Becoming a Veterinary Technician Anesthesia Specialist
A veterinary tech anesthesiologist / anesthetist is someone who administers anesthesia to animals who are going to have surgery. They have many responsibilities and must have years of training before they can be recognized by the Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists (AVTA). Their job outlook for the future is positive, and their salary depends on many factors.
Salary
As of 2011, a veterinary technician anesthesiologist earns a salary of around $48,000. However, a person’s salary could be higher or lower depending on their employer, benefits, location and educational experience. The more education earned, the higher the salary. If a person works in a large city, they can also expect to earn more money than a person working in a small town.
Certification and Licensing Process
In order for a person to become a veterinary technician anesthesiologist, they must attend a two-year or four-year college that offers this major. There are also a few technology centers that offer veterinary technician anesthesia as a program of study. They can be completed in less than two years. Once a person has graduated from their major, they can apply for a license within their state and then look for a job with a licensed veterinarian. They can then seek certification through the AVTA.
In order to become certified, applicants must complete the requirements by the AVTA. First, they must be a licensed veterinary technician or have just graduated from the program. They must then submit at least 4500 hours of work with anesthesia. At least three years of experience is required before applying to the AVTA. Applicants must also submit between 50 and 75 case logs from January to December of the year they are applying. They must also submit four in depth case reports to demonstrate their knowledge and skills as a veterinary technician anesthesiologist. Finally, at least 40 hours of continuing education in anesthesia must be submitted with the application, and they must be within the last five years.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for this career choice is expected to grow faster than the average. Pet owners care very much for their pets, and they want the best care for them. Many are willing to pay for surgery if necessary because they think of their pets as one of the family. When more pets come in, more job opportunities are created.