Veterinary Technician Job Description:
Veterinary technicians assist
veterinarians by conducting clinical and laboratory procedures in private clinics and animal hospitals. Some veterinary technicians work in research facilities. The job titles veterinary technician and veterinary technologist are often used interchangeably although the formal educational and training requirements for each is different.
Employment Facts for Veterinary Technicians:
Veterinary technicians held about 71,000 jobs in 2006.
Educational Requirements for Veterinary Technicians:
Although the job titles veterinary technician and technologist are often used to describe the same work, the educational requirements for each is different. Aspiring veterinary technicians attend accredited, two-year veterinary technology programs at community colleges usually earning Associate degrees. Aspiring veterinary technologists attend four year programs and earn bachelor's degrees. Training for technicians and technologists consists of laboratory and clinical work with live animals. High school students interested in this field should take science,
biology and math courses.
Other Requirements for Veterinary Technicians:
All states in the U.S. require graduates of both two and four year veterinary technology programs to take a credentialing exam. When one passes this test, he or she is considered licensed, registered or certified, depending on the state. Most states administer a national exam called the
Veterinary Technician National Exam. Passing scores are often transferable between states that use the same exam.
Those who want to become veterinary technicians must have good communication skills and the ability to work well with others. They must also be well-organized and able to pay attentio nto detail.
Advancement Opportunities for Veterinary Technicians:
An entry level veterinary technician performs routine tasks under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, but will have greater responsibility and more general supervision as he or she becomes more experienced. Some veterinary technicians advance to supervisory jobs.
Job Outlook for Veterinary Technicians:
The employment of veterinary technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016.
How Much Do Veterinary Technicians Earn?:
Veterinary technicians earned median hourly wages of $13.45 and median annual wages of $27,970 in 2007.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much veterinary technicians currently earn in your city.
A Day in a Veterinary Technician's Life:
On a typical day a Veterinary Technician may:
- perform medical tests on animals, including drawing blood and preparing tissue samples;
- treat and diagnose medical conditions and diseases;
- record case histories;
- take and develop x-rays;
- provide specialized nursing care;
- assist veterinarians with dental procedures;
- administer medication orally or topically;
- record information about a patient's food intake, weight, and clinical signs of pain or discomfort;
- euthanize seriously ill or injured animals;
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Veterinary Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos183.htm and Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2007, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292056.htm (visited August 4, 2008).
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