How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Nevada

Being a vet tech in Nevada is a rewarding and lucrative job.

Those who like to be around animals on a daily basis can consider this field.

However, you should first know what you need to do in order to land your first job.

Veterinary Technician Job Description and Duties in Nevada

There are numerous tasks you will have to finish on a daily basis.

These vary depending on the day and the clinic you work at, but generally 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

Education and Training Required for Veterinary Technicians in Nevada

In Nevada, as long as you can show proof of experience, you don’t need any extra training.

This means you will be able to get hired right away.

However, candidates with no experience have to get a license, for which they first need training.

The training is done in a college, and at the end, you will get a Veterinary Technology Associate’s Degree of Applied Science program.

Programs for vet techs in Nevada usually lasts for 2 years, but can also last for 3 years in some cases.

The school also has to be approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

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

You can fulfill the clinical practice criteria by joining an internship or an externship.

The next schools give more info about the training programs in Nevada!

To join a vet tech training program, you need to:

• Age over 18
• A high school diploma or GED
  • Grades over B
• Accept enrolling in these classes before the academic year: biology, English composition, math, basic computer science, psychology, humanities, and public speaking
  • You must obtain grades of at least C.
• Obtain at least 1 letter of recommendation from a veterinarian
• Health insurance
• Buying a medical malpractice policy
• 360 hours of previous practical experience

If you need to pay for your school tuition, you can apply for a scholarship.

Courses will feature topics like:

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

You are also required to complete 20 hours of practice in an animal facility.

The last semester of the vet tech program is a preceptorship.

Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Nevada

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

To get the vet tech license in Nevada, you need to submit:

• An application form
• Official transcripts from the school
• These fees
  • $300 for the exam
  • $100 for the license

You also need to get an ATT (Authorization to Test) before the exam.

The VTNE test includes 170 questions that you need to answer in 3 hours.

The minimum score to pass the exam is 70%.

In Nevada, you have to keep your license current by renewing on a yearly basis.

For that, you have to take some hours of additional hours of education.

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

You can also benefit from job placement options here.

Employment and Salaries for Veterinary Technicians in Nevada

Now that you got your license, you may want to know how much you will make as a vet tech.

Vet techs can find work in numerous facilities, like:

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

Jobs in the field keep on growing in Nevada.

The Nevada Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 30% increase in jobs in the field in the upcoming decade.

If you live in a big area, you have more chances to get a well-paid job, even as a beginner.

Additional Information for Veterinary Technicians in Nevada

Check out the resources below to keep updated with the industry changes:

• Nevada Veterinary Technicians Association
• Nevada Veterinary Medical Association
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
• Veterinary Career Network
• Vet Tech Life
• Vetcetera