How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Delaware

Are you interested in getting a new job as a vet tech in Delaware?

Then, all you need to do is read our guide for tips and info on training and licensing.

Veterinary Technician Job Description and Duties in Delaware

Vet techs’ main job is to work with animals, and are supervised by a veterinarian while completing their tasks.

Your usual daily assignments will include:

• Administering medications
• Taking x-rays,
• Processing tissue samples,
• Assisting in surgery and emergency care
• Performing lab tests
• Teeth cleaning,
• Electrocardiography,
• Bandaging,
• Wound cleaning,
• Maintaining detailed and accurate records
• Of meds, supplies, patients

In Delaware, you are not allowed to perform surgeries or offer medication.

Education and Training Required for Veterinary Technicians in Delaware

You are allowed to work as a vet tech without additional training if you already worked in an animal facility.

But, if you haven’t, you have to get a vet tech certification first.

To get one, you need to pursue a Veterinary Technology Associate’s Degree of Applied Science.

This degree is offered through numerous approved training programs and lasts about 2 to 3 years.

The program accreditation should be provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

You can also pursue a degree in Animal Science with a specialization in vet tech.

You will also have to attend clinical practice, for which you have to join either an internship or an externship.

Take a look at the next schools below for additional info.

Joining one of these schools generally requires:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Having a high school diploma or GED
• Minimum a grade of C in these subjects: biology, English composition, math, basic computer science, psychology, humanities, and public speaking
• Future students must complete these classes right before enrolling in the degree program
• 2 letters of recommendation
  • A veterinarian must write one of them.
• Health insurance
• Buying a medical malpractice policy
• 360 hours of previous practical experience

If you can’t pay your own tuition, you may qualify for a scholarship or work-study.

In class, you will learn about the following subjects:

• Introduction to veterinary technology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Emergency care and first aid
• Pathology
• Anesthesiology
• Radiology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Parasitology
• Toxicology
• Nutrition

You will also have to practice at least 20 hours in an approved animal facility.

The last semester of the program will be a preceptorship.

Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Delaware

Vet technicians in Delaware are certified by the Delaware State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

To get the vet tech license, you have to submit:

• An application form
• Proof you graduated from the training program described earlier
• To pay some fees
  • $300 for the exam
  • $100 for the license
• Score at least 70% on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)

The VTNE is made of 150 questions and has a duration of 3 hours.

Your vet tech license has to be renewed yearly in Delaware.

To do this, you have to take 8 more hours of class at an accredited site.

The Delaware Veterinary Technician Association (AVTA) is a good resource for vet techs in Delaware.

It will assist you in finding a job and continuing your schooling.

Employment and Salaries for Veterinary Technicians in Delaware

You will probably need some info about how it is to work as a vet tech before looking for a job.

Of course, this also includes information about annual earnings in this state.

Vet techs can get hired for facilities like:

• Private clinical practices
• Zoos
• Veterinary teaching hospitals
• Rescue centers
• Wildlife or exotic animal rehabilitation centers
• Humane societies,
• Research facilities,
• Feedlots,
• Pharmaceutical companies

The largest facilities to work for as a vet tech in Delaware are:

• Veterinary Specialty Center of Delaware, New Castle
• VCA Newark Animal Hospital, Newark
• Delmarva Animal Emergency Center, Dover
• The University of Delaware, Office of Laboratory Animal Medicine, Newark
• Delaware Humane Association, Wilmington

Your earnings will vary according to whether you live in a rural or metropolitan area.

How much you earn annually will also be influenced by your degree and experience in the field.

Additional Information for Veterinary Technicians in Delaware

As a vet tech in Delaware, you can easily learn more about the industry and get updates.

You can check out the following resources:

• Delaware State Veterinary Medical Association
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
• Veterinary Career Network
• Vet Tech Life
• Vetcetera,
• Where Techs Connect