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So, You Want to Become a Vet Tech in Chicago? Here‘s What You Need to Know

Have you always felt a special connection with animals? Does the thought of caring for dogs, cats, horses and even zoo animals get your heart pumping? If this sounds like you, have you considered pursuing a career as a veterinary technician?

Vet tech positions are expected to surge in the Chicago area over the next decade. This in-depth guide will tell you everything you need to know to start an exciting, rewarding career as a vet tech in the Windy City!

An Overview of Veterinary Technician Programs in Chicago

Veterinary technicians occupy a vital role in animal health and medicine – they are the skilled professionals who support vets in carrying out procedures, conducting lab tests, educating pet owners and ensuring all animals receive top-tier care.

To work as a vet tech in Illinois, you must complete a two-year associate degree program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination to attain your license.

Luckily, Chicago offers several accredited vet tech programs to choose from. Most are on-campus programs offered at community colleges where you‘ll take rigorous coursework covering topics like animal nursing, surgical assisting, veterinary pharmacology and more. Programs also incorporate externships for invaluable hands-on training.

So why is Chicago such a great place to jumpstart your vet tech training? For starters, the wealth of vet clinics and animal care facilities in the area provide ample opportunities for clinical experiences, volunteer work and job placements after graduation. Chicago is also home to world-class veterinary specialty practices and animal research labs that employ talented vet techs. Let‘s look at some of the top local training programs.

Top AVMA-Accredited Vet Tech Programs in Chicago

1. Joliet Junior College

Joliet Junior College offers an excellent associate degree providing well-rounded preparation for VTNE licensing and vet tech positions in clinics, zoos, research labs and more. Coursework blends science lecture with weekly lab practice, and two semesters of hands-on clinical externships prepare you for success on the job after graduation.

Unique Perks: Joliet‘s program stands out for offering specialized courses in herd medicine tailored to students interested in working with livestock species. Their Career Services team also helps connect soon-to-graduate students with job leads.

2. Fox College Chicago

For those seeking a condensed yet comprehensive program, Fox College delivers with an 18-month on-campus or online hybrid Veterinary Technology associate degree program. You‘ll gain working knowledge of vet software programs, experience in pharmacy and surgical room procedures and even background in grooming – great for municipal shelter roles.

Unique Perks: Fox College‘s flexible hybrid format allows students to complete 50% of coursework online – a great option for working professionals looking to pivot careers. Their Career Assistance team provides resume reviews and job search strategy help.

3. Parkland College

Located in Champaign just a two hour drive from Chicago, Parkland College is a hidden gem, boasting dual AS and BS Veterinary Technology/Pre-VetMed track allowing accelerated path to both vet tech and DVM credentials. With 8,000+ alumni employed nationwide, their grad job placement rates are impressive.

Unique Perks: Parkland‘s renowned Teaching Hospital gives students unparalleled surgical room experience. They also host career fairs connecting students directly with clinics and employers seeking to hire graduating vet techs.

"We have partnerships with over 100 employers locally and beyond," shares Lindsey McKee, Parkland College Internship Coordinator. "Our students graduate ready to pass the VTNE exam and thrive in animal health environments."

Demand for Vet Techs is Exploding in Chicago

Wondering about job prospects after graduation? Expect to be in high demand as a newly credentialed vet tech. The Chicago metro region is home to close to 800 veterinary clinics as of 2022. And due to rising disposable income allowing more pet owners to pursue advanced veterinary care, clinics are expanding staff to keep up with increased caseloads.

This spike in demand is reflected in the stellar job growth projections for veterinary technicians locally and nationwide:

  • 16% Expected job growth for veterinary technicians nationwide through 2030
  • 23% Projected job growth specifically in Illinois through 2026

That‘s over triple the average for all occupations! Competitive salaries also await qualified candidates entering the field. Licensed vet techs in Chicago earn an average annual wage of $38,000 according to recent pay scale data.

