Foreign Veterinary Graduates

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i just wanna thank you,i checked ecfvg web and you are right they are going to reduce speaking score and i meet the required score since my overall is 99 and speaking is 22:laugh:
thank you again
i am going to register for ecfvg


You are welcome.
good luck in your bcse
 
Hi,
I too am preparing for BCSE (hopefully will appear for BCSE in December 09). I have accumulated a lot of preparatory material and have access to a veterinary library. Would love to collaborate with someone for the preparation. Anybody interested? Do email me [email protected]
Best

Hello everyone 🙂!

I wonder if someone has subscribed the Zuku's BCSC course? Is it wort it ( $$$ )?, I am interesting in the Study strategy consultation that is offered, or someone else has a sugestion about it?

This is the link:

http://zukureview.com/zukumemberships.php

Thanks.
 
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Hi! While i'm preparing for ecvfg can i work as tech or assistant in a clinic in the US and be paid? 😕
 
Hello everybody!

I'm a vet also studying to the ECVFG, and after so many doubts about how to study and what books to get, I found this forum.
I was so glad, because it has been so helpful, and I'm very grateful to all of you who are helping us to get a little more informations about the tests and everything!
I have already finished some books, and now Im trying to go to US, to work as a vet assistant, or even pass the vet tech test and work as a tech in order to be trained to the CPE...
I have contacted a vet clinic that was interested in offering me this position as a vet tech assistant, but we are having a hard time trying to get a VISA that would allow me to work there...
I was told to try a H1B working visa, but then, the vet clinic would have to prove that no one else in US could be found, so that they needed to finde a foreign to do the work...
I wanted to know how you guys made it to work and study in US, and how to apply for a visa, that would allow me to work...
Are there other options?

Thank you for your atention!
 
Hello everybody!

I'm a vet also studying to the ECVFG, and after so many doubts about how to study and what books to get, I found this forum.
I was so glad, because it has been so helpful, and I'm very grateful to all of you who are helping us to get a little more informations about the tests and everything!
I have already finished some books, and now Im trying to go to US, to work as a vet assistant, or even pass the vet tech test and work as a tech in order to be trained to the CPE...
I have contacted a vet clinic that was interested in offering me this position as a vet tech assistant, but we are having a hard time trying to get a VISA that would allow me to work there...
I was told to try a H1B working visa, but then, the vet clinic would have to prove that no one else in US could be found, so that they needed to finde a foreign to do the work...
I wanted to know how you guys made it to work and study in US, and how to apply for a visa, that would allow me to work...
Are there other options?

Thank you for your atention!


Getting a visa depends on where are you from to a point. but it's true, to get H1B your employer will have to show that they have a job opening and have advertized for it, like on their website and they don't have candidate, this is difficult to do in this economy where very well qualified people trying to do anything to make a living.
So if you don't have a specific employer then try to find this job at animal rescue organizations, they pay less, that why not many people in the US wants to work for them. This is how I came to US, I got H1B VISA to work for animal sanctuary.
I'm not very familiar with school related visa, but like I said depends on what country you are from, if you are from a fancy European country and graduated from fancy vet school then you can apply for internship I think this visa is H3B, You can always try to get internship regardless where your school was, your chance willnot be the same.
this is the website for the intern-residency program, there is nothing on it now , regestrations open in Sep 15th.
http://www.virmp.org/

Here is a website that might help you better with immigrations and visa issues.
http://forums.immigration.com/
Keep in mind that coming to US illegally will not get you anywhere...
good luck.
 
Hey Jakish

Thank you so much for your kindness, you are always very attentive with everyone in this forum!😳

I really appreciated the informations, I have been reading the old posts too, and it has been so helpfull, and I will start looking for that options you showed me now!🙂

I definitively would't try anything illegally, I try to be a very politically correct person, and I really want to do everything the right way, even if it takes a little longer and may be difficult...
Hopefuly the economy will get better in time!

Best Wishes!!
 
