How To Become a Veterinary Technician in Georgia

Veterinary technicians work with other healthcare team members to provide top-quality animal care. Their duties range from assisting with surgeries to administering medication and comforting owners and their animals.

Thanks to the ever-growing demand, more people want to become veterinary technicians in Georgia. If you fall into this category and want to learn everything you need to know to pursue a successful career, you have come to the right page.

Below you’ll find in-depth explanations of all the key requirements for becoming a veterinary technician in Georgia.

Steps To Become a Veterinary Technician in Georgia

Interested individuals must enroll in a training program to become a veterinary technician in Georgia. Before they can do so, however, they must already have a high school diploma or GED. This ensures they have the necessary base-level training to understand more advanced topics such as Biology, Mathematics, and English.

Choosing a Training Program

Most veterinary training programs in Georgia boast impressive facilities, top-quality instructors, and comprehensive coursework. The most important requirement is accreditation.

Not only is accreditation necessary to obtain a state license and certification, but it is also vital for the next part of the process: passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).

There is only one organization to look out for when it comes to vetting tech program accreditation: the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

Externships and Internships

Most schools have strict requirements for internships during a vet tech program. Even though classroom training is important for an aspiring veterinary technician, acquiring hands-on training is equally important.

Individuals can also pursue an externship to fulfill this requirement. They must spend a specific amount of time in an approved veterinary clinic. During this time, they will also experience what it feels like working as part of a veterinary team with other experts.

Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).

Regardless of state and location, all veterinary technicians must pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination. This is to demonstrate competency in the field.

To qualify, students must graduate from an accredited institution. Once this step is complete, the next step is to consider state certification and licensure.

Related: If you have a passion for working with dogs and want to help them become well-behaved companions, consider the exciting career path of a dog obedience trainer.

Georgia State Licensure and Certification Requirements

Veterinary technicians in Georgia must apply for licensure with the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine before working professionally. To use, they must provide a completed verification of education form, VTNE scores, and an affidavit of experience.

The application also includes a $50 processing fee.

Remember that you can only become a registered vet tech in Georgia and remember about it. You’re expected to renew your license every two years through continued education.

Top Veterinary Technician Schools in Georgia

There are six accredited programs for aspiring veterinary technicians in Georgia. Below are some of the most prominent.

1. Ashworth College

Based in Norcross, Ashworth College offers flexible coursework and a combination of online classes and on-campus sessions. One of the program’s highlights is that students graduate with real-world experience working in hospitals, zoos, and other veterinary establishments.

Furthermore, the school is known for helping its graduates secure employment.

2. Athens Technical College

Athens Technical College was established to train Georgia residents in several technical fields, including veterinary technology. Spaces are only available for students who live outside the state if they can only be filled with Georgia residents.

Students get to graduate with either a certificate or an associate of applied science degree. Most people go with the latter.

3. Gwinnett Technical College

With a high first-time pass rate and wonderful facilities, Gwinnett Technical College remains one of Georgia’s most appealing destinations for aspiring veterinary technicians.

The program can be completed in 24 months and includes courses in veterinary medical terminology, pharmacology, and clinical procedures.

4. Other Notable Mentions

Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, Southern Regional Technical College in Thomasville, and Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley.

Related: Looking to pursue a career as a veterinary technician in Georgia but concerned about the financial aspect of your education? Don’t worry! Discover various vet tech scholarship opportunities to make your dream career a reality.

Georgia Veterinary Technician Salary and Job Outlook

At $37,560, veterinary technicians in Georgia earn an annual average salary on par with the national average. It is possible to make above or below this figure by optimizing factors such as experience, industry, and location.

Those at the higher end of the spectrum earn as high as $49,680, while those who fall into the bottom ten percent of earners still take home as low as $26,150.

As for the job outlook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16 percent increase in demand for veterinary technicians all over the country before 2029.