How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Ohio

Being a veterinary technician in Ohio is not a walk in the park.

This guide will explain the path you must take to become a vet tech in this state.

Veterinary Technician Job Description and Duties in Ohio

A licensed veterinarian will supervise your work and also assign a variety of tasks to you.

This is a list of possible tasks:

• 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

Vet techs are not allowed to actually perform surgeries, just assist during these procedures.

They’re also not allowed to prescribe medicine.

Education and Training Required for Veterinary Technicians in Ohio

In Ohio, you cannot work as a vet technician if you’re not registered.

Registration for this occupation requires a degree in Applied Science with a specialization in Veterinary Technology.

It doesn’t matter if you obtain an Associate’s or a Bachelor’s Degree, as long as it comes from an accredited school.

The American Veterinary Medical Association needs to accredit the program you chose.

You’ll spend at least 2 years studying for your degree.

This field requires training in an approved clinic as well, and the duration of this practice training varies on the length of the program itself.

You can learn more about the degree if you look at the schools below.

Candidates to these programs must know they need to apply for a spot while also meeting some requirements.

It is normal for these to vary between the schools.

The requirements usually include:

• Writing an essay
• Passing an interview
• Having a high school diploma or its GED equivalent
• Having health insurance
• Passing a TB and drug tests
• Getting vaccinated against the rabies

Many schools even require grades above B in high school.

It is even mandatory for students to have a standard knowledge base.

This means that you will have to attend certain classes before the academic year starts.

These are some of the topics you can expect to study:

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

Attending an online program is also possible.

Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Ohio

Vet techs in Ohio are certified by the Ohio State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

You will need:

• An application form
• Official transcripts from the school
• Payment of some fees
  • $300 for the exam
  • $100 for the license
  • $35 for the registration in odd-numbered years ($25 for the even-numbered years)
• To pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
• To pass the criminal background check both at the state and federal level

The VTNE has 150 questions, lasts for 3 hours, and the passing score is at least 70%.

In this state, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education to keep your license current.

Employment and Salaries for Veterinary Technicians in Ohio

Knowing where you’ll work is very important and can help you prepare for the job interview.

These are the practices where veterinary techs are needed:

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

You may want to apply at these facilities first if you live near them:

• Animal Care Unlimited (Columbus)
• Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center (Columbus)
  Wee Care Pet Services (Lancaster)
• All Creatures Veterinary Clinic (Rittman)
• Cryan Veterinary Hospital (Westerville)
  Delaware Animal Clinic (Delaware)
• Spay Neuter Clinic (Cleveland)
• PetPlex Animal Hospital (Buckeye Lake)
• Dogwood Veterinary Emergency & Referral Center (Maumee)

As you already know, there are several things that will influence your income and one of them is your location.

Additional Information for Veterinary Technicians in Ohio

If you ever need help these are good resources for vet techs in Ohio:

• Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists
• Academy of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Technicians
• Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians
• Ohio State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
• Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
• Veterinary Career Network
• Vet Tech Life
• Vetcetera,
• Where Techs Connect

These associations will help you stay in touch with all the news related to your occupation.