Hi DUDA,
I am just like you are, a vet from one of euro countries, doing same things in order to get license here in US. I was just wondering which country originally you are from, of course if it isn't a secret.
Good luck with everything!🙂
DAVMD


Hey Jakish

Thank you so much for your kindness, you are always very attentive with everyone in this forum!😳

I really appreciated the informations, I have been reading the old posts too, and it has been so helpfull, and I will start looking for that options you showed me now!🙂

I definitively would't try anything illegally, I try to be a very politically correct person, and I really want to do everything the right way, even if it takes a little longer and may be difficult...
Hopefuly the economy will get better in time!

Best Wishes!!
 
Is any validity of diploma after graduate? For example I graduated in 2005. And if i will go to licensing examination and on step 1 they say me "OH your diploma is not valid, 'cause it is more than 4 yr passed already after your graduation". So, guys, is it any possible problem in the future for me with validity of diploma.
 
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Is any validity of diploma after graduate? For example I graduated in 2005. And if i will go to licensing examination and on step 1 they say me "OH your diploma is not valid, 'cause it is more than 4 yr passed already after your graduation". So, guys, is it any possible problem in the future for me with validity of diploma.


NO, My deploma dated 1997, and I signed up with ECFVG on 2005.
once a vet, always a vet..:meanie:
 
Dear Friends
I am a resident in veterinary surgery , I have a collection of E-books in different topcs of veterinary medicine. I would gladden if I can help any friend.

Good luck
Hi Skoorooch,
I saw your message posted some time ago and wonder if you still have E-books to share.

I look forward to hearing from you.
 
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Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum. I am planning to take the licenciate exam through ECFVG. I am from India and I did my schooling in English medium. Should I need to take Toefl? I heard that, providing a letter from the school officials, the Toefl could be waived. Is it true? Is there anyone who had gone through this process. Kindly let me know.

Thanks
 
Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum. I am planning to take the licenciate exam through ECFVG. I am from India and I did my schooling in English medium. Should I need to take Toefl? I heard that, providing a letter from the school officials, the Toefl could be waived. Is it true? Is there anyone who had gone through this process. Kindly let me know.

Thanks

Yes, you can get a waiver. You need to get a letter from your school that medium of instruction was in English (with your name, DOB and years of study. Send the letter to AVMA/ECFVG they will waive the requirement for TOEFL.
 
Hi Dvmjakish,
I am taking the CPE next week and I am in cramming mode. Could you please send the info you have on gas cap ID test to this e-mail:
[email protected].
I would greatly appreciate it!!,

Thanks in advance
 
Hi,

Thank you PratikSD for the response. I am planing to buy VCRC for preparing the BCSE. Is it worth buying? Kindly give me your suggestions and also let me know about other helpful resources.
 
Hi! Iam new here. Trying to see if theres any vets from india, I am in the process of applying to AVMA, any vets from India or foreghn country applying for AVMA?

Thanks!
 
Hi ! I just joined this forum, I plan to apply for step 1, it will really like to comunicate with you and exchange information.

thanks!
 
Hey, I am about to take the CPE in Vegas in 3 weeks... going through the Manual I found a couple of tasks that I'm not really prepared for:

1) how to differentiate the rumen gas cap vs LDA ping vs pneumoperitoneum vs pneumorectum vs pneumocolon?

2) Limitations of the Urine Dipstick?

3) Also is there any good Necropsy Videos out there? I've only assisted in 1 before but never really shown the Step by Step routine

4) Any Video's on Bovine Obstetrical Exam's?

I'm also trying to join the Yahoo-CPE group but my membership is still pending..I'm running out of time..Thanks

E-mail: [email protected]
 
Yes, you can get a waiver. You need to get a letter from your school that medium of instruction was in English (with your name, DOB and years of study. Send the letter to AVMA/ECFVG they will waive the requirement for TOEFL.

Hi Pratik,
are you applying for the ECFVG license exam?
 
its been reiterated many times on this forum, go through previous messages. Study Merck manual very well, and whole bunch of other notes/ links you see in this forum. You will get the idea. Sorry for being vague, but there is no clear set of material to study and pass. Its for you benefit in long run. Whatever you study, study well in a real practical sense then you will remember. You need good knowledge about each topic so that you can answer in any way the question is framed. What I hear is that BCSE and NAVLE are very creative with questions, check the practice version on AVMA website you get an idea.
good luck
PSD

Hi,

Thank you PratikSD for the response. I am planing to buy VCRC for preparing the BCSE. Is it worth buying? Kindly give me your suggestions and also let me know about other helpful resources.
 
