Becoming a Veterinary Technician
Under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian, veterinary technicians perform duties that are similar to a nurse supervised by a physician. The difference is the care is for animals rather than human beings.
Responsibilities & Duties of a Vet Tech
Some of the duties performed by a veterinary technician include tissue and blood collection, urinalysis and medication administration. Those who work in a vet tech job may also fill prescriptions, perform first-aid techniques, and take x-rays and blood counts.
Within some veterinary clinics, a veterinary technician is also responsible for keeping patient records, postoperative care and discussing the health and illness of a pet with its owners.
Employment Outlook
The employment growth for veterinary technicians will increase by 36 percent over the next 10 years. An increase in biomedical research that supports human health will also contribute to the demand.
Currently, the average vet tech salary ranges between $23,500 and $35,000 depending on experience. The salary for top earners is approximately $41,500, while the top bottom earners make nearly $19,000.
If you are interested in the treatment and care of animals, the following five steps will lead you in the right direction.
1. Select a Specialization in Veterinary Medicine
Selecting a specialization might help in choosing the right training program and improve job prospects. Some areas of specialization include public health, laboratory animal medicine and emergency medicine.
2. Obtain a Degree
You can complete a two-year training program at a vet tech school or a community college. Upon completion, you will receive an associate’s degree. Typical courses may include anatomy and physiology, nutrition, veterinary medical terminology, animal nursing, diagnostic imaging and pharmacology. Some programs also require completion of an internship.
3. Hone Your Skills
Developing communication, organization and teamwork skills is essential to performing the various job functions of a veterinary technician. You will have to communicate health issues to pet owners and work closely with other staff.
4. Obtain Veterinary Credentials
After completing your degree, you will need to earn a certification to work as a vet tech. The credentialing requirements may vary among states. To work in a research setting, you may also need certification from a national association such as the AALAS (American Association for Laboratory Animal Science).
5. Get Job Experience in a Clinical or Research Setting
Most veterinary clinics and research facilities provide on-the-job training after you complete your degree and obtain credentials. An exception may apply if the veterinary training program you attended included extensive training for veterinary equipment. Explore our job listings in your area for openings.