Veterinary Technician

Every year, Americans increase their spending on veterinary care for their pets. As a result, veterinarians are hiring veterinary technicians to perform the same types of procedures that a medical tech would perform for a physician. A career as a vet tech is attractive and attainable for animal lovers entering the workforce, wanting to change careers or seeking more life meaning from their work.

Compare Top Health Care Careers
Go to Veterinary Technician Schools

Most veterinary technicians, sometimes referred to as "veterinary technologists" or "vet techs" work in private practices. Under the supervision of a veterinarian, they perform various medical tests along with diagnosing and treating medical conditions. On a typical day, a vet tech may perform any or all of the following duties:

• Obtain and record animals' medical information
• Administer vaccinations
• Expose and develop x-rays
• Provide nursing care
• Assist with dental cleanings
• Perform laboratory tests

In veterinary clinics or hospitals with surgical facilities, veterinary technicians assist with spaying and neutering, sterilizing laboratory and surgical equipment, and providing postoperative care.

Technicians in small-animal practices usually care for companion animals such as dogs and cats, but those working in zoos, wildlife conservatories or large animal practices focusing on horses and livestock encounter a wider variety of animals.

Veterinary technicians must occasionally euthanize seriously ill or injured animals. While this procedure causes duress for owners and veterinary caregivers, it is considered a humane treatment for suffering animals. At these times, a vet tech's communication skills and empathy can help guide pet owners through a difficult emotional experience.

Workplace

The vast majority of veterinary technicians work in veterinary offices and clinics. The rest work in boarding kennels, animal shelters, stables, grooming salons, zoos, research facilities and government agencies. Most full-time veterinary technicians work a 40-hour week, although some work 50 hours or more. In facilities where a veterinary technician is on duty 24 hours a day, nights and weekends might be required.

The work setting is typically clean and organized, but it can be noisy. Because veterinary technicians clean cages and lift or restrain animals, they must take precautions to avoid being bitten or scratched.

Education and Training

Most entry-level veterinary technicians have a two-year degree, usually an associate degree, from an accredited veterinary technician school where they learn clinical and laboratory skills using live animals. Some programs offer evening or weekend course schedules, and some schools offer distance learning.

Technicians are sometimes referred to as technologists, but should not be confused with "veterinary assistants." Veterinary assistant courses are much shorter to complete and teach entry-level job skills highlighting more administrative and/or clerical tasks, such as reception and record maintenance.

Technicians with extensive experience using diagnostic and medical equipment usually undergo a shorter period of on-the-job training. With experience, technicians take on added responsibilities and perform more assignments under only general veterinary supervision.

Prospective veterinary technicians should study high school science, biology and math. Science courses beyond high school should emphasize practical skills in clinical or laboratory settings.

Licensing and Certification

Graduation from a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association allows students to take a credentialing exam in any state in the country. All states require veterinary technicians to pass a credentialing exam, which includes oral, written and practical portions. Upon passing the exam, technicians may become registered, licensed or certified, depending on the state.

For those seeking employment in a research facility, employers recommend American Association for Laboratory Animal Science certification.