I've been a reader of thhis forum for a while now, and in the process of getting the license, now I have read that there is a "summary" of the merck manual, but I have not been able to find it.
I am wondering if any of you guys that have the said summary would be willing to share it with me.
my mail is: [email protected].
I appreciate the information and study material in here. This is a great forum.
Thanks a lot.
Carlos
 
I've spoken with some veterinary doctors in the US and they tell me that the better way to be prepared for the CPE is not to be a Vet Tech because during the exam they ask above all diagnosis and surgery (a dog spay I believe) that a technician doesn't do. So they advice me to do "an internship" in a university under a doctor but I wont be paid....🙁
Do you know how much is the salary for a veterinary assistant in US? Can you live with this salary? Let me know. Bye:luck:
 
Yes, I am going through similar frustrations. I am going to take CPE early next year, trying to get all the experience I could. So far I had been successful in joining a VCA hospital as a volunteer. ( you can check their website and become a extern). Once you complete externship if you can talk to the director of that hospital you can continue to be a volunteer and shadow the doc for small animal medicine.
There is very limited experience you get as a tech or assistant that would help you for CPE.
For anesthesia and surgery try animal shelters (http://www.sheltervet.org/documents/Miscellaneous/Externships - 2008.pdf) I found one. For large animal and equine experience look for practioners on outside of cities especially those who have ambulatory service, call them and see if you can tag along with them. I call almost 5 every day, very few agree after many many calls. If you have money and time, try the Kansas SU's ICY program that should give you a good experience. Be prepared and travel all over to practioners, friends and get the experience needed. Most practioners also offer housing, so its not bad.
Above all apply for CPE as soon as you pass BCSE, except Las Vegas center all other places there is a long wait. Good luck.
PSD


I've spoken with some veterinary doctors in the US and they tell me that the better way to be prepared for the CPE is not to be a Vet Tech because during the exam they ask above all diagnosis and surgery (a dog spay I believe) that a technician doesn't do. So they advice me to do "an internship" in a university under a doctor but I wont be paid....🙁
Do you know how much is the salary for a veterinary assistant in US? Can you live with this salary? Let me know. Bye:luck:
 
Hey if anyone is interested in joining us for a CPE discussion group, please e-mail me [email protected]
My exam is in Feb 2010 in Missppi, anyone who is taking the exam early next year is welcome to join. Ideally pacific or mtn time zone members would be good. But perhaps if we get large enough then we can split accordingly.
good luck
PSD
 
hello guys jst found about about this site yesterday and i am planning to register for the ecfvg in december. i finished from nigeria. i looked up the materials on the internet and it was a pile of all i read in my preclinical undergraduate days. please i need short terse all encompassing materials .any ideas please mail me "[email protected]"
 
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Well, I will make a deal with you. If you give me your e-mail address then I will send you the files!😎

Hi, Dr. Jakish.

Your posts are refreshing. I am probably the "oldest" of the lot, having taken the old NBE ad CCT in 1999, then retook and passed the NBE in 2000 (the last time it was offered). I was "fortunate" to be in a post-doctoral program in biomedical research in a reputable institution. The rigors of the program, coupled with family responsibility and employer-dependent immigration status sidetracked me from seriously considering the CPE. I have not done badly in my research career, but I am beginning to miss being a veterinarian. I have checked the ECFVG site, and I am thrilled to find out my scores are still valid. Now I have to devise a plan for the CPE, especially as I have been out of vet practice for so long. Anything you can offer (advise/materials/etc) will be highly appreciated.

Cheers!
 
Hi, Dr. Jakish.

Your posts are refreshing. I am probably the "oldest" of the lot, having taken the old NBE ad CCT in 1999, then retook and passed the NBE in 2000 (the last time it was offered). I was "fortunate" to be in a post-doctoral program in biomedical research in a reputable institution. The rigors of the program, coupled with family responsibility and employer-dependent immigration status sidetracked me from seriously considering the CPE. I have not done badly in my research career, but I am beginning to miss being a veterinarian. I have checked the ECFVG site, and I am thrilled to find out my scores are still valid. Now I have to devise a plan for the CPE, especially as I have been out of vet practice for so long. Anything you can offer (advise/materials/etc) will be highly appreciated.

