So You’d Like to Become a Veterinary Technician…

Vet Tech’s Oath

I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health. I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession’s Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.

Do you love animals and want to care for them and keep them healthy? Do you have a knack for science, especially biology? If so, you may want to consider a career as a veterinary technician, or vet tech.

These important assistants to veterinarians may take pet patient histories, perform lab procedures, assist in surgery and dental procedures, provide animal nursing care and interact with pet owners.

Some steps to consider if you want to pursue a vet tech career include:

Step 1----Learn science. Vet techs must understand the way the animal’s body works and the chemistry and biology involved in treatment of diseases and conditions. Learn such sciences as biology, zoology, and chemistry.

Step 2----Work for a vet. Working in a vet’s office as a handler, receptionist or entry-level technician can give insight into the role and responsibilities of a vet tech. It also gives valuable experience for course work and future jobs.

Step 3----Go to school. To become a vet tech, as Associate’s degree from a college is required. Many colleges offer vet tech specialties. Check with the school’s guidance office.

Step 4----Get credentials. Each state has different requirements as to the certification, registration and licensing of veterinary technicians. Some states may require a certification test. Check the American Association of Veterinary State Boards website for a list of the licensing agency in your state.

There are many ways to determine the suitability of a vet tech career. You may consider joining school livestock organizations, such as 4-H, to see if a vet tech career really interests you. Also, consider volunteering at animal shelters for more hands-on experience.

Click here for more information about becoming a PA Veterinary Technician.
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Two AMVM Volunteers Are Certified Vet Techs

Robin Hivner and pet dog, "Oliver"

Robin Hivner, a board member of the AMVM and a certified veterinary technician, is currently serving as president of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Technicians Association (PVTA).

Robin has been serving on the board of the PVTA for the past five years and has been helping to re-vamp its continuing education opportunities and benefits to its members. Robin and her husband, John, have two dogs and two cats. “Oliver,” a 130-pound Bouvier des Flandres mixed breed, is seven years old and, according to Robin, loves everyone, including his cat siblings. The Hivner’s other dog is a Rottweiler named “Mugsy,” who was rescued from being tied to a tree in Philadelphia. He is just happy to have a loving “forever home,” according to Robin.

Robin went back to school as an older student at Reading Area Community College to get the core courses she needed to complete her degree in Veterinary Technology from Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, Pa. She went on to finish her practicum requirements at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, and then her large animal requirements at the U. of Pa.’s, New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa. She later received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Albright College, Reading, Pa.

Robin currently works as a Senior Product Support Specialist for Pfizer Animal Health, Veterinary Medical Investigations, in Exton, Pa. Her daily work includes case and inquiry reporting for the FDA, EPA, and USDA, from calls made by vets and pet owners. She handles all inquiries from questions on product defects to adverse events and human exposure on all the products manufactured by Pfizer Animal Health.

Carol Wisniewski and pet dog, "Lily"

Carol Wisniewski, a certified veterinary technician, is the AMVM’s Director of Volunteers and a Career Programs instructor for Reading Area Community College. RACC offers a program in Veterinary Assistant Training.

Carol has been volunteering for the past year at the AMVM where she is helping to train tour guides. She also is helping to plan special events and to maintain gardening and museum cleaning schedules.

Carol received a B.S. degree in Animal Science from the Pennsylvania State University in 1973 and has worked as a veterinary technician for practices in Cumberland and Berks Counties in Pennsylvania. She received her vet tech certification in 1982 with Pennsylvania’s first group of certified vet techs. She also is a member of the PVTA, having joined that organization in 1976 when it was first organized as the Veterinary Technicians and Assistants Association of Pa. (VTAAP). From 1978 until 1982, Carol served as editor and writer of VTAAP’s newsletter. She also is a member of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians.

Carol enjoys relaxing at home with her one-year-old West Highland White Terrier, “Lily.”

Carol has been a Career Programs instructor at RACC since 2005.