How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Arkansas

If you want to be a part of the vet field, then there’s a career for you where you can easily get a degree.

It’s being a vet technician in Arkansas.

We recommend, however, that you research about this career before you decide on it.

That’s because it has attached challenges that will stretch the limit of your physical, mental, and emotional states.

To help you with your career decision, here’s how you can become a vet technician in Arkansas.

Job Description and Duties of a Vet Technician in Arkansas

As a vet technician, you mainly assist the vet with whatever they need in the course of their duties.

Of course, you also have other responsibilities that may or may not require the vet’s supervision.

The following are just some of the many clinical examinations you’ll assist in:

• Performing all kinds of analyses of the animal’s bodily fluids and discharge
• Physical examinations that lead to further diagnostics of the disease or illness
• Inducing and maintaining anesthesia
• Applying medications, fluids, and blood products
• Taking the pet’s body temperature
• Monitoring pulse and respiration
• Addressing injuries and applying first aid

Keep in mind that you’re not limited to working in private practice.

There are other areas of the vet field you can help out in, such as:

• Research
• Rescue shelters
• Humanitarian organizations
• Military services
• Zoo facilities
• Exotic animals facilities
• Educational institutions
• Livestock production
• Pharmaceutical facilities
• Pet food industry

How to Become One

In becoming a vet technician, you’ll need to earn an associate’s degree in vet technology.

You can only enroll in schools or programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

In Arkansas, no vet college has been given this accreditation yet.

However, you can enroll in the distance education program by the AVMA.

We also listed a few online vet tech programs for you to check out on.

Education Required for a Vet Technician in Arkansas

The two-year program in Arkansas doesn’t require any prerequisites in terms of subjects.

It’ll mostly start with science-based basic studies, like biology, vet terminology, math, etc.

Then, it advances to more vet studies-focused subjects, such as:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Pharmacology
• Computer science
• Zoo and lab animal care
• Clinical management
• Reproduction
• Pathology
• Nutrition
• Lab techniques
• Radiology
• Anesthesia

Some of the basic courses can be taken at night or online to facilitate the learning of the core subjects.

The first four semesters are taken on campus.

In the fifth semester, you’ll have a preceptorship with a vet in a local vet clinic.

During this time, you’ll gain much-needed clinical knowledge and practical skills for vet technicians.

Tuition and Financial Aid

In Arkansas, vet programs’ tuition is charged per credit hour.

In-state students pay $93 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $161 per credit hour.

So with the program comprising 71 credit hours, in total, you would pay:

• In-state – $6,603
• Out-of-state – $11,431

Then there are the additional fees for:

• Learning equipment (books, lab props, vet supplies, etc.)
• General student fees (insurance, student center fees, etc.)

If you can’t afford it, you can always apply for financial aid.

Just make sure you’re eligible for that scholarship, grant, or loan before you apply.

If you are, send your request to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Popular Programs

Licensing and Certification

Once you earn your degree, take the Veterinary Technician National Examination.

It has three examination windows held every year.

Note that only examinees from accredited programs can take this test, which costs $300.

It comprises 150 questions with an exam duration of three hours.

If you take the VTNE in another state, it will be accepted in Arkansas.

But you’ll be in charge of sending the results to the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Examining Board.

If you pass, apply for a certificate to the board for a fee of $40.

Then, each year, you’ll have to complete six hours of continuing education for the license renewal.

Getting a job in Arkansas

Job hunting can be a bit difficult.

Fortunately, many vet facilities in Arkansas are looking for certified vet technicians to join their staff.

Here are some of those facilities that might offer you a job:

• Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association
• Jonesboro Family Pet Hospital
• Banfield Pet Hospital
• Little Rock Veterinary Clinic
• Animal Medical Clinic

Salaries for Vet Technicians in Arkansas

In the U.S., the vet technician career has good job prospects.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 15% employment level growth through 2030.

So with this growth, you can rest assured that the pay you’ll get will increase every year.

Here are the average annual salaries for a vet technician in Arkansas.

Final Words

Being an animal lover certainly helps in making you qualified for the job.

However, we both know that’s not enough to make you stay in the job for the long term.

You need to hone skills and knowledge for you to perform your duties well like a champ.

Remember, you’re the vet’s right-hand man.

So acquiring education and experience will enable you to help the vet restore animals to good health.

How to Become a Vet Tech by State