What do you need to become a veterinary nurse? ?

Question

It's a small dream of mine but what qualifications should one have to get a good job and quite a nice pay, I know it is not a well paid job, I will do pet boarding and dog training as well.

What kind of things do you have to do?

How good at science should you be?

What course (if any) should you take at uni.

What do you need in college to get into that course, is it just loads of science (biology?)?

How hard is it to get a decent pay?

thanks very much!!! xxxx

Answer 1

A delicate touch and no sense of smell !

Answer 2

You can get a degree in veterinary technology in either 2 or 4 years. I myself got my vet tech degree in 2 years at a technical college. The vet tech program at the college you choose will require you to take certain classes of course, so you won't need to worry about signing up for the correct classes. Take as many science classes as possible in high school (or in college if you are already in college but are thinking of transferring), especially biology, chemistry, and anatomy if offered. It is pretty important to be good in science - you need to be able to understand how the body works, and how drugs work in the body and interact with other drugs. For this, math is important too, as you must be able to calculate correct drug doses (though at many clinics the veterinarian will do all calculations for you).

Once you are working as a veterinary technician there is a wide variety of tasks that you perform while at work - animal restraint, assisting the veterinarian during appointments, filling prescriptions, lab work (including bloodwork, fecal testing, urinalyses, ear cytologies, cytology preparation, etc.), anesthesia/assisting veterinarian during surgery, caring for animals while waking up from anesthesia, giving medications, taking radiographs (x-rays), cleaning pets teeth, and much more. The tasks also vary depending on which type of veterinary practice you choose to work in - small animal (cats, dogs, etc.), large animal (horses, cows, goats, etc.), exotics (birds, reptiles, etc.), or you can choose to work in a clinic/area of a clinic that specializes in areas such as dermatology, dentistry, emergency medicine, ophthalmology, etc. It really is up to you!

I can tell you that where I live (a small town in Vermont) pay is not very good. However, pay will be better in larger practices, especially large emergency practices or practices located in large cities. You can also usually increase your pay if you become certified/licensed/registered (the title depends on the state you live in) by taking the vet tech national exam (VTNE) and passing. It is a good job, but definitely not one to be in for the money. It isn't a glamorous job - at times it can be very dirty, smelly and depressing, but it can also be very rewarding. If you are not sure, try shadowing a technician for a day, or volunteering at a vet clinic - that is how I decided that I wanted to be a veterinary technician!

Good luck!

Answer 3

A veterinary nurse is basically a Veterinary Technician-requires 4 yrs of college and an internship.  You need to work underneath a vet.  Check into the vet tech program at a college closest to you that offers it.

If that is not possible for you, some vet's may hire as kennel help/cleaner and train you further if you have the desire.  

As far as starting your own training & boarding facility you need to check into local regulations reguading that type of operation.  Let me warn you tho...it can be messy.  You do not know the overall health of the dogs you take it.  Kennel Cough, coccidia, giardia are very commom in dogs, highly contagious, and hard to get out of a kennel situation.  The list can go on.  I suggest working for a vet or boarding facility for many years, gaining some knowledge and going from there with your dream.  The job does not pay extremely well, monitarily, but is very self- rewarding. (And heartwrenching at times)