If you are an aspiring veterinary technician in Utah looking for a comprehensive guide concerning starting your career the right way, you have come to the right page. The article below explores all the key considerations you need to know to help you meet the major requirements and have fun doing so.
You’ll discover the steps involved in the process, certification and licensing requirements, and top accredited programs to consider. To understand the earning potential for professionals in this field, we have included a section exploring the annual average salary for vet techs in Utah based on a few key factors.
Steps to Become a Veterinary Technician in Utah
Aspiring veterinary technicians in Utah are advised to follow the steps below to launch their careers on the right foundation.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Training Program
The first step to becoming a veterinary technician in Utah is to enroll in a training program. There is only one accredited program here, but candidates can also enroll in other programs or online programs.
The body responsible for accrediting veterinary technology programs nationwide is the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Candidates are expected to earn an associate degree in veterinary technology, which takes at least two years to complete.
Step 2: Externship & Hands-on Training
Most training programs for veterinary technicians will include a hands-on aspect. Candidates must get a feel for working in the real world before calling themselves full-fledged veterinary technicians.
Programs make provisions for such training by partnering with veterinary practices and hospitals in the area and allowing students to participate in externships.
Step 3: Pass the VTNE
Lastly, aspiring veterinary technicians in Utah are expected to pass the VTNE - Veterinary Technician National Examination before securing employment and beginning their careers.
Unlike most states where licensing is mandatory, veterinary technicians in Utah are not compelled by law to pass the examination. However, they are expected to do so because it offers several career benefits that can’t be overlooked.
This computer-based examination consists of multiple-choice questions in parasitology, anesthesiology, animal behavior, and other key aspects of the profession.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
To receive a license from the Utah Veterinary Physician Licensing Board, aspiring veterinary technicians in Utah are expected to fulfill the requirements above, complete and graduate from an approved training program, and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam.
Even though continuing education is not required for Utah veterinary technicians, candidates may also improve their skills by participating in specialist training opportunities.
Top Veterinary Technician Schools in Utah
Below are the accredited training programs available for aspiring veterinary technicians in Utah.
Broadview College
Broadview College offers Utah’s only Veterinary Technology training program approved by the CVTEA - AVMA. The program takes place on-campus and offers an associate of applied science degree after 21 months of study.
It includes 94 credits, including 30 general education credits, while the other 64 focus on actual veterinary technology courses.
Examples of the latter include courses covering anesthesiology, medical terminology, medical imaging, physiology of animals, small animal emergency care, and hematology, among others. The program also makes provisions to prepare students for their VTNE.
Penn Foster College
Candidates looking for online, accredited options to begin their careers as veterinary technicians in Utah may also consider the program offered by Penn Foster College. Like other on-campus programs, candidates graduate with an associate of applied science, having learned key topics such as clinical pathology, surgical nursing, radiography, and more.
The program has a VTNE first-time pass rate of 71%.
San Juan College
San Juan College is another online option with an accredited veterinary technology program. It includes 4 - 6 weekly training hours and multiple Off-Campus Clinical Institution sessions. San Juan College’s veterinary technology program has a first-time pass rate of 89.8% in recent VTNEs.
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Salary & Career Outlook
Veterinary technicians in Utah earn an annual average salary of $33,685 — if they fall among the midpoint of earners. Those who fall among the top 10% earn an annual average salary of $44,809, while those who fall among the bottom 10% take home an annual average salary of $25,322.
Sorting strictly by location, we find that Park City is the highest-paying city to practice as a veterinary technician in Utah. Veterinary technicians here earn $39,235 on average per year. Veterinary technicians in Murray and South Jordan are also well-rewarded, with annual average salaries of $36,315 and $36,255, respectively.
The top five highest-paying cities in the state for vet techs are Midvale (with an annual average salary of $35,877) and Salt Lake City (with an annual average salary of $34,807).
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