Q. How does testing work with online vet tech programs?

In most cases, online vet tech programs require the student to find a veterinarian, credentialed veterinary technician, or educator to serve as an exam proctor. The student cannot be related to the professional they choose to work with.

The school sends test materials directly to the proctor, who is responsible for providing an appropriate testing area for the student (quiet, secure, no notes or books available). Once the vet tech student has completed the test, the proctor sends it directly back to the school. In many cases the proctor makes a copy of the completed test before mailing it back. This allows the student to get feedback on their work when they receive the test answers, and also serves as an emergency backup in case the original test is lost in the mail.

Q. Do I need a clinical mentorship if I want to become a veterinary technician online?

Every online vet tech program I’ve seen requires some form of clinical mentorship that allows the student to get some hands-on experience. Each school has different standards for veterinary facilities that meet the requirements for mentorship, so you will need to research online programs on a case-by-case basis. The tasks you need to complete for most clinical mentorships require that you work with certain animals (small, large, and laboratory), equipment, supplies, and types of cases.

Once you have completed the web-based portion and didactic testing for your online vet tech degree, you are eligible for the clinical mentorship. To do this you will need to form a relationship with a veterinarian or credentialed veterinary technician that serve as the off-campus “eyes” for the program. These professionals are responsible for observing you as you perform all of the required tasks for the mentorship according to the guidelines required by your particular school. Certain tasks may have to be performed multiple times, and even though your vet or vet technician may do things differently, you must perform your tasks in accordance with the way your program has taught you.

For most clinical mentorship tasks, you will be required to send in a video of you completing the task according to the program’s criteria. The final judge of whether or not you have satisfactorily completed your clinical mentorship will be faculty members at the school.

Obviously, to do a clinical mentorship you need to develop a relationship with a vet or vet technician that is comfortable and willing to serve as your mentor. You should reach out to potential candidates early on in your online vet tech degree so that when the time comes, you can jump right into it. Many students wait until the last moment and then find themselves without a suitable place to perform the mentorship tasks. The school can assist with placement in some cases, but you are much better off doing this on your own. Here is some great advice from Dr. David Wright about finding a clinical mentor.

Continue to Become a Vet Tech Online Pt. III