There are two ways to study for the HESI exam. You can get a book, watch an instructional video, or attend a seminar or workshop. Many vet techs choose to study online for the exam. Online study makes it easier because you can complete study at your convenience and take the test when you have the time, not when your local library or school offer class time. Most online study courses include practice exams to determine which topics you need to learn more about. Some courses also have resources and prerequisites that help you prepare for the exam.
Before you begin studying for the HESI exam, make sure you understand and follow all of the directions given to you. Reviewing the information you learned in your studies will give you an edge over other vet techs who might be struggling with sections or topics on the exam. The first thing you will want to know before you begin studying for the exam is what sections of the exam you need to review. The following sections are very important on the exam:
Section 1a – Understand the principles and concepts of animal behavior. This includes knowledge about how to properly restrain and deal with animals, their different needs, and what is normal behavior for a particular animal. This part of the exam measures your knowledge of how to best care for and work with a vet tech.
Section 1b – Practice what you learned in Section 1a. In this section, you’ll practice demonstrating how you handle and control animals. This includes proper bedding and grooming procedures, feeding, and using veterinary equipment.
Section 2 – Practice the knowledge you gained in section 1a. Now that you have learned how to properly restrain and handle animals, you should now understand the best way to care for and work with a vet tech. You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of basic medications, appropriate VAPs (Vaccination, Antibiotic, and Scheduling) procedures, and proper disposal of pet medicines. Once you’ve reviewed these concepts, you will be ready to take the HESI exam.
There are several sources for HESI exam practice exams. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) publishes a practice exam that can be used by vet assistants who want to become licensed veterinary technologists. There is also a website that provides free HESI exam practice questions and answers. And, a number of state veterinarian offices also provide HESI exam practice questions and answers on their websites.
If you cannot take an actual HESI exam, consider taking a training course in preparation for your HESI exam. These training courses will not only prepare you for the exam, but also for working as a vet tech. Many colleges and vet tech schools offer preparatory HESI exam practice exams. Some of these preparatory exams require minimal effort, while others will require study and research.
Other ways to prepare for HESI exam include preparing for the written portion of the exam, taking practice tests, and obtaining additional information on HESI regulations. The AVMA has a guidebook that provides a checklist of required materials for the exam. You can also contact your local VMD to obtain specific exam information. It is always helpful to review previous VMD exam information before taking the exam for your own personal safety and well being.
HESI exam practice exams should contain two sections, the written section and the hands-on portion of the exam. Both sections will test your technical knowledge of important subjects such as diagnostic procedures, physiological principles, and surgical techniques. Preparation should begin by thoroughly reading through the material you will be required to cover on the exam. Then you can work through a practice exam consisting of multiple choice questions and short answer questions. Practice exams are extremely helpful because they help you develop your skills so that you will be ready to take the actual exam.
The exam is administered by the AVMA and is expected to take about one month to complete. The majority of students who pass the exam are employed or already working in the veterinary medical field. Many aspiring vet techs choose not to pursue their studies because the cost of the program is unaffordable. However, if you are passionate about helping animals and want a career that involves helping people, this may be the right choice for you. The future looks bright for those who become a vet tech.
