The Veterinary Technology Blog

The VetTechColleges.com staff publishes information related to vet tech education and certification, going “behind the scenes” to give you deeper insight into your educational options. You’ll find detailed descriptions of potential career paths, internship opportunities, emerging veterinary technologies, and profiles of leading professors and institutions in the space.

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March 14, 2024

Veterinary technicians are crucial in animal healthcare, providing essential care and support to our beloved pets and livestock. They are the backbone of any veterinary practice, performing various functions from conducting laboratory tests to assisting in surgeries. In the unique role of a traveling vet tech, these professionals take their skills on the road, providing vital services to areas where veterinary care is scant or nonexistent.

Melody-Martinez
January 19, 2024

Like many other sectors, the field of veterinary medicine grapples with the challenge of ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion. Historically, the veterinary profession has been predominantly white and male, and while other professions have made strides towards a more diverse workforce, this field has been lagging behind.

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January 4, 2024

Veterinary technicians, often called vet techs, are crucial in providing compassionate animal care. They fulfill myriad responsibilities, including administering medication, assisting in surgeries, conducting laboratory tests, and offering routine healthcare advice to pet owners. To become a vet tech, students must complete a two-year associate degree in veterinary technology, although some pursue a four-year bachelor's degree.

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December 13, 2023

Scholarships are, most simply put, free money. Students pay them back figuratively, with their service to society—at no interest or obligation. While good scholarships can be hard to find and win, they do exist specifically for motivated individuals who need them most.

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December 7, 2023

Veterinary technicians possess a wealth of knowledge and skill, yet they are frequently underutilized within their practices. As the demand for efficient and high-quality animal healthcare escalates, it's crucial to reassess and address the potential underutilization of veterinary technicians in the industry.

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November 9, 2023

If there is a vet tech in your life who you’d like to appreciate with a gift, here are 20 suggestions that are thoughtful, connective, and accessible for any budget. As a bonus, many of the gifts listed also contribute to keeping animals healthy in local communities and across the planet.

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October 31, 2023

Moral distress is a term used to describe the psychological and emotional turmoil that can arise when individuals are faced with a situation where they feel ethically conflicted or unable to act following their moral values. While moral distress is commonly associated with healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, it can also be experienced by veterinary technicians.

sjvc fresno
October 30, 2023

The Southern California vet tech schools featured on this list are all accredited through the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Not only does AVMA program accreditation ensure students that these programs meet the highest educational standards, graduating from an AVMA-accredited program also enables students to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

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September 26, 2023

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to bully someone, typically by sending or publicly posting messages that are intimidating or threatening.” This is beyond a simple bad review and is a serious issue in many veterinary facilities. In fact, 40 percent of AVMA members surveyed said they, or someone they work with, has been a victim of cyberbullying.

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August 29, 2023

A 2022 report published by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America found that 40 percent of the veterinary technicians who responded to their survey about their state’s title protection laws answered incorrectly. The report also found that, at the time, 31 states had no title protection for veterinary technicians, and ten only had limited protection. This means that in well over half the states in the country, anyone can call themselves a veterinary technician with no legal ramifications.

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August 9, 2023

Working with animals in a veterinary clinic requires specialized education. The two primary career options in veterinary care are as a veterinarian or a veterinary technician. Both professions play critical roles in ensuring the health and well-being of animals but have very different job duties and educational requirements.

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August 4, 2023

Much like any other industry, the veterinary industry underwent significant changes during the Covid-19 pandemic. Recent research found that everything from clinic protocols, patient admissions and discharges, deliveries, shipments, appointment scheduling and duration, and the availability of food, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment were profoundly impacted. Clinics had to adapt and implement new practices to ensure the safety of their staff, clients, and patients.

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July 21, 2023

The NAVTA launched the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI) in 2016 to combat title confusion. This initiative aims to change and standardize the title of veterinary technician to registered veterinary nurse (RVN). The scope of the job and required education wouldn’t change, just the name used for licensing purposes. The title was carefully chosen after a large survey.

St Petersburg College
July 19, 2023

With the internet, many more people without physical access to training can pursue careers assisting veterinarians as veterinary technicians. The schools on this list offer online programs for veterinary assisting, both certification for veterinary assistants and degrees for veterinary technicians, to students nationwide.

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July 11, 2023

Burnout and compassion fatigue impact all professionals in this field, from veterinarians to assistants and technicians. Like human healthcare burnout, there are many reasons for veterinary professional burnout. Factors include staffing shortages, high daily patient turnover expectations, and long hours.