Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technician Job Description
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the veterinary technician is an integral member of the veterinary health care team who has been educated in the care and handling of animals, the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in routine laboratory and clinical procedures. All veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. While a veterinary technician can assist in performing a wide variety of tasks, they cannot diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery, or engage in any activity prohibited by a state's practice act.
In Private Practice
A veterinary technician employed in a veterinary clinic or hospital handles many of the same responsibilities that nurses and other professionals perform for physicians. They are trained to:
- Obtain and record patient case histories
- Collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures
- Provide specialized nursing care
- Prepare animals, instruments, and equipment for surgery
- Assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures
- Expose and develop radiographs
- Advise and educate animal owners
- Supervise and train practice personnel
- Perform dental prophylaxes
In Biomedical Research
In addition to the responsibilities above, veterinary technicians employed in a biomedical research facility perform other duties under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, a biomedical research worker, or other scientist:
- Supervise the humane care and handling of research animals
- Assist in the implementation of research projects
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Veterinary Technician Career Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow 41 percent over the 2006-16 projection period, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Pet owners are becoming more affluent and more willing to pay for advanced veterinary care because many of them consider their pet to be part of the family.
The number of pet owners who take advantage of veterinary services for their pets—currently about 6 in 10—is expected to grow over the projection period, increasing employment opportunities. The availability of advanced veterinary services, such as preventive dental care and surgical procedures, also will provide opportunities for workers specializing in those areas as they will be needed to assist licensed Veterinarians. The rapidly growing number of cats kept as companion pets is expected to boost the demand for feline medicine and services. Further demand for these workers will stem from the desire to replace veterinary assistants with more highly skilled technicians and technologists in animal clinics and hospitals, shelters, boarding kennels, and humane societies.
Biomedical facilities, diagnostic laboratories, wildlife facilities, humane societies, animal control facilities, drug or food manufacturing companies, and food safety inspection facilities will provide additional jobs for veterinary technologists and technicians. However, keen competition is expected for veterinary technologist and technician jobs in zoos and aquariums, due to expected slow growth in facility capacity, low turnover among workers, the limited number of positions, and the fact that the work in zoos and aquariums attracts many candidates.
Veterinary Technician Salary
Veterinary technicians earn salaries that compare favorably to those in other fields requiring a similar education. Salaries vary according to experience, responsibility, geographic location, and employment type. According to Salary.com, the median salary for veterinary technicians in 2008 is $25,915. The lowest 25th percentile earn $20,881 and the highest 75th% percentile earn $31,260.
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Veterinary Technician Career Advancement
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. Veterinary Technician Education
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.
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Professional Certification
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 attention to detail.
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Veterinary Medicine Professional Organizations
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