How to Become a Veterinary Nurse
Veterinary nurses work to help veterinarians provide medical treatment for animals. Becoming a veterinary nurse is similar to becoming a veterinarian, but there is less schooling involved in the process. Becoming a veterinary nurse takes time, patience and hard work.
- Take a lot of science classes throughout high school to prepare you for veterinary college. Getting good grades in science classes throughout high school may accelerate a student through veterinary school.
- Find an accredited college that offers a veterinary program. Veterinary nurses usually need a two-year degree before they can go to work. The schooling requirements are different for each state in the United States.
- Take the appropriate veterinary tests that are required by your state. Not every state requires a veterinary nurse to take a test to become certified, but most of them do. Getting good grades throughout college and retaining what you were taught can greatly help you pass the exam.
- Get an internship at a veterinary office to learn how veterinary nurses take care of animals. Working in a veterinary office may also give you the experience necessary to land a veterinary nurse position.
- Create a resume that lists all of your qualifications to become a veterinary assistant. Be sure to include any care you’ve provided for animals on the resume. It is also a good idea to highlight your veterinary-related skills and list and the education you’ve received.
- Submit your resume with an application to a veterinary hospital. Follow up after about 10 days to see if they have looked over your resume.