Veterinary Technician Career Information

Role of a Veterinary Technician

A vet tech works in direct support of the veterinarian during diagnoses and surgical procedures. The vet tech is relied upon to facilitate and, when appropriate, execute procedures prescribed by the doctor.

In this role, you are a critical member of a veterinary team. Your primary responsibility is to provide high quality, humane care to animals during all stages of their life. By maintaining a high standard of education and skill, you not only benefit the lives of animals and their dedicated owners, you have a direct impact on the standard of care in the veterinary industry.

Veterinary Technician Skills

In addition to assisting the veterinarian in routine clinical and laboratory procedures, you will be expected to know the daily functions of the clinics or laboratories in which you work. Some of these skills include:

• Knowledge of the medical equipment, such as x-ray machines, heart machines, etc.
• Administering inoculations
• Preparing and restraining animals during procedures
• Suturing and dressing wounds
• Advising pet owners on proper care

By performing these types of support functions, you allow the veterinarian to focus on the necessary diagnosis and more intrusive surgical procedures that the patients may need. The interview with Mary Mould highlights real life stories of a veterinary tech.

Career Outlook for a Veterinary Technician

With cities experiencing higher population growth, the population of pets rises correspondingly, creating greater demand for veterinary care. But pets are not the only patients in a vet tech’s care. Other industries in need of veterinary technicians include:

• Animal control
• Biomedical facilities
• Food industry
• Humane societies
• Laboratories
• Marine parks
• Wildlife refuges
• Zoos

Salary and benefits vary depending on your field of work and experience. Continue reading to learn more.

Where Veterinary Technicians Work

Working in a community-based animal clinic is a desirable career choice for several reasons: 1) you are an active part of your community; 2) you have an opportunity to learn and grow in a forward-moving profession; and 3) the show of gratitude from your animal patients is instantaneous. Private practice is not the only career option for a vet tech, however. It may only be a starting point.

Opportunities in the field of veterinary medicine are surprisingly diverse. Skilled veterinary professionals are needed in many specialty areas, such as:

• Animal hospitals
• Colleges and universities
• Emergency clinics
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Drug and feed manufacturing companies
• Food safety inspection
• Humane societies and animal control facilities
• Medical research
• Military service
• Spay and neuter clinics
• Zoos and wildlife facilities

More experienced vet techs can also be found managing veterinary staff at a clinic or laboratory. Still others may wish to specialize in a particular area of study.

One thing is certain. No matter where you work, there will always be animals that need your care. As an educated professional, you can make a difference in the quality of their lives.

Continue to the vet tech job description.