How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Nevada

Pet owners always worry about the illnesses that could plague their beloved pets.

That’s why they value the services vet facilities give to ensure their pets are healthy.

And this value extends to vet technicians.

The work that you do plays a critical role in providing animal healthcare services.

Take a look at how you can be a vet technician in Nevada.

Job Description and Duties of a Vet Technician in Nevada

Vet technicians are the ones who look after the animals as soon as they’re admitted to the vet facilities.

One of the most important aspects of being a vet tech is knowing how to talk to pet owners.

That’s because communicating with them well shows pet owners how much you understand their situation.

Apart from this, you’ll also need good physical stamina to be able to assist the vet at every stage of animal care.

Other duties include:

• Handling of pets
• Pharmacy and laboratory tasks
• Radiology
• Diagnostic imaging
• Legal issues
• Veterinary computer programs
• Hospital maintenance
• Drawing blood and taking blood pressure

On another note, you can work in any area of the vet field, including:

• Private practice
• Military service
• Veterinary teaching hospitals
• Zoos and exotic facilities
• Humane and rescue organizations
• Feedlots or livestock production
• Commercial and pharmaceutical sales

How to Become One

To be a vet technician, we need to start with your education.

You must enroll and graduate from an accredited vet technology program.

In Nevada, only Pima Medical Institute has accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Afterward, you’ll be eligible to take these licensure exams:

• Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
• Nevada State Examination

Only when you pass these can you become a Certified Vet Technician.

Education Required for a Vet Technician in Nevada

Before getting admitted to the program, vet colleges require you to at least:

• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Grade of “C” or better in general education courses

Do note that schools will have varying admission requirements, so it’s best to inquire about the complete list.

As for the program itself, the courses will be more science-based and focus on vet medicine.

Here are some of the subjects you’ll attend:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Terminology
• Parasitology
• Pharmacology
• Dentistry
• Diagnostics
• Microbiology
• Radiology
• Animal nursing
• Behavior
• Nutrition
• Practice management

Of course, lab work will be included in your program.

In this way, you can get enough hands-on practice before your internship.

In the internship, you will work under the guidance and supervision of the vet.

The vet will teach you what a vet technician really does in the normal course of operations of the vet facility.

Tuition and Financial Aid

In Nevada, tuition is usually affordable compared to other states.

Given that you complete the program at a regular pace in two to three years, expect it to cost under $12,000 in total.

Tuition for out-of-state students, though, can be two or three times higher than that amount.

Luckily, you can always apply for financial aid, like grants, scholarships, and loans to support your studies.

Most financial aid programs will consider you if you apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Veterans can inquire in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs about the education benefits available to them.

Popular Programs

Licensing and Certification

In obtaining your license, you must pass the VTNE.

Do note that only graduates of accredited programs can take this exam at a fee of $300.

It consists of 150 questions that you must complete in three hours.

Then, you will also have to pass the Nevada State Examination.

Once you’re done with these two, apply for license issuance at the state board.

As for the renewal, you need six credits of continuing education annually.

Getting a Job in Nevada

Looking for a job is the first step toward starting a vet technician career.

Fortunately, there are plenty of vet facilities hiring licensed newcomers in Nevada.

Here are some of the potential employers waiting for you to be part of their vet team:

• Veterinary Centers of America – Nevada Branches
  • Spring Mountain Animal Hospital
  • Lakeside Animal Hospital
  • Hualapai Animal Hospital
  • Black Mountain Animal Hospital
• Banfield Pet Hospitals located in:
  • Las Vegas Durango
  • Deer Park
  • Las Vegas Craig Rd

Salaries for Vet Technicians in Nevada

Compared to other similar jobs, a vet technician’s salary is truly modest.

However, because of the 15% employment growth that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected, this will change.

Salaries will start getting competitive, with many employers offering you a higher paycheck.

Here are the current average salaries of vet technicians in Nevada.

Regional Salary in Nevada

Final Words

We admit that vet technicians have a more demanding and exhausting job than most people imagine.

It takes a strong, determined person to be able to take the toll this job will have on you.

That’s why we encourage you to learn knowledge and skills to make you capable of providing vet care services excellently.

Because when you do, you can overcome the challenges ahead.

Make no mistake, seeing the animals back in good health will truly fill you with fulfillment.

Veterinary Technician Schools by City

• Las Vegas, NV3 Schools

How to Become a Vet Tech by State