Vet Tech Schools and Programs in Florida

Veterinary technicians play a vital role in ensuring pets receive the best care possible. If you choose this career path, you could work in clinics, hospitals, animal rescue shelters, and even zoos. As a vet tech, you can take numerous career paths once you've completed your education. Just some employers you could consider include:

• Critical Animal Care Centers
• Zoos
• Veterinary Care Centers
• Veterinary Research
• Veterinary Dental Centers

Florida Veterinary Technician Schools

Most veterinary technician schools in Florida offer a two-year associate degree. There are some that offer a four-year bachelor's degree program too. If you are interested in becoming a vet technician or enrolling in a training program, you will need a high school diploma or GED. You should also consider taking biology and other science courses in high school.

To meet the expectations of the AVMA, you should find an accredited program. The following are vet tech schools in Florida are accredited:

• City College-Hollywood: Located in Hollywood, Florida, this program includes 270 externship hours, 1330 lecture and lab hours, and includes 115 credits spread over nine quarters.
  
  
• Eastern Florida State College: Includes a two-year associate degree through full and part-time enrollment.
  
  
• Florida A&M University: Offers two years focusing on core animal science and helps students prepare for the national certification examination.
  
  
• Miami-Dade College: Includes 73 credits resulting in an associate degree. Students must attend full-time at 40 hours per week and complete 400 hours of clinical exposure to graduate.
  
  
• Heritage Institute-Fort Myers: Focuses on a curriculum designed to help students prepare for the Veterinary Technician National Examination.

What to Expect from Florida Vet Tech Programs

Vet tech schools in Florida are all designed to prepare you to take and pass your national examinations. These programs help you with your technical and critical thinking skills, give you hands-on experience, and help you develop in-depth knowledge for patient care.

Some technician skills that you will be exposed to during your education include:

• Operating laboratory equipment
• Medication guidelines for animals
• Preparing and positioning animals for diagnostic tests
• Performing procedures on reptiles, avian, and amphibians
• Understanding large and small breed animals
• Providing postoperative care
• Sterilizing surgical equipment and laboratory equipment
• Front office procedures
• Recording animal histories
• Collecting blood and tissue samples
• Metabolism, diet, and nutrition for all animals

Florida Veterinary Technician License

Vet techs typically seek out licensing in order to work in the state of Florida. Your school or program should give you the proper details on licensing, but typically here are the steps on how to get your Florida vet tech license:

1. Graduate from an accredited American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) program with an associate degree. These programs are approved as a prerequisite for taking your Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
2. Pass the VTNE to work in Florida. While it is optional, it is essential if you want to seek professional certification. Also, if you plan to move to another state, having your VTNE will allow you to go to a facility outside of Florida.
3. Lastly, you must certify through the Florida Veterinary Technician Association (FVTA). This is the certifying body used for Florida technicians. Licensing isn't required to practice, but most employers will look for a certification to establish your competency.

The FVTA requires that you renew your license every two years. You must also show proof of at least 15 continuing education credits during those two years to renew. All renewals must be completed by January 31^st of the new year; otherwise, you will encounter a late fee.

Resources for Vet Techs in Florida

• AVMA
• Florida Veterinary Technician Association
• American Association of Veterinary State Boards
• Florida Veterinary Medical Association