If spending time with animals puts a smile on your face, you might want to think about working with animals as a career. Working as a veterinary technician means you can make a difference in the lives of furred, feathered and scaled companions of all shapes and sizes. Vet tech jobs are hands-on, fast-paced and deeply rewarding for those who love animals. The Institute of Medical and Business Careers (IMBC) offers a comprehensive vet tech school program designed to prepare students for this exciting role in just 1.5 years.
Working as a vet tech might mean collecting samples for labs, prepping animals for surgery, doling out medications, taking X-rays and a whole lot more. From emergency first aid to updating patient records, these animal helpers do it all, including providing information for pet owners to help prevent future health issues.
At a veterinary clinic, you might start the day receiving patients for scheduled surgeries, then spend time giving out vaccinations and collecting vitals. If you work in a lab, expect to collect lots of samples for testing, while those in a zoo might spend more time on animal behavior, working with animals in public to educate people about how animals behave in the wild. A vet tech’s ability to handle animals with care while providing technical support allows veterinarians to focus on diagnosing and creating treatment plans.
While vet techs and veterinarians both work to improve animal health, their roles and education requirements are significantly different. Veterinarians must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Veterinary technicians generally complete an associate degree program from an accredited vet tech school, such as the one offered at IMBC. While vet techs cannot prescribe medication or make official diagnoses like a veterinarian, they perform a wide range of medical tasks and support functions that are vital to the success of any veterinary practice.
To begin your journey into vet tech jobs, you’ll need to complete an approved veterinary technician program. IMBC’s program offers hands-on training, real-world clinical experience and guidance in preparing for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), which is often required for state certification or licensure.
In addition to classroom instruction, IMBC’s vet tech school curriculum includes externships that allow students to gain practical experience in actual veterinary settings. These opportunities not only build skill and confidence but also help students build connections that can lead to job placement after they graduate from the program in about 1.5 years.
With demand for qualified vet techs on the rise, now is a great time to enter the field. If you’re compassionate, detail-oriented and passionate about animal care, consider enrolling in a program that sets you up for success.
Enroll in IMBC’s vet tech program and take the first step toward a fulfilling career helping animals live healthier, happier lives.