In today’s highly competitive field of veterinary technology, it is of the utmost importance for people to prove their worth to potential employers.
One of the best ways of accomplishing this is by pursuing various advanced credentials, also known as specialty credentials. There are currently many of these types of certifications available today; however, we will examine some of the more popular ones below.
Requirements for Advanced Vet Tech Credentials
First things first, before you can apply for any advanced vet tech credentials, you must meet various requirements as required by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. While this criteria is a bit stringent, advanced credentials are well worth obtaining. The basic requirements can be found here.
- You should have earned a minimum of an associate degree in veterinary technology.
- You must be a licensed, registered or certified veterinary technician.
- You need to complete a predetermined amount of cases in your desired specialty.
- You must provide proof of your skills in the form of a portfolio.
- You will be required to pass a board exam and pay a small certification fee.
Anesthesiology
Anesthesia is often necessary during a vast array of diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical procedures. As a veterinary technician anesthetist, you can choose to work in many different settings including small or large animal practices, emergency clinics, animal shelters, wild life centers and even zoological parks.
If you choose this specialty, you will be responsible for such tasks as preparing and administering anesthesia, adjusting dosages as necessary and monitoring recovery of patients. For more information pertaining to anesthesia credentials, you can contact The Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists.
Dentistry
With more and more pet owners becoming aware of the necessity of proper oral hygiene for their pets, the need for vet techs specializing in dentistry is steadily growing. Veterinary dental technicians are responsible for many tasks including examining pets’ mouths, checking for oral issues, cleaning teeth and educating pet owners on proper oral hygiene for their pets.
These professionals can also be found working in various environments including small and large animal clinics, zoological parks, wildlife centers, and marine parks. However, you will most likely find the most available positions for these professionals in small animal clinics and hospitals. If you would like more information pertaining to the dentistry credential, you can contact the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Emergency and Critical Care
It is unfortunate that pets are often the victims of accidents, injuries or poisoning that requires emergency treatment. These professionals typically work in animal urgent care or emergency clinics; however, they may also be found working in such environments as wildlife centers, zoos and marine parks.
If you choose to become an emergency and critical care vet tech, you will be helping to treat a variety of animals that are seriously ill or injured. Common tasks of these vet techs include applying bandages and casts, taking x-rays, placing catheters and monitoring vital signs. For more information about this specialty, you should contact the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians.
Small Animal Practices
While this may be the most sought-after specialty, it is also the one that is highest in demand. Veterinary technicians who choose to specialize in small animal practices help provide care for such animals as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and snakes. They can be found in a variety of settings including animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and animal shelters.
Vet techs working in small animal practices are responsible for such tasks as recording vital signs, drawing blood, administering vaccinations and medication, taking x-rays and performing laboratory tests. If you think that you would like to specialize in small animal practices, the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practices can help you earn your credential.
Large Animal Practices
If you choose to specialize in large animal practices, you will be working with equines or what are known as production animals. This commonly includes horses, donkeys, cattle, hogs and sheep. However, it can also include small production animals such as chickens, turkeys and ducks. Vet techs who work for large animal practices often spend much of their time helping treat animals in the field.
Large animal vet techs partake in such duties as restraining animals, administering vaccinations and medication, assisting during treatments and performing laboratory tests. For you to find out more about this specialty, you will need to contact the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practices. If you want to specialize strictly in equines, you may contact the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians.
Nutrition
As more and more pet food scares arise, many pet owners today have become concerned with their pets’ diets. This fact has resulted in a growing demand for veterinary technicians who are experts in nutrition. Vet tech nutritionists can be found in most any facility that provides medical care to animals.
The main responsibilities of these professionals are to assist during treatments of food allergy-related ailments, formulate diet plans for pets and other animals, and educate clients on proper nutrition for their pets or livestock. If this credential sounds intriguing to you, you will need to contact the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians.
Zoological Medicine
There is always a need for qualified veterinary technicians who specialize in zoological medicine. This specialty requires unique skills as it can be quite dangerous at times.
In this profession, you will be working with a broad range of animals including primates, lions and other large felines, giraffes, bears, elephants, and various types of birds.
Much of the work performed by veterinarians and vet techs in zoos is done within the animals’ enclosures. Due to the wild nature of animals, sedation is typically used during most all treatments. If this specialty sounds appealing to you, the Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians can help you get your credential.
These are the most popular specialty credentials available to veterinary technicians today. By earning one or more of these credentials you can increase your employment opportunities and your worth to employers.
Other specialty credentials you may want to consider are listed below.
- Surgery – The Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians
- Internal Medicine – The Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians
- Behavior – The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians
- Pathology – The Academy of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Technicians
- Laboratory Animals – The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
- Pain Management – The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management
- Pet Loss and Grief – Two Hearts Pet Loss Center