So whether you dream of working hands-on with animals in a bustling veterinary practice or conducting laboratory research to develop cutting-edge treatments, Chicago offers wide-ranging job opportunities suited to all interests after you complete accredited vet tech training.

Tips for Preparing for the VTNE Licensing Exam

Earning your veterinary technician license by passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is a crucial step to jumpstarting your career. This computer-based test covers nine domain areas like pharmacy, surgical prep and anesthesia.

"Don‘t underestimate the VTNE – it‘s definitely a rigorous exam," advises Heather Davis, veterinary technician at a Chicago animal specialty and emergency center. "I‘d recommend giving yourself a few months to study using prep books, online quiz banks and practice tests."

For the best VTNE pass rates, be sure to:

  • Start studying early – Begin reviewing domain areas you struggled with during school several months before taking the exam.
  • Utilize multiple study materials – Combine textbooks, online quiz banks, apps, flashcards and practice tests when prepping.
  • Know exam logistics – Confirm exam date/location and what items are allowed in testing areas to avoid surprise hassles.
  • Practice timed 150-question tests – Take full-length practice tests mirroring actual VTNE timing/length.
  • Review missed concepts – Thoroughly review domains and question types where you test weakest.

With diligent preparation using these VTNE study tips, you’ll be primed for first-time success on this crucial licensing milestone!

Job Search Tips for Chicago Veterinary Technicians

Once you‘ve graduated from an accredited program and passed the VTNE, it‘s time to start searching for exciting veterinary technician jobs in Chicago!

There are hundreds of animal hospitals, emergency vet centers, specialty practices and even zoo/wildlife facilities looking to add skilled vet techs in the metro area.

Here are tips for landing a great vet tech position in this competitive job market:

Craft a Stand-Out Resume

  • Tailor your resume to each application, matching key qualifications listed in job ads.
  • Highlight hard skills like experience with dental procedures, laboratory testing and various animal species.
  • Include details on externships and clinical rotations you completed.
  • Feature any leadership roles in animal rescue groups or other animal-related volunteering.

Search Field-Specific Job Boards

Major sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Handshake and ZipRecruiter commonly post Chicago vet tech openings. But niche job boards can yield more tailored options too:

  • VetTechJobs.com – Nationwide vet tech-specific site
  • AAHA Career Center – Jobs from the American Animal Hospital Association
  • Illinois State VMA Career Center – Illinois veterinary medical ecosystem jobs

Get Connected on LinkedIn

  • Follow Chicago animal care facilities and veterinary practices on LinkedIn to stay on their radar for future openings.
  • Connect with staff at clinics you admire or would enjoy working for.
  • Join and engage with professional groups like Veterinary Technicians and Assistants to expand your network.

Prepare For Interviews

Common vet tech interview questions assess your technical expertise, bedside manner and ability to adapt to fast-paced environments:

  • How do you handle stressful, emotionally difficult situations with clients?
  • How would you draw blood from a fractious cat?
  • Tell me about your experience with anesthesia protocols.

Practice responses using the STAR method (situation-task-action-result) to showcase your abilities and experience positively.

By combining a polished resume, diverse job search strategy and interview readiness, you’ll be poised for success securing a rewarding vet tech position after graduation!

Ready to Launch an Exciting Career Working with Animals? Take the Next Step!

Does a future where you get to apply cutting-edge medical treatments to help dogs, cats, rabbits and even zoo animals recover and thrive get your heart pumping? If so, completing accredited college training to become a licensed veterinary technician may be the perfect move.

The Chicago region offers top-notch vet tech programs, booming job growth and abundant openings at clinics, shelters and animal research labs thirsty for trained candidates who share this passion for animal care.

As the above guide outlines, now is an especially opportune time to complete your degree, get certified and start applying to local veterinary technician jobs bridging your love for animals and science.

So what are you waiting for? If helping creatures great and small lead longer, healthier lives sounds like your dream career, take steps now to get the education and hands-on training needed to excel as Chicago‘s next top veterinary technician!