Cheers!

in your case, I would definitely spend at least one day a week at a vet clinic, Try to find mix practice otherwise you need to find large and small animal vets and try to become an extern, just give them hand for free and learn in exchange. this is really the best you can do, I read everything so many times but when it came to the test itself most of what you remember and jamb to your head is the things that you saw and touch with your hand, these little experiences stick in your head with super glue.
Study the manual very well, it's your way to pass, join yahoo CPE study group, they have lots of material you can download.
As far as books, get the national veterinary medical series. These are old 1996 but very good, and tells you enough, you can read more about the most common diseases.
Good luck.
 
in your case, I would definitely spend at least one day a week at a vet clinic, Try to find mix practice otherwise you need to find large and small animal vets and try to become an extern, just give them hand for free and learn in exchange. this is really the best you can do, I read everything so many times but when it came to the test itself most of what you remember and jamb to your head is the things that you saw and touch with your hand, these little experiences stick in your head with super glue.
Study the manual very well, it's your way to pass, join yahoo CPE study group, they have lots of material you can download.
As far as books, get the national veterinary medical series. These are old 1996 but very good, and tells you enough, you can read more about the most common diseases.
Good luck.

Thanks...will join the group, and will arrange for externship.

cheers!
 
I've got a question for DVMJakish and other vets who already live/work in the US. :idea: Do you have a rough idea of the percentage of practices that are privately owned by vets apposed to those are owned by corporate practice/joint ventures? Have any of you experienced working for corporate practice or joint venture practice in the USA?

During the last 5-10 years the vast majority of privately owned practices in the UK have been bought up by large corporates. My experience with these corporates has been quite negative, the working hours are long and less flexible, I get the idea that average pay packages have gone down in value over the years and a lot of them are now bonus based with low basic pay. There are less opportunities for vets who want to buy their own practice because they cannot compete with the large sums of money that are offered by corporate groups, when practices come up for sale.

There is one USA based group of practices that regularly advertise in the UK. They are called Banfield pet hospital. They offer visa's and help you to get licenced.
Have any of you worked for them? Do they have a good reputation?
 
I've got a question for DVMJakish and other vets who already live/work in the US. :idea: Do you have a rough idea of the percentage of practices that are privately owned by vets apposed to those are owned by corporate practice/joint ventures? Have any of you experienced working for corporate practice or joint venture practice in the USA?

During the last 5-10 years the vast majority of privately owned practices in the UK have been bought up by large corporates. My experience with these corporates has been quite negative, the working hours are long and less flexible, I get the idea that average pay packages have gone down in value over the years and a lot of them are now bonus based with low basic pay. There are less opportunities for vets who want to buy their own practice because they cannot compete with the large sums of money that are offered by corporate groups, when practices come up for sale.

There is one USA based group of practices that regularly advertise in the UK. They are called Banfield pet hospital. They offer visa's and help you to get licenced.
Have any of you worked for them? Do they have a good reputation?

One by one the good privately owned practices are falling down to the irresistible payout offer by large corporations, since I have started working in my area I know 5 great hospitals sold and become part of Banfield or VCA. anytime there is a successful hospital that's getting bigger and bigger, they become a target for these corporations, most of the times the owner/ owners are getting old and trying to retired and would like to get the ownership responsibility of their back.
I have tried to get a part time job at one of this places, they have a very funny rules to practice, you have to follow their way of doing things even if it doesn't make sense to you, for example I've witnessed in one of my visiting day cats and small dogs shivering vigorously after surgery from hypothermia, yet there was no one to care and try to warm these animals, I asked them if they have heating devices, they said no, they will be fine. Also choosing the right drugs for anesthesia... etc..
They offered me 50K for the first year (for full time job) (that was just after I got my license and I was still working as technician making 47K). After the first year they evaluate how much you made and then they give 20% of whatever you make over 2000$ per day...
So yes you will work your ass off for nothing, they work long hours and you have to do weekends.. The only good thing about this clinics is that they are willing to take new grads, so if this is the only choice then take it until you have experience that you can use to nourish your resume, personally I would rather do internship and get 20-30K a year than working for this cooperates..
 
