How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Florida

Have you ever thought of getting appropriate education and qualifications and becoming a veterinary technician?

If you think that working with an animal can be so rewarding and satisfying then you should devote your life to the veterinary profession.

Recent years have brought a great change in the way how the animal is treated.

Because more and more animals become valuable members of families, their care and well-being turned out to be of crucial importance.

Veterinary Technician Job Description

Veterinarians and their staff are a community of individuals who are passionate about animals and offer veterinary care for our pets.

Many people do not get a chance or cannot afford to become veterinarians, so find they find satisfaction in the job of a veterinary technician.

Veterinarians and their staff are in constant demand.

Their daily actions and responsibilities are growing and their job develops.

Animal lovers who are willing to work with them decide to start a veterinary technician profession, no matter how demanding this job could be.

Animal healthcare teams are highly dependable on the services of veterinary technicians

During their workday, a veterinary technician has numerous and versatile responsibilities:

• Accepting, inspecting and hospitalizing the animals
• Providing supportive care to them
• Restraining animals for treatment
• Preparing and assisting an examination and surgery
• Record keeping

A veterinary technician has to deal with the patient, its owner, and the veterinarian.

Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Florida

For those who decide to try their luck with this occupation, opportunities in Florida are numerous.

There are many programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities and the tuition is not too high.

As in all the other states, a high school diploma or GED is compulsory before enrolling in any of the veterinary technician programs in Florida.

You might also be asked to come to an interview, write an essay, take the placement test depending on the college that you have chosen since some programs might ask you to have some experience.

Applicants can start applying from January.

The veterinary technology programs accredited by the AVMA in Florida are:

• City College-Gainesville
• City College-Hollywood
• Eastern Florida State College
• Florida A&M University
• Hillsborough Community College
• Miami-Dade College
• Pensacola State College
• St. Petersburg College

Educational Requirements for Veterinary Technicians in Florida

The Florida veterinary technician education includes general subjects like biology, English and computer skills, as well as scientific subjects related to veterinary science – anatomy, parasitology, hematology, clinical skills and lab work.

The students are in direct contact with animals in need, and hands-on experience is compulsory in the last semester.

Usually, the programs last two to three years and tuition are charged per credit hour.

Every school or college has its price list which can be found on their websites.

Florida veterinary technician students are also eligible for grants, loans, and veterans benefits. They can apply for it via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website.

The state of Florida also gives its financial aid and more details can be found on the Florida Office of Student Financial Assistance.

The great thing is that the Bright Futures Scholarship, Florida Incentive Scholarship, and Scholarship for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans should not be paid back.

Veterinary Technician Examination and License

The graduation is not enough to become licensed in Florida.

What you need to do is to sit and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination consisting of 150 questions.

This exam is allowed only to those students who have finished an accredited program and it qualifies veterinary technicians to work as a certified veterinary technician.

There are two certification bodies in Florida, the Florida Veterinary Technicians Association, and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.

The license has to be renewed every two years by gaining fifteen continuing education credits.

Job Prospects in Florida

Due to their education and qualifications, the job opportunities for veterinary technicians exist in various fields, such as:

• Research
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Humane Societies
• Livestock production
• Rescue centers for birds of prey, exotic or aquatic animals
• Veterinary teaching hospitals
• Universities
• Military service
• Equine medicine
• Pharmaceutical or veterinary supply sales
• Teaching
• Zoo

Florida veterinarian technicians have amazing job prospects and their future is bright.

They do not have to worry about job opportunities after they graduate and become certified.

In the search for a suitable job, there are several very good resources which can provide you with the latest job offers:

• Florida Veterinary Technician Association (FVTA)
• Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA)
• Academy of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Technicians (ACCT)
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
• The American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians (ASVDT)
• Veterinary Technician Anesthetist Society (VTAS)
• The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT)

Veterinary Technicians’ Average Annual Salary in Florida

Even though the job of a veterinary technician looks like an easy job, it certainly is not.

And according to the number of daily responsibilities, the salaries are decent, but not too satisfying.

When it comes to Florida, the lowest average annual salary is in Palm Bay estimated at $ 33 035, while the highest is in West Palm Beach $ 35 910.

Regional Salary in Florida

Veterinary Technician’s Duties

The veterinary technician’s obligations are to ensure a comfortable, safe and sanitary environment and take care of the animals, do some scientific research, deal with blood work and urinalysis and other serious work.

Animal health care clinics rely on them and consider their services of crucial importance so it is advisable to be well trained in animal care techniques, achieve the required knowledge and become the best in your clinic.

When working in a veterinary hospital, they need to be aware that anything can happen and that an animal’s life is in their hands, so their reaction is of crucial importance.

Veterinary technicians in Florida are also involved in the clinic’s management, keeping records and animal health history, so they need to possess great administrative skills, as well.

Veterinary Technicians by State