How to Become a Veterinary Technician in New York

If you can see yourself treating animals for a living, then maybe a vet technician career is something you can consider.

It’s a rewarding job with good prospects, especially now that the vet field’s rapidly developing.

So let’s learn what this job entails and how you can become a vet technician in New York.

Job Description and Duties of a Vet Technician in New York

A vet technician’s job is very demanding.

You assist the vet with everything they need at every stage of the vet care process.

In the day-to-day operations, you will:

• Provide basic animal care
• Clean and disinfect exam rooms and equipment
• Give medication and/or vaccinations
• Prepare animals for surgery
• Keep and update patient records
• Communicate with clients and the vet team

You might also need to work night shifts if the vet clinic offers overnight accommodation to animals.

If you don’t want to be a general vet technician, then you can also become a specialist.

Here are some of the areas you can specialize in:

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

How to Become One

To pursue a vet technician career, you must first earn an associate’s degree in vet technology.

To do that, you will enroll in an accredited vet technology program from any of these schools:

• Alfred State College
• Genesee Community College
• La Guardia Community College
• Long Island University
• Medaille College – Buffalo / Rochester / Online
• Mercy College
• State University of New York – Canton / Delhi / Ulster
• Suffolk County Community College
• Westchester Community College

Once you graduate, you can then take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).

Only when you pass the VTNE can you be designated as a Certified Vet Technician in New York.

Education Required for a Vet Technician in New York

Vet colleges have different admission requirements, so you best check their websites for detailed information.

However, most schools will require you to at least have:

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Passing scores on SATs or ACTs

Some of them may need you to:

• Agree to a background check
• Submit a medical history
• Take rabies shots and other vaccinations
• Undergo interviews and placement tests
• Have past experience working with a vet

If you satisfy their requirements, you will then be admitted to the program.

In the program, some of the courses you’ll learn include the following:

• Parasitology
• Radiology
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Pathology
• Surgical nursing
• Large and small animal care
• Pharmacology
• Microbiology

Lab work will also be included in some of these courses so you can gain hands-on experience.

Then, you will undergo an internship at a local vet facility.

There, the vet will supervise and guide you to the actual work of the vet technician in the facility.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Every school has different tuition rates.

But generally, a two-year program like this will cost no more than $25,000 in total.

This amount excludes expenses for books, lab supplies, insurance, and the like.

We suggest going to the school’s website for a complete breakdown of the tuition.

If you need financial help, you can always apply for financial aid either at the school, state, or federal government.

Usually, students will request financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

For veterans and their dependents or family members, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Inquire from them about the education benefits available to you.

For New York students, you can visit and inquire at the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation.

Popular Programs

Licensing and Certification

As mentioned, you will take the VTNE to obtain your license.

It’s a $300-exam regulated by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.

The exam lasts three hours, with 150 questions.

Do note that you can only take this if you’re a graduate of an accredited program.

Getting a Job in New York

One big advantage of vet technicians over other careers is that they can find jobs quickly and easily.

That’s thanks to the many vet facilities opening due to the positive development of the vet industry.

Here are some vet facilities where you might find employment in New York:

• Veterinary Centers of America – New York Branches
  • Manhattan Veterinary Group
  • Rosebank Animal Hospital
  • Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center of Westbury
  • Nassau-Suffolk Animal Hospital
• Banfield Pet Hospitals located in:
  • Secaucus
  • Staten Island
  • Brooklyn
• Vetco Wellness Centers and Vaccination Clinics located in:
  • Colonie Petco
  • Bronx Petco
  • Hartsdale Petco
  • Queensberry Petco

Salaries for Vet Technicians in New York

New York has plenty of pet owners willing to spend money on quality vet care services.

And this money has helped the vet field grow, with a 15% employment growth for vet technicians by 2030.

So soon, you will enjoy competitive salary rates.

Here’s the average annual salary for a vet technician in New York:

Regional Salary in New York

Final Words

As you might’ve realized, vet technicians shoulder a variety of tasks, most of which can be heavily taxing.

However, with perseverance and hard work, you can overcome the challenges attached to this career.

Take your love for animals and the desire to see them healthy and happy as your inspiration to do more.

And so, at the end of the day, you’ll be able to provide excellent vet care services to your patients.

Veterinary Technician Schools by City

• New York, NY7 Schools

How to Become a Vet Tech by State