Equine Vet Tech Training

Someone who loves working with horses, has an aptitude for math and science, and has an interest in medicine may find a career as an equine veterinary technician to be a good match. A veterinary technician can be seen as the veterinary equivalent to a nurse in human medicine. Technician licensing doesn't require as much education as necessary to be a veterinarian, but there are still specific training requirements.

  1. Responsibilities

    • An equine veterinary technician works alongside an equine veterinarian to provide care to horses. Specifically, an equine veterinary technician may provide nursing care, collect specimens and perform lab procedures, obtain medical histories, prepare for and assist during surgeries or medical procedures, educate horse owners, train personnel and perform some dental procedures. An equine veterinary technician may not diagnose a horse's illness, prescribe medication or perform surgery.

    Training

    • Someone who is interested in becoming an equine veterinary technician needs to study at a school accredited in veterinary technology by the American Veterinary Medical Association. If a student needs to be able to study from home, some AVMA-accredited schools offer that option. Most veterinary technology programs are two-year programs leading to an associate degree. A few four-year bachelor's degree programs exist, which may lead to a higher salary and more responsibility. All veterinary technology programs include a period of hands-on training in a veterinary practice.

    Certification

    • Certification requirements for veterinary technicians may vary by state, but in most states a candidate has to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination and be licensed to be able to practice. For veterinary technicians who specialize in equine medicine, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America offers certification in several specialties, including equine medicine through the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants or the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians. A candidate may have to receive extra training to qualify for this certification.

    Opportunities

    • Most equine veterinary technicians work in a private veterinary practice. Unlike a small animal veterinary technician, an equine veterinary technician needs to plan to travel to his clients' farms or ranches to care for horses. A technician who does mostly lab work may not have to travel as much. Other opportunities for equine veterinary technicians include research facilities, zoos or animal parks and some large horse ranches.

    Considerations

    • An equine veterinary technician has to receive additional education over time to keep his license. Many states' licensing boards require a certain number of continuing education hours each year to apply for license renewal. Even without a state requirement, most technicians need continuing education to keep up with advancing technology.