Veterinary Technician Career
A veterinary technician career may be the ideal choice for someone who loves animals. This career offers the opportunity to work alongside a licensed veterinarian ministering to sick and injured pets, but doesn’t require as many years of schooling. It’s ideal for someone who hasn’t the time or the finances needed to attend college to become a veterinarian.
What is a Veterinary Technician?
A veterinary technician works in close conjunction with the veterinarian to care for animals that are either sick, or have been injured in some way. The veterinary tech will perform a variety of tasks that allow the veterinarian to concentrate on more pressing matters. He or she can assist with the physical evaluations that may lead to a diagnosis of any illness. Vet techs perform these duties in office settings, animal hospitals, zoos and animal shelters.
Veterinary Technician Job Duties
The veterinary technician will be required to perform such duties as taking temperatures and respiration on the animals that come into the clinic. They will also dress wounds, clean teeth, and apply splints to broken limbs. There are many minor procedures that may require their services also. This may include ear cleaning, catheterizations, and intravenous feedings if needed. At times, he or she may even be called upon to assist during surgical procedures. The veterinary technician is a vital part of the clinic or hospital setting.
Veterinary Technician Skills
There are different skills required that make a good veterinary technician. A love of animals and a desire to help make them well, and ease the pain they are having is essential. There are also certain technical skills needed by the individual practicing as a veterinary technician. Knowledge and the handling of radiology equipment, microbiology, urinalysis, and hematology are just a few of the required technical skills that he or she must have. In addition, a vet technician should have great communication skills and be willing to deal directly with animal owners.
Veterinary Technician Education
All veterinary technicians need a degree and certification to practice. Obtaining a degree in veterinary technology is necessary for the job, and this can be earned by participating in a two year associate’s program or a four year bachelor’s course of study. The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) accredits these degrees, and this education can be had by attending a college campus or by taking classes online. One of the requirements of gaining the degree is volunteer work at a clinic or hospital setting. Exams are administered by the state after the schooling is completed, and the hopeful student must pass to gain certification.
Veterinary Technician Salary
While the entry level salary for a new veterinary technician seems to be a bit low at about $31,000 annually, there is the opportunity to earn considerably more as the technician gains more experience. There are also salary differences that are attributed to the setting of the workplace, and whether the location is in a vastly populated area or a small town. Veterinary technicians in the top ten percent of employees earn at least $40,000 yearly. These individuals are highly experienced in the field and have been working at the job for quite some time.
Veterinary Technician Job Outlook
The veterinary technician career field is experiencing rapid growth and is expected to continue to do so. More and more devoted pet owners are seeking treatments for their beloved animals, which in turn has led to the need for more veterinary technicians. It is expected by the year 2016 there will have been 29,000 new vet tech jobs created. This means that a career as a veterinary technician is one of the best choices available today.
A veterinary technician career is by no means a relaxed, laid back form of employment. The work is hard, intense, and often exhausting. The reward comes when a family pet has been diagnosed and subsequently saved, and knowing that you, as the veterinary technician, has helped make it possible.
