Top tips for scoring a job as a vet tech

Have you been thinking about pursuing a career in veterinary technology? If you are already enrolled in a veterinary technician program, then you are well on your way. Vet techs have the opportunity to work directly with animals and assist veterinarians in their duties.¹ Before you begin applying for jobs, use these tips to boost your employability:

Earn a vet tech degree

If you want to be hired as a veterinary technician, you will need to graduate from an accredited veterinary technology program, generally earning a two-year associate degree.² You will also need to take the California Registered Veterinary Technician State Board Examination if you plan to practice in California.

Make connections

While you are in school, you may have to complete some sort of clinical experience. This is a great opportunity to meet others who work in the veterinary field and to develop professional relationships that will be useful when you are ready to begin your job search. In addition, you may want to ask a local veterinarian if you can shadow him or her on the job or volunteer at the office. This will give you valuable contacts that will continue to help you throughout your career – not to mention that volunteer experience looks great on your resume.³

Be yourself

Once you score an interview for a position as a vet tech, aside from researching, the best thing you can do is be yourself. While expertise and training are certainly important, if you seem stiff and uncomfortable it will decrease your chances of being hired – no one wants to work with somebody who has a bad attitude! Despite your nervousness, try to loosen up and be yourself. This will help you appear as a confident and capable veterinary technician.⁴

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, ‘What Veterinary Technologist and Technicians Do,’ March 29, 2012 – http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm#tab-2
² Bureau of Labor Statistics, ‘How to Become a Veterinary Technologist or Technician,’ March 29, 2012 – http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm#tab-4
³ Florida Veterinary Technician Association, ‘Becoming a Vet Tech – Helpful Tips,’ 2012 – http://thefvta.net/Default.aspx?pageId=1244742
⁴ Ciesielski, Artur, Vet Tech Guide, ‘Getting Hired as a Vet Tech, Tips From a Veterinary Clinic Owner,’ 2013 – http://www.vettechguide.org/getting-hired-as-a-vet-tech-tips-from-a-veterinary-clinic-owner/