Spotlights
Job Description
Veterinary technologists and technicians do medical tests that help diagnose animals’ injuries and illnesses.
Rewarding Aspects of Career
- Caring for animals
- Working with animals
- Every day is different!
$34,420
The Inside Scoop
Job Responsibilities
- Observe the behavior and condition of animals
- Provide nursing care or emergency first aid to recovering or injured animals
- Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush or cut animals’ hair
- Restrain animals during exams or procedures
- Administer anesthesia to animals and monitor their responses
- Take x rays and collect and perform laboratory tests, such as urinalyses and blood counts
- Prepare animals and instruments for surgery
- Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian
- Collect and record animals’ case histories
Skills Needed on the Job
- Communication skills
- Compassion
- Detail oriented
- Manual dexterity
- Physical strength
Different Types of Organizations
Veterinary technicians generally work in private clinical practices or animal hospitals under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian.
Veterinary technologists typically work in more advanced research-related jobs, usually under the guidance of a scientist or veterinarian. Some technologists work in private clinical practices. Working primarily in a laboratory setting.
Expectations and Sacrifices
- Physically or emotionally demanding
- Risk injury on the job. They may be bitten, scratched, or kicked while working with scared or aggressive animals.
- Might work weekends and evenings.
What kind of things did people in this career enjoy doing when they were younger…
- Loved animals
- Helped friends or family members when they got injured
Education and Training Needed
- Technologists usually need a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
- Technicians need a 2-year associate’s degree.
- Credential: Both technologists and technicians must take a credentialing exam and become registered, licensed, or certified, depending on the requirements of the state in which they work. Go to https://www.aavsb.org/vtne/
- On-the-job experience (usually at least three to five years)
- Continuing education in your chosen field
Things to do in high school
- Intern with a veterinarian
- Take biology and science classes
Typical Roadmap
How to land your 1st job
- Gain Experience: During training, complete an externship to gain experience in a real-world environment.
- Network through your training program and externship.
- Apply for jobs online.
Recommended Resources
10 Career Moves for Vet Techs
https://www.dvm360.com/view/10-career-moves-veterinary-technicians
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Source: Interview, Bureau of Labor Statistics
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