A passion to help animals in need is a necessary trait to becoming a veterinary technician. The veterinary technician plays an important role in caring for animals. Those that take pride and joy in protecting animals are ideal candidates for pursuing a career as a veterinary technician.
A vet tech must be a team player, have good communication, and a lot of patience to succeed in the veterinary field. With the drive to help animals, getting over obstacles that may arise should not be an issue.
Veterinarian Technician Job Description
A Veterinary Technician’s most important duty is to ensure that patients are properly cared for. In general, vet techs perform a wide range of duties. As a veterinary technician you are expected to assist the veterinarian whenever necessary.
This may include; preparing medication, giving medication, taking radiographs, applying bandages, obtaining blood/urine/fecal samples and running the necessary tests, surgical preparation/assisting, monitoring of anesthesia, and post-surgical care. The list of veterinary technician tasks is endless, but those are some of the basic vet tech duties.
Although most may think that a vet tech’s job does not include cleaning, it does. Maintaining sanitation is extremely important and essential to keeping animals healthy. As a veterinary technician, it is also your job to educate clients about their pet’s condition as well as pet health in general. Client communication is considered a part of the vet tech job. Veterinarians will count on the vet tech to communicate important information to clients and other professionals on their behalf.
Education and Training Options
There are 2-year vocational schools available that offer an Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology. Vocational schools are a faster way to get certified as a Veterinary Technician, but there is a lot more information to learn in a shorter time. People that are fast learners and focus on reaching a goal do not have problems with succeeding in a 2-year program. An alternative to a 2-year Vet. Tech. program is attending a 4-year college or university that offers a degree in Veterinary Technology.
Colleges and Universities usually offer a Bachelor’s Degree and also provide Veterinary Technician Certification. A 4-year plan allows you to become more knowledgeable in the animal science. If you are not in a rush, attending a 4-year college may be beneficial. Both vocational and college/university schools offer hands on training in a lab or clinical setting. Internships and externships are also usually required to help you gain experience.
Veterinary Technician Salary
Statistics conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor indicate that Veterinary Technicians make an average of $28,900 per year. How much a Veterinary Technician is paid depends on experience and education. Pay rates for Veterinary Technicians vary from $9.00/hour to $23.00/hour, and overtime is paid anywhere between $11.00/hour to $30.50/hour.
Recent research shows that the need for Veterinary Technicians is slowly growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, a rise of approximately 36% in employment for Vet. Techs. should take place in between 2008-2018. As the amount of pets per household increase, so does the need for Veterinary Technicians. In the future, it is very probable that pay will increase as does the demand for people to work as Vet Techs.
Job Growth Potential For Veterinary Technicians
The Veterinary Technician does have the opportunity for growth in the work environment. Management and supervision is often carried out by experienced Vet Techs. The job requires added responsibilities, but offers more pay. Another way to grow in the Veterinary field is to become registered. Registered Veterinary Technicians are paid at a higher rate than non-registered techs. To become registered, you must undergo a background check and pass a state board exam.
Each state has different requirements and standards; for those who travel or move often, it is recommended to take a national test. Selecting competitive fields to work in may also increase the chances to obtain a higher paid job. Veterinary Technicians can work in; wildlife facilities, zoos, aquariums, animal shelters, rescue groups, humane societies, and of course Veterinary facilities.
Regardless of how much a Veterinary Technician is paid, choosing to become one all depends on your love for animals. As time passes, more and more people are becoming more compassionate of animals, but unfortunately there are not many people willing to pursue a career as a Veterinary Technician. The Veterinary field needs people who have the drive to improve an animal’s quality of life.
In Depth Video With A Good Overview Of The Career
Check out this video that gives a great overview of what it takes to become a veterinary technician.
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