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For vets who are taking CPE. This is a question that would tell how far you should go when it comes to experiencing real life cases.

4 years old domestic short-hair male cat that lives in a horse barn, one of the horses owners noticed that this cat lick his lumbar area every time she sees the cat, the cat has bold spot on his back because of this excessive licking. This bold spot has no scabs and looks like normal skin that has been shaved.
The cat is on routine flea medications and dewarming, vaccination schedule. He looks fine otherwise.
There are no other skin abnormalities, heart, lungs, temp all normal. Blood work is normal.
He is on very good diet.
This is all the info you get from this person and from quick look at the cat.
What are the rule outs that you can think of in this cat?


 
One by one the good privately owned practices are falling down to the irresistible payout offer by large corporations, since I have started working in my area I know 5 great hospitals sold and become part of Banfield or VCA. anytime there is a successful hospital that's getting bigger and bigger, they become a target for these corporations, most of the times the owner/ owners are getting old and trying to retired and would like to get the ownership responsibility of their back.
I have tried to get a part time job at one of this places, they have a very funny rules to practice, you have to follow their way of doing things even if it doesn’t make sense to you, for example I’ve witnessed in one of my visiting day cats and small dogs shivering vigorously after surgery from hypothermia, yet there was no one to care and try to warm these animals, I asked them if they have heating devices, they said no, they will be fine. Also choosing the right drugs for anesthesia... etc..
They offered me 50K for the first year (for full time job) (that was just after I got my license and I was still working as technician making 47K). After the first year they evaluate how much you made and then they give 20% of whatever you make over 2000$ per day...
So yes you will work your ass off for nothing, they work long hours and you have to do weekends.. The only good thing about this clinics is that they are willing to take new grads, so if this is the only choice then take it until you have experience that you can use to nourish your resume, personally I would rather do internship and get 20-30K a year than working for this cooperates..

Thanks for your reply Jakish, much appreciated. Shame to hear the situation is the same in the USA. I worry sometimes what our profession will be like in 10 years time...🙁
Thanks also for the advise about Banfield, when you check their website it all looks very professional, I thought they might be different. I have been a vet for over 7 years, so should be able to find a job elsewhere. Just passed my BCSE :laugh: last week, and I am now applying for CPE.
What do you think about the CPE study group on yahoo? Do you think AVMA approves of this? I read a notice somewhere about it being forbidden to discuss any questions from the test on the internet.
 
Thanks for your reply Jakish, much appreciated. Shame to hear the situation is the same in the USA. I worry sometimes what our profession will be like in 10 years time...🙁
Thanks also for the advise about Banfield, when you check their website it all looks very professional, I thought they might be different. I have been a vet for over 7 years, so should be able to find a job elsewhere. Just passed my BCSE :laugh: last week, and I am now applying for CPE.
What do you think about the CPE study group on yahoo? Do you think AVMA approves of this? I read a notice somewhere about it being forbidden to discuss any questions from the test on the internet.


In Yahoo CPE group they don't discus questions from the exams, they are very clear about it when you sign up. So no worries. They just have lots of helpful info about what to study and how and discus some cases...
Try them. I was a member until I had my CPE then I left so I don't have to say something I’m not suppose to say..

I was considering moving to UK at some point to be closer to my home country and be able to visit more often. What do you think about UK's job finding and pay?
 
In Yahoo CPE group they don't discus questions from the exams, they are very clear about it when you sign up. So no worries. They just have lots of helpful info about what to study and how and discus some cases...
Try them. I was a member until I had my CPE then I left so I don't have to say something I’m not suppose to say..

I was considering moving to UK at some point to be closer to my home country and be able to visit more often. What do you think about UK's job finding and pay?

It will be no problem for you to find a job here, there are plenty of vacancies accross the UK. Check out this website http://www.bvapublications.com/
Salary levels vary from about 30 K - 50 K (pounds) a year depending on the area, experience level and hours that you work. If you are planning on settling down the main thing you need to consider is the cost of buying a house. Prices vary greatly accross the country, with London and South East being the most expensive, but these area's are more developed and offer better salary, slightly better weather and better transport links to Europa etc. If you want to check out house prices look at www.rightmove.co.uk
You will find that houses are a lot smaller and more expensive when compared to the USA. Cost of living is higher, weekly shopping for 2 people is about £80.-, taxes are 20-40% depending on income levels, to fill my car with petrol I pay about £40.-. You don't need take out medical insurance, NHS is pretty good. Hope this helps.
 
