A period of clinical experience in a veterinary practice is required for all students in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program. This period of hands-on training is called a preceptorship, practicum, or externship, and is a critical component of the veterinary technician program.

Distance Learning
To accommodate work and family obligations, distance learning is an option for many students wishing to earn a veterinary technician degree from home. The AVMA accredits several distance-learning courses that meet the same Standards of Accreditation as traditional programs and includes a clinical component. Students fulfill the clinical training through sponsorship by a licensed veterinarian.


Salary
Veterinary technicians earn salaries that compare favorably to those in other fields requiring a similar education. Salaries vary according to experience, responsibility, geographic location, and employment type.

Professional Regulation
The majority of states have regulations that provide for technician credentialing (certification, licensure, or registration). Candidates are typically tested for competency through an examination regulated by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (or other appropriate agency). Some states require candidates to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination before being issued a license to practice.

Veterinary Technician Specialties
Some veterinary technicians decide to focus on areas of specialization. There are currently three specialty academies and one society. A "Society" is defined as a group of individuals, veterinary technicians, hospital staff, and veterinarians interested in a specific discipline or area of veterinary medicine. An "Academy" is the term selected by the NAVTA to designate a group receiving recognition as a specialty. Current specialty groups are:

Academy of Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Technicians (AVECCT) - www.avecct.org
Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists (AVTA) - www.avta-vts.org
Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT) - www.avdt.us
Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians - www.svbt.org

Veterinary Technician Associations
About 100 state, local, and provincial organizations of veterinary technicians exist across the United States and Canada. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) offers it members continuing education, social, and employment-related activities to assist in their professional growth. For specifics on Canadian veterinary technology programs, contact the CAAHTT at the address below.

See the AVMA website for a list accredited veterinary technician programs.

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