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Veterinary technicians offer love, care and compassion to sick and injured animals. The treatment they offer is highly important, as pets are valued members of many families. If you think this is the career for you, learn what it takes to become a veterinary technician.
What Does a Veterinary Technician Do?
Veterinary technicians, or vet techs for short, assist veterinarians in caring for patients. Aside from assisting during examinations and treatment, vet techs in a general practice clinic are often responsible for many other duties, such as:
Some vet techs work in research facilities and have duties that are somewhat different. In this case, responsibilities often include:
Veterinary technicians' salaries depend on location and experience, but general veterinary technicians earn about $30,000 a year, while those in federal executive positions earn about $50,000 a year. Research veterinary technicians often earn between $30,000 and $40,000.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job prospects between 2008 and 2018 should be excellent, as the number of vet techs leaving the field is expected to outnumber those entering it. Employment for veterinary technicians is expected to grow about 36 percent through 2018.
What Are the Steps to Becoming a Veterinary Technician?
Becoming a vet tech can start in high school. Taking math, science and biology courses is recommended. Try to take classes that allow you to work in a lab or clinic setting; this can increase your practical skills.
While each state has different requirements for veterinary technicians, all states require that vet tech students pass a credentialing exam. Many states use the National Veterinary Technician (NVT) exam for certification. To take the NVT exam, you must have at least a two-year associate degree from a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Such schools provide formal education as well as courses taught in clinical settings using live animals.
Those seeking employment in a research facility should look into certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). Before taking either exam, you'll need a combination of formal education and clinical or laboratory experience.
Many vet techs start their careers as interns or trainees under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. After a period of hands-on training, they often receive more responsibilities and duties.
How to Become a Great Veterinary Technician
Once you have earned your degree, passed your state certification and found a great job, move your career to the next level. Here are a few tips to help you advance your vet tech career:
Animals are an intrinsic part of our lives, whether as pets, livestock or wildlife. Veterinary technicians play an important role in the care and health of these animals.
Resources for Veterinary Technicians
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
Request info from multiple schools, by clicking the Get Info links.
| School | Locations | Degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthem College | AZ, MO | Associate, Diploma | |
| Argosy University | MN | Associate | |
| Ashworth College | Online | Diploma | |
| Broadview University | UT | Associate | |
| Brown Mackie College | ID, IN, KS, KY, MO, NM, OH | Associate | |
| Carrington College | AZ, OR, WA | Certificate | |
| Carrington College California | CA | Associate, Certificate | |
| Harrison College | IN | Associate, Certificate | |
| Kaplan College KHE | AZ | Associate | |
| Minnesota School of Business | MN | Associate, Bachelor | |
| National American University Campus | SD | Associate, Diploma | |
| Sanford Brown College | IL, MO, OR | Associate, Certificate | |
| Sanford Brown Institute | FL, PA | Associate | |
| Stratford Career Institute | Online | Diploma | |
| Vatterott College | IA, IL, KS, MO, NE, OH, OK, TN | Diploma |
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