How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Missouri

Maybe you want to work as a vet tech in Missouri.

In that case, you first need to have a better idea about the requirements in this state.

So, reads on this guide below.

Veterinary Technician Job Description and Duties in Missouri

In Missouri, you will have to complete several tasks that are related to animals.

You will also be supervised by a veterinarian.

Some of the daily job duties include:

• Administering medications
• Taking x-rays,
• Processing tissue samples,
• Assisting in surgery and emergency care
• Performing lab tests
• Teeth cleaning,
• Electrocardiography,
• Bandaging,
• Wound cleaning,
• Maintaining detailed and accurate records
  • Of meds, supplies, patients

Education and Training Required for Veterinary Technicians in Missouri

In Missouri, you can look for a job without a license as long as you have some animal experience.

Those who don’t have experience should get trained and apply for a vet tech license.

To get this license, you have to attend a Veterinary Technology Associate’s Degree of Applied Science program.

There are some schools in Missouri that provide this degree.

This degree lasts 2 or 3 years, based on the school you enroll in.

The program you choose needs to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

If you prefer, you can get a degree in Animal Science with vet tech specialization.

The practice you need to complete can be taken through an internship or an externship.

The below schools provide more info about the programs in Missouri.

To get into a vet tech training program, you must:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Having a high school diploma or GED
• Minimum a grade of C in these subjects: biology, English composition, math, basic computer science, psychology, humanities, and public speaking
  • Future students must complete these classes right before enrolling in the degree program
• 2 letters of recommendation
  • One of them must come from a veterinarian
• Health insurance
• Buying a medical malpractice policy
• 360 hours of previous practical experience

You can also get a scholarship or work-study to cover the school tuition.

Classes will feature topics such as:

• Introduction to veterinary technology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Emergency care and first aid
• Pathology
• Anesthesiology
• Radiology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Parasitology
• Toxicology
• Nutrition

You will also have to complete 20 practice hours in an accredited place.

The last semester of the training program is a preceptorship.

Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician in Missouri

Vet technicians in Missouri are licensed by the Missouri State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

To receive the vet tech license in Missouri, you need to submit:

• An application form
• Proof you graduated from the training program described earlier
• To pay some fees
  • $300 for the exam
  • $100 for the license
• Score at least 70% on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)

The VTNE features 170 questions, and the exam lasts for 3 hours.

Before scheduling the exam, you have to get an ATT (Authorization to Test).

If you passed it, you will get the vet tech license in 2 or 3 weeks.

In Missouri, you have to renew your vet tech license every year.

To be eligible for renewal, you have to attend 5 hours of continuing education.

Employment and Salaries for Veterinary Technicians in Missouri

After you receive your vet tech license, you might want to know what are the salaries for vet techs in Missouri.

Vet techs can get hired in numerous facilities, like:

• Private clinical practices
• Zoos
• Veterinary teaching hospitals
• Rescue centers
• Wildlife or exotic animal rehabilitation centers
• Humane societies,
• Research facilities,
• Pharmaceutical companies

According to the BLS, vet tech jobs will grow by 30% in the upcoming decade.

This means that you will easily find a place to work that also pays well.

This is especially true if you live in a big city and have good credentials.

Additional Information for Veterinary Technicians in Missouri

Have a look at the resources below if you need more industry help:

• Missouri veterinary technicians association
• Missouri Veterinary Medical Association
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
• Veterinary Career Network
• Vet Tech Life
• Vetcetera