There are many benefits to becoming a vet assistant in New York.
If you have a talent for it, then, you should know what you need to do in order to start your career.
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- Veterinary Technician Job Description and Duties in New York
- Education and Training Required for Veterinary Technicians in New York
- Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician in New York
- Employment and Salaries for Veterinary Technicians in New York
- Additional Information for Veterinary Technicians in New York
Veterinary Technician Job Description and Duties in New York
Vet techs have a variety of tasks they need to complete.
While these tasks are not always the same, you can expect to do the following:
- 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 New York
In New York, you only need some experience with animals in order to start working.
If you don’t have that required experience, you will need to join a training program in your area.
Finishing the training course will provide you with a degree like the Veterinary Technology Associate’s Degree of Applied Science degree.
In this state, vet tech programs last for 2 years, but some can last for 3 years.
Remember to pick a school that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
You can also choose a degree in Animal Science with vet tech specialization.
Future vet techs also have to practice, which can be done by attending an internship or an externship.
Check out the following schools for info about schools for vet techs in New York.
Top 13 Schools in New York
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Alfred State College | 10 Upper College Dr, Alfred, NY 14802 |
| Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES | 1585 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, New York 12901-0455 |
| CUNY Bronx Community College | 2155 University Avenue, Bronx, New York 10453 |
| Genesee Community College | One College Road Batavia, NY 14020 |
| La Guardia Community College | 31-10 Thomson Ave. Long Island City, NY 11101 |
| Medaille College | 18 Agassiz Cr. Buffalo, NY 14214 |
| Medaille College | 1880 South Winton Road, Suite 1 Rochester, NY 14618 |
| Mercy College | 555 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 |
| State University of New York | 34 Cornell Drive Canton, NY 13617 |
| State University of New York | 156 Farnsworth Hall Delhi, NY 13753 |
| State University of New York | 491 Cottekill Rd, Stone Ridge, NY 12484 |
| Suffolk County Community College | Western Campus Crooked Hill Rd. Brentwood, NY 11717 |
| Westchester Community College | 75 Grassland Road Valhalla, NY 10595 |
If you want to join a vet tech training program, you need to:
- 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
- Writing an essay
- Passing an interview
- Buying a medical malpractice policy
- 360 hours of previous practical experience
You can receive assistance with your tuition if you apply for a scholarship.
Some of the topics you will learn about in class are:
- Introduction to veterinary technology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Emergency care and first aid
- Pathology
- Anesthesiology
- Radiology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Parasitology
- Toxicology
- Nutrition
Another requirement is attending 20 hours of practice per subject, in an accredited facility.
The last semester of the vet tech program is a preceptorship.
Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician in New York
In New York, vet techs get certified by the New York State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
To get a license in New York, you first need to submit:
- An application form
- Proof you graduated from the training program described earlier
- To pay a fee
- $300 for the exam
- $100 for the license
You need a score of at least 70% on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) as well.
The VTNE test has 170 questions.
You will be required to complete the exam in 3 hours.
Keep in mind that you need an ATT (Authorization to Test) to take the test.
In New York, you need to renew your vet tech license once in 3 years.
You also need to take 24 extra hours of class before you can get your license renewed.
The New York Veterinary Technician Association (AVTA) is a reliable resource for vet techs in this jurisdiction.
Employment and Salaries for Veterinary Technicians in New York
Maybe you are interested in learning how much you will earn on an annual basis in New York.
Once you have a license, you can work in numerous vet facilities, such as:
- Private clinical practices
- Zoos
- Veterinary teaching hospitals
- Rescue centers
- Wildlife or exotic animal rehabilitation centers
- Humane societies,
- Research facilities,
- Feedlots,
- Pharmaceutical companies
You will be able to earn a better salary if you live in a big city like New York City.
Having some experience in the field will also help you earn more.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Veterinary Technicians in New York
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $44,585 |
| Buffalo | $35,443 |
| Rochester | $36,535 |
| Yonkers | $42,720 |
| Syracuse | $36,530 |
| Albany | $37,499 |
| New Rochelle | $42,543 |
| Mount Vernon | $42,701 |
| Schenectady | $37,519 |
| Utica | $35,490 |
Additional Information for Veterinary Technicians in New York
Some extra resources for vet techs in this state include the following:
- New York State Veterinary Medical Society
- New York State Association of Veterinary Technicians
- National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
- Veterinary Career Network
- Vet Tech Life
- Vetcetera
- Where Techs Connect
