I'm interested in becoming a vet tech and was curious if there are opportunities in the military for this career path. What kind of roles do they have, and what qualifications would I need to pursue this?
There are indeed opportunities in the military for careers as a veterinary technician. The U.S. Army, for instance, has a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) code 68T, which stands for Animal Care Specialist. In this role, you'll work directly with Military Working Dogs (MWDs), horses, and other animals, providing routine care, conducting surgeries, and managing anesthesia during surgical procedures, among other tasks.
As a vet tech in the military, you may also have the chance to provide veterinary public health programs at home and abroad. This could involve tasks like inspecting food products for soldiers or teaching local population about animal health.
In terms of qualification, the requirements are similar to those of any enlisted job in the Army. You must have a high school diploma or GED, meet the physical and medical fitness standards, and complete a background check. Additionally, to become an Animal Care Specialist, you'll need to score at least a 91 in the Skilled Technical (ST) section of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
Remember, you'll also need to go through Basic Combat Training (BCT) before moving onto Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for your specific MOS. The AIT for an Animal Care Specialist is about 11 weeks and covers a broad range of topics, including animal anatomy and physiology, disease diagnosis, and parasitology.
Keep in mind you may also be able to gain further credentials or certifications while in this role, such as gaining approval from the American Veterinary Medical Association to become a certified veterinary technician.
Overall, the military can be a great path for aspiring veterinary technicians. It offers you hands-on experience, further study opportunities, and the chance to serve with a sense of purpose.
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