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See Available Veterinary Technician Schools
Also called Veterinary Technologists.
Veterinary Technicians work for veterinarians in a capacity similar to that of a nurse for a doctor. They too perform simple laboratory tests and procedures on their patients, such as urinalysis, blood counts, and taking blood and tissue samples.. They also diagnose and treat medical conditions and diseases and may be in charge of discussing any illness and the treatment with the animal’s owner. Some vet techs may be in charge of obtaining and recording patient histories, taking and developing x-rays, and even training new personnel. Most vet techs work treat pets such as cats and dogs, with the occasional rat, mouse, bird, fish, or more exotic pets, but some work in practices where they treat both domestic animals and larger, nondomestic animals.
There is a wide range of employment for veterinary technicians. Most vet techs work in private clinics, boarding kennels, animal shelters, stables, grooming facilities, zoos, and local, State, or Federal agencies. They may also work in research facilities, in the field of biomedical research, wildlife medicine, livestock management, pharmaceutical sales, and even in the military. The job can be difficult, especially as it can sometimes be both physically and emotionally demanding. Veterinary technicians are also exposed to the possibility of serious bites or scratches, and also to germicides and insecticides. Great precautions must be taken when treating these animals.
The salary of veterinary technicians varies widely according to the capacity and the area in which they are employed. Salaries can range from $16,170 to $33,750, but the average is around $19,210 to $27,890. Veterinary technicians usually work a regular week, but may work some evening and weekend hours in order to better serve their clients’ needs.
Veterinary technicians must obtain a two-year degree in veterinary technology, though there are also some four-year programs available, leading to a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. Because the duties of the job are similar for technicians and technologists, most workers in this field are called technicians. Upon completion of the degree, vet techs must pass a State credentialing exam, which varies from state to state. Depending upon the state, vet techs may become registered, licensed, or certified. If the vet tech is going into employment at a research facility, they are usually required to take the AALAS (American Association for Laboratory Animal Science) certification exam as well.
The outlook for this job is extremely good, and expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is due to the fact that more pet owners are willing to take their animals to the vet these days. There is also a growth in other areas of employment as well, such as wildlife facilities and humane societies, which will spur growth in this occupation. The employment in zoos will decrease, however, as there is little job turnover, as well as the fact that it is a popular choice of employment for those in the veterinary field.
Arizona Schools
Kaplan College
(Phoenix) - Veterinary Assistant
California Schools
San Joaquin Valley College
(Fresno) - Veterinary Technology
Indiana Schools
International Business College
(Ft. Wayne) - Veterinary Technician
Minnesota Schools
Minnesota School of Business and Globe College
(Brooklyn Center, Oakdale, Plymouth, Shakopee, St. Cloud) - Veterinary Technology
Nebraska Schools
Vatterott College
(Omaha) - Veterinary Technician
Ohio Schools
Bradford School
(Columbus) - Vererinary Technician
Pennsylvania Schools
Vet Tech Institute, a division of Median School of Allied Health Careers
(Pittsburgh) - Veterinary Technician
Utah Schools
Utah Career College
(West Jordan) - Veterinary Technician
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