How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Hawaii

There are many pet owners and animal lovers in Florida and as such veterinary technicians are in high need.

If you want to become a vet tech in Florida, then continue reading!

Veterinary Technician Job Description and Duties in Hawaii

One of the first things to know is that these professionals will always work under supervision.

They usually receive tasks like the following:

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

You should know that you won’t be able to do these tasks:

• Prescribing medicine
• Surgeries

Education and Training Required for Veterinary Technicians in Hawaii

In this state, future vet techs are not required to hold a certification or a license.

Earning one will make all candidates appear better qualified for the position.

Additionally, you’ll have better career opportunities and a higher salary.

To become a vet technician, you can earn one of these degrees:

• Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
• B.S. in Veterinary Technology

The programs last for 2 years and 4 years, respectively, and they need to be accredited by the AVMA’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

These are the schools you can enroll at.

You can also enroll in a distance learning program as long as you can arrange the required practice hours in an approved location.

For admission, you will usually need to first complete some classes:

• Composition,
• Speech,
• Psychology
• Basic biology,
• Chemistry,
• Math,
• Introductory computer skills

You’ll also need:

• Two letters of recommendation
• Documentation of previous veterinary-related work experience -if you have any
• To pass an interview
• Tuberculosis clearance – after being accepted
• Tetanus vaccine
• Health insurance,
• Passing a criminal background check

If you succeed, expect to study subjects such as:

• Behavioral science,
• Communication,
• Math,
• Social science
• Humanities
• Introduction to veterinary technology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Emergency care and first aid
• Pathology
• Anesthesiology
• Radiology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Parasitology
• Toxicology
• Nutrition
• Surgical nursing
• Large and small animal care

At Windward Community College, you can only enroll in a 2-year program, where you earn an AAS.

Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Hawaii

To become licensed, you have to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).

Usually, you have to take and pass this exam in a maximum of 1 year from graduating.

First, you’ll have to sign up for this exam, and the process requires these documents:

• An application form
• Proof you graduated from the training program described earlier
• To pay some fees
  • $300 for the exam
  • $100 for the license
• A score of at least 70%

You must answer 150 questions in 3 hours.

You must keep your license up-to-date every 2 years, by completing 15 continuing education credits and paying a fee.

Employment and Salaries for Veterinary Technicians in Hawaii

Perhaps you are not sure of where you could find a job once you graduate and are licensed.

You’ll most commonly work for this type of practices:

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

Below are the more prominent employers in Hawai’i, in this field:

• Hawaiian Humane Society, Honolulu
• Veterinary Emergency and Referral Center of Hawaii, Honolulu
• Feather and Fur Animal Hospital, Kailua
• University of Hawaii Animal and Veterinary Service Program, Manoa

In Hawai’i, salaries average at $37576 per year, though this can be influenced by your previous experience and actual location.

Additional Information for Veterinary Technicians in Hawaii

Veterinary technicians in Hawai’i can use the websites of these organizations to stay informed:

• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
• Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association
• Hawaii Veterinary Technician Association
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Veterinary Career Network
• Vet Tech Life