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Best animal technician certifications
Animal technician certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an animal technician to employers. However, not all animal technician certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for an animal technician are Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG), and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
Below is a list of the best animal technician certifications. Obtaining an animal technician certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
5 best certifications for animal technicians
| Rank | Animal technician certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) | AALAS |
| 2 | Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) | AALAS |
| 3 | Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) | PTCB |
| 4 | Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT/RALAT) | AALAS |
| 5 | Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) | NHA |
5 best animal technician certifications
1. Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT)
The technician certification designations of ALAT, LAT, and LATG are well known and widely used throughout the varied fields of laboratory animal care. In fact, these certifications have come to be a common requirement for a lab animal care position.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
2. Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
3. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
4. Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT/RALAT)
The technician certification designations of ALAT, LAT, and LATG are well known and widely used throughout the varied fields of laboratory animal care. In fact, these certifications have come to be a common requirement for a lab animal care position.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
5. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
A Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) draws blood from patients or donors in hospitals, blood banks, or similar facilities for analysis or other medical purposes.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for an animal technician?
The best animal technician certification is Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT). The Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) is awarded by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this animal technician certification:
- To become a certified Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 2 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for animal technicians?
The most in-demand animal technician certification is Laboratory Animal Technician based on all active job postings. Having this animal technician certification will give you access to more animal technician jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an animal technician career and salary?
The Laboratory Animal Technician certification will help you to secure an veterinary technician position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An veterinary technician's average salary is $32,903 whereas animal technicians make an average salary of $31,378.
The most common combination of animal technician certifications include: Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG), and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
Online courses for animal technicians to earn certifications
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14. Value-Based Care: Managing Processes to Improve Outcomes
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