Veterinary Technician Careers Information
Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in their clinical and administrative work. As such, veterinary technicians or “vet techs” perform many of the basic duties associated with primary care for animals and pets. Any given work day might include tasks such as administering and processing tests, speaking with animal owners, completing charts and other medical records, preparing samples, and both diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions.
Veterinary Technician Careers & Degrees
- Brown Mackie College: Akron, OH
National American University: Rapid City, SD
Carrington College: Mesa
Veterinary technicians may also work in a research capacity. Although some of this type of research is oriented around animals and their health, some veterinary technicians do engage in animal-based research aimed at improving human health and well-being, including drug testing.
However, the vast majority of veterinary technicians, like veterinarians themselves, work in clinics oriented around primary car for household pets.
Veterinary Technician Careers Path
Most veterinary technicians obtain a two-year Associate’s degree in a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA). Those programs are typically in either a Vet Tech or Laboratory Animal Science program.
Graduates must then pass an state examination, almost always the National Veterinary Technician exam (NVT). This training is usually supplemented with a period of on-the-job training, the duration of which depends on the particular job candidate and clinic.
Veterinary Technician Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Caring, animal-friendly, outgoing, dependable, handy, strong, careful, observant, patient, hard-working, family-oriented.
Veterinary Technician Interview
Interested in working with zoo animals as a veterinary technician career? Read more from a veterinary technician…
Veterinary Technician Careers: Salary Expectations
According the Department of Labor, Veterinary Technicians make an annual median salary of $28,900. Those with one to four years’ experience should expect a median annual salary of $27,834, while those who have five to nine years on the job should expect a median annual salary of $31,769.
Veterinary Technician Careers: Job Outlook
This profession has one of the strongest job growth outlooks in the whole economy. The veterinary field as a whole is expected to achieve excellent growth, but veterinary technicians are in even better luck, because the number of people who train for these positions has remained relatively low.
Given the increasing demand in the field, prospective veterinary technicians can expect very good job prospects in the coming years. The Department of Labor projects a whopping 41% growth in the field.
Veterinary Technician Associations and Resources
Slightly off the Footpath
- Veterinarian
- Zookeeper
- Wildlife Rehabilitator
- Animal Trainer
- Animal Groomer
- Biologist
Sources: bls.gov/oes/current/oes292056.htm; payscale.com/research/US/Job=Veterinary_Technologist_/_Technician/Salary
