Veterinary Technician Schools in Nevada

Becoming a veterinary technician is always a wonderful career decision in any state in the country. But vet techs in Nevada enjoy convenience and benefits that aren’t available in other states.

The purpose of this page is to serve as a veritable starting point for anyone looking for the resources needed to begin a career as a successful veterinary technician in Nevada. Below we look at crucial steps involved in the process, such as enrolling in a training school and becoming certified.

We also dive into the specific licensing requirements, potential salary, and career projection. By the time you’re done going through the page, you should have everything you need to know to start your journey as an aspiring veterinary technician in Nevada.

How To Become a Veterinary Technician in Nevada

The following are the general steps in becoming a veterinary technician in Nevada from high school to graduating from a special training program.

Step 1: High School Diploma or GED

Students in high school who wish to become veterinary technicians are expected to focus on subjects such as mathematics, biology, and English. It also helps if they start developing a love for animals, visiting shelters, and working in pet daycares during their free time.

Most training programs for vet techs usually require proof of a high school diploma with a focus on the subjects above. A GED equivalent can also suffice.

Step 2: Accredited Program

Enrolling in an accredited program is arguably the most important step for aspiring veterinary technicians. The CVTEA (Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities) accredits vet tech programs.

The organization sets very high standards for its approved programs, so CVTEA accreditation is usually a seal of approval and a show of quality. Furthermore, CVTEA accreditation is needed for many crucial stages of becoming a registered vet tech, including securing licensure and certification.

And, of course, as we’ll see below, all vet techs in the country must pass a special examination, and CVTEA accreditation is also a prerequisite for this.

Step 3: Externship and Work Experience Requirement

Training programs offer high-quality classroom training for their students, but ultimately, to put all of this knowledge to use, an aspiring vet tech must work in a clinical environment to see what it feels like to work as part of a veterinary team.

Most programs create space in their curriculum for students to acquire hands-on training through an internship.

Step 4: Veterinary Technician National Examination

Lastly, having completed the classroom and hands-on aspects of a training program, the next step is to pass the veterinary technician national examination administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

Candidates have the opportunity to register during any one of the three registration windows in a year. They may also have to reach a score of at least 70% to pass and move on to the next stage of stage licensing/certification.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a veterinary assistant in Nevada

Nevada State Licensure and Certification Requirements

The Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners requires a degree from an accredited tech program and a $100 application fee before candidates can become licensed and seek professional employment.

The Board also makes provision for vet techs in training to pursue early licensure immediately after their second year in training for those in a two-year program and fourth year in training for those in a four-year program.

Top Veterinary Technician Schools in Nevada

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary technician schools in Utah

Nevada Veterinary Technician Salary and Job Outlook

As a veterinary technician in Nevada, you can expect to be rewarded with an annual average salary of $39,933. A figure that’s about 10% higher than the national average, it is possible to scale this earning even further to as high as $52,626 a year by optimizing factors such as experience, location, and certification.

Veterinary technicians in Reno, for example, earn higher than every other city in the state, with an annual average salary of $42,547. Las Vegas and Henderson vet techs earn an average yearly salary of $40,157 and $39,523, respectively.

Fallon and North Las Vegas round up the top five highest-paying cities for veterinary technicians in Nevada, with an annual average salary of $39,441 and $37,815, respectively.