common criteria you will need to fulfill is listed below.

• High School Diploma or GED
• High School/GED Official Transcripts
• GPA of 2.5 or Higher
• ACT/SAT Exam Results
• Completion of Placement Exams
• Submission of Admissions Application
• Health Insurance
• First-Year Orientation

Typical Veterinary Tech Curriculum

Your veterinary technician curriculum was carefully designed to ensure that you receive all of the training you need for a career in veterinary technology. Just as with admission requirements, vet tech curricula may vary from one school to another. However, a typical curriculum is described below.

General Education Courses

Most all schools will require you to complete several general education courses before you can begin your vet tech program. The exact courses you will need to take depend on the school you choose and the scores you receive on your placement exams. Nevertheless, listed below, you will find some common requirements for many schools today.

• Principles of Biology
• English Composition
• College-Level Algebra
• Computer Skills
• Social and Behavioral Science
• Humanities or Fine Arts
• Oral Communications

Career-Related Courses

After completing your general education requirements, you will then be eligible to begin the veterinary technician program. The vet tech program is an intense curriculum that consists of a variety of classroom lectures, laboratories and clinical work. Although these classes may vary as well, the courses listed below are good examples of what you can expect.

• Introduction to Veterinary Technology
• Anatomy and Physiology of Mammals
• Vet Tech Clinics I through IV
• Clinical Procedures and Pathology
• Vet Tech Emergency and First Aid
• Animal Diseases and Immunology
• Animal Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Anesthesia and Diagnostic Imaging
• Animal Nutrition and Lab Animals
• Vet Microbiology and Parasitology
• Vet Tech Large Animal Practices
• Seminars in Veterinary Technology
• Vet Tech Preceptorship

The Veterinary Technician National Exam

After earning your veterinary technology degree, you must then sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination. The VTNE is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards at various locations throughout the year. You must pass this test with at least 425 for you to be eligible for licensing.

The VTNE is a comprehensive exam that evaluates your knowledge and skills pertaining to veterinary technology. While you are allowed up to five attempts to complete the VTNE, you will need to pay an examination fee each time you take the test. With that said, it is best to take the test only after you are fully prepared.

Licensing Requirements

If you successfully pass your VTNE, you can then apply for licensing from the Alabama Veterinary Technician Association. However, you will need to ensure that you have met the following requirements first. Your initial license will be valid for one year, at which time you will need to renew.

• 18 Years of Age or Older
• Submission of Licensing Application
• Payment of Licensing Fee
• Completion of an Approved Veterinary Technology Program
• College/University Transcripts
• Recent Photo
• Passing Score on the VTNE
• Completion of Alabama’s Jurisprudence Exam

For many people in America, proper veterinary care for their beloved pets is just as important as it is for themselves. This has resulted in a significant increase in employment opportunities for people who would like to work in this exciting field. What this means for you is that becoming a veterinary technician is a great path to a rewarding and stable career in today’s economy.

Select Veterinary Technician Programs In Alabama

Below are a selection of schools offering veterinary technician training. Select each program to receive detailed information from them.

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