Demand for Vet Techs Keeps Rising
The need for qualified veterinary technicians will continue to outweigh the supply through 2016 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The employment rate is expected to grow by 41 percent. The number of available jobs will top 100,000 by 2016. This occupation need reflects a much faster growth rate than the average employment segment does.
Here’s the Motivation
Knowing that there is an incredible need for veterinary technicians may be that motivating factor compelling an individual to seriously consider a career in the field. The need for vet techs is great even during times of an economic slump since all animals, domestic or otherwise, still need up-to-date medical care.
Spending Continues for Animal Care
Along with rapid advances in veterinary medicine, pet owners and animal caretakers continue to spend money for nothing but the best care possible following the most advanced techniques using the most up-to-date technologically based equipment. In recent years, Americans have spent more than $45.4 billion on general animal care, with 25 percent spent specifically on local veterinary care. This creates an incredible need for well-educated vet techs. Costs for vet care will continue to increase as the years progress due to an unsafe you will need a part of the American public to make sure that their pets receive the best medical attention possible.
Many Programs from Which to Choose
The educational response has also grown in recent years to meet the always growing demand for veterinary technicians. More schools have created vet tech programs to meet this demand. At the beginning of 2009, there were 154 programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in the United States. There are 18 schools that offer a four-year baccalaureate degree program for veterinary technicians. Furthermore, the AVMA granted accreditation to nine long-distance learning programs that can be accessed online.
Job Opportunities Abound
Great news for any vet tech graduate, with either a two-year or a four year degree, is that they are going to be met by the availability of six to eight jobs in the market today. People considering a career in veterinary medicine as a technician should also take note of the great opportunities that are available in obtaining a rewarding experience that may not possibly be matched anywhere else. Furthermore, there is a great variety in occupation that keeps adding specialized areas. Although most vet techs working a clinic or hospital environment, students can specialize in a number of different clinical procedures such as anesthesia, surgery, diagnostic imaging and dentistry or become research assistants in a laboratory setting. Additional opportunities exist in the always growing area of animal training. Many opportunities also exist for individuals looking to get involved in animal welfare working in shelters.
Different Opportunities Exist
Beyond the clinical and research setting, opportunities also exist working in herd health management dealing with livestock on ranches and farms. The popularity of wildlife preserves as well as urban zoos has created many different opportunities for qualified veterinary technicians. There are many different opportunities for veterinary technicians who go on to get advanced degrees enabling them to teach as well. Some qualified veterinary technicians to suitable careers in animal pharmaceutical sales or the sale of advanced veterinary medicine tools and equipment.
Good Money Available
In May 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics gave a mean wage estimate for veterinary technicians at $28,900. Veterinary technologists in research jobs may earn more than veterinary technicians in other types of jobs.
Choosing and building a career around veterinary technology should not be entirely based on the occupation’s promise and stability as challenges and risks are involved, as well. One should consider their genuine interest in encouraging and protecting animals’ health and welfare as a guiding motivation for career choice.