How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Oklahoma

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Perhaps you are considering a career as a vet tech in Oklahoma.

Before that, make sure to check the requirements for this job by reading the article below.

Veterinary Technician Job Description and Duties in Oklahoma

As a vet tech in this state, the most common job tasks will be:

  • 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

But, keep in mind every facility has its own job tasks and rules.

Your daily tasks will be generally diverse.

Education and Training Required for Veterinary Technicians in Oklahoma

Training is required in Oklahoma only if don’t have enough experience with animals.

If you need to get more experience, you can easily attend a training program that ends in a degree.

When you complete it, you will receive a Veterinary Technology Associate’s Degree of Applied Science degree.

It can take about 2 to 3 years to finish this degree.

Another option is getting a bachelor’s degree, which takes about 4 years to finish.

Make sure to pick a school that is approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Another option is seeking a degree in Animal Science with vet tech specialization.

you should consider joining an internship or an externship to meet the clinical practice criteria.

If you want to find a reputable vet school in your region, take a look at the ones below.

Top 8 Schools in Oklahoma

School NameAddress
Community Care College4242 South Sheridan, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145
Heritage College7202 S. I-35 Service Road, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73149
High Plains Technology Center3921 34th St, Woodward, Oklahoma 73801
Murray State CollegeOne Murray Campus Tishomingo, OK 73460
Oklahoma State University900 N. Portland Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Pioneer Technology Center2101 N Ash, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601
Tulsa Community College7505 W. 41st St. Tulsa, OK 74107
Wes Watkins Technology Center7892 Highway 9, Wetumka, Oklahoma 74883-6155

The requirements to enroll commonly are:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Health insurance
  • Anti-rabies vaccination
  • An essay
  • An interview

In order to cover your tuition costs, you should consider applying for a scholarship.

While in school, you will get to study subjects such as:

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

In addition to theory classes, you have to take to 20 hours of practice in a vet-related facility.

The last semester of the vet tech program may be a preceptorship.

Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, vet techs are issued licenses by the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

You will first need to send the following documents:

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

The VTNE exam consists of 200 questions that have a 3-hour time limit.

You will have to get an ATT (Authorization to Test) to attend the licensing exam.

Your license can only stay valid if you renew it after a period of time.

To be able to renew it, you also have to take a certain number of classes.

Employment and Salaries for Veterinary Technicians in Oklahoma

Getting your new license also means you can get hired.

You can find work in many vet facilities, including:

  • Private clinical practices
  • Zoos
  • Veterinary teaching hospitals
  • Rescue centers
  • Wildlife or exotic animal rehabilitation centers
  • Humane societies,
  • Research facilities,
  • Feedlots,
  • Pharmaceutical companies
Annual Salary Range:
$29K
$34K
$41K

Average Salary of Veterinary Technicians in Oklahoma

City NameSalary
Oklahoma City$33,856
Tulsa$35,557
Norman$33,634
Lawton$31,540
Broken Arrow$35,446
Edmond$33,745
Bartlesville$35,224
Enid$33,522
Moore$32,309
Stillwater$33,522
* Salary information last updated 2024

There are many ways to get paid a higher salary in this state.

For example, you will earn more if you work in a more populated area or a big city.

Vet techs who are experienced or better credentials can also generally make more.

Additional Information for Veterinary Technicians in Oklahoma

If you are looking for additional industry resources, check out the following:

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

These resources can help you with finding a job as well as keeping your license current.

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