It will be no problem for you to find a job here, there are plenty of vacancies accross the UK. Check out this website http://www.bvapublications.com/
Salary levels vary from about 30 K - 50 K (pounds) a year depending on the area, experience level and hours that you work. If you are planning on settling down the main thing you need to consider is the cost of buying a house. Prices vary greatly accross the country, with London and South East being the most expensive, but these area's are more developed and offer better salary, slightly better weather and better transport links to Europa etc. If you want to check out house prices look at www.rightmove.co.uk
You will find that houses are a lot smaller and more expensive when compared to the USA. Cost of living is higher, weekly shopping for 2 people is about £80.-, taxes are 20-40% depending on income levels, to fill my car with petrol I pay about £40.-. You don't need take out medical insurance, NHS is pretty good. Hope this helps.


Thanks you,
 
Hello everyone I am so happy I took the BCSE last Aug and got the score back, I PASSED.
Now I need to continue preparing for the NAVLE, I will be taking it on April 2010 because for the Nov-Dic 2009 is closed.
Is there any material that you guys that already took the exam could point me out, I know Merck is good and I have been studying from there, I also know there is a "summary" of the Merck (have not been able to find it) if one of you guys please could mail it to me with all the good material you got; I'd appreciate it a lot.
[email protected]
Thanks
 
Hi! Iam new here. Trying to see if theres any vets from india, I am in the process of applying to AVMA, any vets from India or foreghn country applying for AVMA?

Thanks!
hi taurusthebull,
iam also a vet from India trying to clear the licensing exams. As we are in the same path why dont we exchange some info and help each other. I have some resources which iam happy to share with u. contact me at [email protected].

thanks
 
In Yahoo CPE group they don't discus questions from the exams, they are very clear about it when you sign up. So no worries. They just have lots of helpful info about what to study and how and discus some cases...
Try them. I was a member until I had my CPE then I left so I don't have to say something I'm not suppose to say..

I was considering moving to UK at some point to be closer to my home country and be able to visit more often. What do you think about UK's job finding and pay?

Hi dvmjakish,

I am veterinarian from one Republic of former Jugoslavia.If dvmjakish contain your last name I am guessing that we are from the same country.If you want you can leave me a private message and tell me if this is true.I lived 5 years in USA and I did not have a chance to meet or make contact with any vet from my home country.

Thanks,anyway
 
Hi dvmjakish,

I am veterinarian from one Republic of former Jugoslavia.If dvmjakish contain your last name I am guessing that we are from the same country.If you want you can leave me a private message and tell me if this is true.I lived 5 years in USA and I did not have a chance to meet or make contact with any vet from my home country.

Thanks,anyway

Sorry, I'm not from Jugoslavia, but very close.

Also according to AVMA, I'm the first and only one from my county who obtained vet license in the U.S , so far..
 
Sorry, I'm not from Jugoslavia, but very close.

Also according to AVMA, I'm the first and only one from my county who obtained vet license in the U.S , so far..


Thank you for replay and your dedication for this forum.
 
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I've got a bit of a silly question 😳:
Does anyone know if the CPE manual of administration fits through the mail box?
I am going on holiday for 3 weeks and am worried the will send the manual back if it stays at the post office for too long.
 
Hi DUDA,
I am just like you are, a vet from one of euro countries, doing same things in order to get license here in US. I was just wondering which country originally you are from, of course if it isn't a secret.
Good luck with everything!🙂
DAVMD

Hi DAVMD!
Sorry to take a while to answear your question.Im originally from Brazil!How about you?
Thank you, and good luck to you too!🙂
 
Hi
i am vet from india, can i sit for BCSE AND NAVLE EXAMINATION in india just like we sit tofel or ielts
 
YOu can't work as technician without license, You need to pass exam to obtain this license. But you can work as assistant.




I do beleive some states doesnt require licence to work as veterinarian technician..............but i have no idea which states are........so if anyone knows please give us idea>>>>>>>>>>thank you for all