Homes, zoos, farms, animal shelters, wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife reserves are all areas brimming with animals. Where there are animals there will be a need for animal healthcare. Veterinary technicians work with veterinarians to provide animal healthcare from performing tests to surgeries.
There are many veterinary technology programs that aspiring vet techs can choose from to earn the qualification necessary to pursue this career path. The minimum requirement for admission to a veterinary technical program is generally a high school diploma. High grade scores in math and science are beneficial as is practical experienced earned through volunteer work in a vet’s office or other animal facility.
Students have a choice of on-campus courses or distance learning. While on-campus, full time study is the recommended route to follow, there is no hard and fast rule about where you can earn your degree. What you do need to bear in mind is that the degree you earn should be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This is not mandatory, but you will soon find that an accredited degree has more value in the job market than a degree from a non-accredited program does.
While there are many schools offering online vet tech programs, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are approximately 10 accredited schools offering the programs.
To become a veterinary technician you will need an associate’s degree from an accredited degree program. As with most things, there are pros and cons to choosing online vet tech programs.
Advantages
Online vet tech programs are an excellent study option for students who are specifically looking for a flexible schedule, lower fee structure and convenient learning. Online vet tech programs offer flexible learning schedules, study is done at the student’s convenience, the classes and examinations are conducted online.
Online vet tech programs are a convenient way to get qualified. Students do not need to attend classes on a regular schedule. Some students may prefer or need to work and study simultaneously. Online programs fit right into their schedule.
Disadvantages
As with everything good, there has to be a downside as well to balance things out. The negative aspects of choosing online vet tech programs include the absence of a structured course with regular attendance to an in-house institution, not everyone can handle studying on their own, distance learning equates to limited social interaction and the absence of immediate professor assistance.
If you are not the kind of person who can commit to studying on your own, distance learning may not be the right study option for you. On the other hand, if you are totally committed to accomplishing your chosen career goals, and need to work and study, online vet tech programs is a great option.
Finding a suitable online vet tech program is not difficult. An internet search will reveal more results than you need. Remember to find the ones that offer accredited programs.
Some of the colleges offering online vet tech programs include:
- Sanford-Brown College
- Vatterrot College
- Brown Mackie College
- Penn Foster Schools
- Ashworth College
- Platt College
- Vet Tech Institute
- and Animal Behavior College among others.