How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Indiana

Did you know that statistics show vet technicians as one of the popular choices among young people today?

It’s thanks to pet owners willing to spend more on vet care services that the vet field has grown.

This becomes reason enough for you to step into a vet technician career.

Of course, like every job, it has its upsides and downsides.

But with perseverance and dedication, you can overcome it, enjoying the benefits along the way.

So take a look at how you can be a vet technician in Indiana.

Job Description and Duties of a Vet Technician in Indiana

In this line of work, you will be the vet’s assistant in every stage of vet care.

You will:

• Keep patient records
• Perform clinical tests and analyses
• Monitor vitals (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, etc.)
• Clean and sanitize the workstation and equipment

Most vet technicians can be found in private practice.

However, you are free to have a specialization and work in that area of the vet field.

You may become any of the following:

• Dental technology
• Anesthesia
• Internal medicine
• Emergency and critical care
• Behavior technology
• Zoological medicine
• Equine
• Surgery
• Clinical practice
• Nutrition
• Clinical pathology

How to Become One

Firstly, you must enroll in an accredited vet technology program.

We recommend that you go to Purdue University to earn your associate’s degree.

They’re the only school in Indiana that’s been granted accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Then, take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) to obtain your professional license.

Education Required for a Vet Technician in Indiana

Vet colleges will have different prerequisites and admission requirements.

Some may want at least a grade of “C” or better in basic courses like biology, chemistry, and math.

Only when you’ve completed and passed them can you be granted admission to the program.

Schools do this because vet technology is a science-based course.

They need you to be smart enough to understand the subjects of this program.

In the program proper, you will learn:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Parasitology
• Chemistry
• Pathology
• Microbiology
• Hematology
• Radiology

In the final semester, you will do an internship under the vet’s supervision at a local vet clinic.

There, you’ll put your knowledge into practice, and learn the day-to-day aspects of being a vet technician.

You can expect to graduate from a vet technician program in two to three years.

Bear in mind that there are schools that offer a “one course a month” system

It’s designed for those who want to manage their time better like working students.

The best thing about this system is that it takes less time to complete the courses.

Tuition and Financial Aid

School has varying tuition fees.

But generally, it costs around $22,000 to $32,000, including books, lab supplies, and other fees.

We do recommend that you check the school’s website for more detailed information about the tuition.

If you can’t afford it, you can always apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

The state also offers programs that you can check out at the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

For veterans and their family members, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for educational benefits available to you.

Popular Programs

Licensing and Certification

If you want to be a Registered Vet Technician, you must take and pass the VTNE.

It’s an exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.

To take it, you will have to pay the exam fee of $300.

The exam lasts for three hours wherein you must answer 150 questions.

Once you pass, register your designation at the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.

Only when they approve it can you work professionally in vet facilities across the state.

Getting a Job in Indiana

Working as a vet technician, in the state or across the U.S, means good job prospects.

Here are some potential employers that have been known to look for newcomers in vet technology:

• Indiana Veterinary Medical Association
• Veterinary Centers of America – Indiana Branches
  • Sugar Grove Animal Hospital
  • Advanced Veterinary Care Center
  • Shadeland Animal Hospital
  • Lafayette Animal Hospital
• Banfield Pet Hospitals located in:
  • Carmel
  • Greenwood
  • Avon

Salaries for Vet Technicians in Indiana

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 15% employment growth from 2020 to 2030.

What does this mean in terms of salary?

Because the market’s becoming competitive, employers will offer higher pay to attract vet technicians to their vet facilities.

Here are the current average annual salaries across Indiana.

Regional Salary in Indiana

Final Words

Now that you know what it means to be a vet technician, you can make an informed career decision.

Being a vet technician isn’t easy, true.

But with the education and training you acquired, you’ll be a well-rounded vet professional.

Veterinary Technician Schools by City

• Indianapolis, IN2 Schools

How to Become a Vet Tech by State