How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Indiana

For those who want to become veterinary technicians, it is important to know the required and preferred skills that this profession entails.

A veterinary technician is less responsible than veterinarians themselves, but not at all negligible when it comes to animal health care.

The number of activities performed by veterinary technicians during the day and the difficulties that they meet should be well considered when deciding whether this is an ideal position for you.

Veterinary Technician Job Description

Veterinary technician daily duties may include taking x-rays, calming animals during and after an examination, administering prescribed medication, assisting veterinarians, answering all the questions and requests set by the animal owners and taking pets’ vital signs upon arrival.

This person should be emotionally strong and mature in cases of emergency.

If you think that you would be able to spend your day with people and domestic or exotic animals, then this would be an exciting career for you, but bear in mind that the work of a veterinary technician is not easy at all.

Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Indiana

As in all US states, the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) is in charge of determining the education requirements and approve the accredited programs in various educational organizations throughout the country.

To become an Indiana veterinary technician, you will need to attend a veterinary technician school for two or three years and earn an Associate’s type of Degree in Veterinary Technology.

The application for Indiana schools can be done online but the prerequisites differ.

In some of those schools, it would be enough to complete high school education, while others will ask you to come to an interview, to write an essay, ACT or SAT scores, math, and English assessments, and even have experience working for a veterinarian.

To get more details about these requirements, it is advisable to go through the school’s website carefully.

Educational Requirements for Veterinary Technicians in Indiana

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

• Harrison College – Indianapolis
• Harrison College-Evansville
• Purdue University
  • On-Campus Program
  • Distance Learning Program
• The Vet Tech Institute at International Business College at Fort Wayne
• The Vet Tech Institute at International Business College – Indianapolis

Many schools’ condition for enrollment is a C average or better in high school as well as general education courses.

If you are accepted, your classes will focus on veterinary science subjects such as animal anatomy, parasitology, pharmacology, dentistry, nutrition, etc.

An externship in a clinical setting is obligatory at the end of your education to prove your abilities to perform the serious duties of veterinary technicians.

The programs usually last two years and tuition costs are available to Indiana veterinary technician students on school websites.

The costs with all additional fees range between $22,000 and $32,000.

The tuition for people who are not residents can be two to three times higher.

The great thing is that financial aid is offered to Indiana veterinary technician students.

All applications can be found on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid website.

Indiana is proud of state aids and military benefits, as well.

The students can inform themselves via the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Veterinary Technician Examination and License

Even though you have achieved an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology you are not allowed to work until you take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination.

The exam consists of 150 questions that should be answered correctly in three hours.

Once you pass it, you must register with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) and begin your career as a registered veterinary technician.

Sixteen hours of continuing education every two years is compulsory if you want to maintain your license.

Job Prospects in Indiana

You can start your job search while still in a vocational school.

The volunteering at a clinic and during your internship you can make contacts and show your skills and qualities which can prove that you are an ideal fit for that job and the employer might decide to hire you after graduation and licensure.

If you have gained a certificate and have passed all the training and practices, you are considered to be able to successfully fulfill daily duties that an animal hospital asks you to do and you are an ideal candidate for the job.

Potential veterinary technician employers in Indiana are numerous and detailed information about job offers can be found on:

• Indiana Veterinary Medical Association
• Indiana Veterinary Technician Association
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
• Veterinary Career Network
• Vet Tech Life
• Vetcetera.

Veterinary Technicians’ Average Annual Salary in Indiana

The number of employees in this field is expected to increase causing a greater demand for veterinary technicians and this might expand the earning potential of a veterinary technician.

This profession should be more paid than it currently is.

If you have experience working with animals and are qualified for the job of a veterinary technician, you may even negotiate the salary with the employer.

According to the BLS data, the average salary of veterinary technicians throughout the state of Indiana was $33,010.

The lowest wages are in Vincennes estimated at $33 087, while the highest are in Gary $ 36 357.

Regional Salary in Indiana

Veterinary Technician’s Duties

A veterinary technician’s job is equally important as the job of a nurse in a human hospital.

Their qualifications and education make them so skillful professionals that they can choose whether they will be working in veterinary teaching hospitals, private and public research institutions, zoos, public health organizations, laboratories, or pharmaceutical sales.

Veterinary medicine grows daily and people dedicated to helping the animals in need may be in constant demand, but they need to show commitment and dedication to their work to be prominent and appreciated.

They need to do their best to give the pet the best possible treatment.

Veterinary technicians have individual essential tasks on sick or injured animals and they are vital members of any veterinary team.

Veterinary Technicians by State