How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Rhode Island

Veterinary Technician Job Description

Even though Rhode Island is the smallest state with a population of 1,051,511, its residents have a huge love for animals and if you are considering a career as a Veterinary Technician in Rhode Island, you would not regret your decision of enrolling in an accredited vet tech program as you will get a chance of working not only with cats, dogs, ferrets, hamsters but also with wildlife and exotic animals.

This is proven by the fact that the Rhode Island SPCA (RISPCA) is almost 150 years old, making it the 3rd oldest humane society in the US.

Rhode Island takes great pride in caring for its animals according to the highest national standards and ou can become one of those people who take care of animals’ welfare.

Now, the question frequently asked by people interested in this vocation is “What do Veterinary Technicians Do in Rhode Island?”

We have to mention that Veterinary Technicians are specifically trained to perform medical tasks with animals under the supervision of a licensed Veterinarian and those may include:

• assisting with surgeries and other medical procedures;
• collecting blood, urine or stool samples;
• developing radiographs;
• preparing animals and equipment for surgery;
• providing treatment for routine problems
• assisting the veterinarian with physical exams
• developing x-rays and radiographs
• performing anesthesia
• administration of medications
• recording temperature, pulse, and respiration
• dressing wounds
• operating electrocardiographic equipment
• sterilizing laboratory and surgical equipment
• vaccinating animals, and many other tasks.

Accredited Rhode Island Veterinary Technology Programs

If you belong to animal-lovers who are interested in combining his/her love with a dream career, you are in the right place.

We had the aim of providing you with the basic information related to the abundance of accredited vet tech programs in Rhode Island, so as to make your decision easier.

You can start working as a vet tech only if you qualify for credentialing after you have graduated from a two- to four-year program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

This is the main approval body for vet tech programs, which ensures that the quality of education provided meets the highest standards.

There is currently one qualifying program in the state of Rhode Island which is offered at the New England Institute of Technology in East Greenwich.

This institute features an associate of science (AS) degree in veterinary technology with classes such as animal anatomy & physiology; veterinary imaging; animal management; and veterinary clinical laboratory procedures.

There are several hands-on lab sections and the whole curriculum focuses on exposing students to team concepts and professional and ethical behaviors.

Furthermore, students are required to complete four practicums throughout the program.

Now, if you are thinking about enrolling in this institute, you should know that admissions offices set some rules and regulations when the admission procedure is in question.

Vet tech school applicants must provide copies of official transcripts with proof of having completed specific courses – chemistry, biology, English, algebra, test scores, a personal statement, and an application fee so as to be considered for admission.

Additionally, some programs might require that candidates have hands-on experience working with animals and may even ask for an interview.

Typical classes in accredited veterinary technology programs include veterinary practice management; clinical pathology; animal diseases; medical terminology; surgical nursing & anesthesia; vet laboratory procedures; diagnostic imaging; animal dentistry; small animal nursing; large animal nursing; pharmacology; veterinary parasitology; wildlife medicine; and general education courses.

Being that the offer of vet tech on-campus programs in Rhode Island is not so huge, you can always choose to enroll in an online vet tech school.

If you live far away from the only one CVTEA-accredited vet tech school in Rhode Island, an online program would be a better option for you.

A distance-based program is offered by Penn Foster College through which you can earn an online associate of applied science (AAS) in veterinary technology.

As part of the program, students complete a 24-credit externship through a site located close to their homes.

The education there is quite affordable, being that it costs only $79 per credit.

Another online AAS program is available through San Juan College.

The college offers  12-week long courses in areas such as vertebrate zoology, introduction to genetics, veterinary business procedures, and microbiology.

General education courses last 16 weeks.

Students are supposed to complete clinical experiences at approved Off-Campus Clinical Instruction (OCCI) sites.

Requirements to Become a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Rhode Island

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that there are no specific state-based restrictions on what services these animal healthcare professionals can provide in Rhode Island, meaning that the professional certification through the Rhode Island Veterinary Technician Association (RIVTA) is voluntary, which is not the case in other states.

Job Prospects and Veterinary Technicians’ Average Annual Salary in Rhode Island

We are glad to inform you that the career outlook for vet techs is very bright in Rhode Island.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 20 percent increase in job openings in this field proved by the fact that the veterinary technician career represents the third fastest-growing career for associate degree holders in RI.

Rhode Island vet techs should be satisfied with their salaries being that they also make slightly more per year on average, than national salaries.

The wages tend to vary depending on the region and facility you will work in, as well as the daily tasks you will perform, but they range from $31415 to $44360.

Regional Salary in Rhode Island

Veterinary Technicians by State