Beginning Salaries for Veterinary Technicians
Imagine working around dogs and cats all day long and getting paid a decent salary to do it. Veterinary technicians have the satisfaction of a good career that is not only enjoyable, but provides a much needed service for pets and their owners.
Other People Are Reading
-
What Is a Veterinary Technician?
-
Veterinary technicians are professionals who are trained in the care of animals, usually domesticated, that are seen in a veterinarian's office. While veterinary technicians usually seek work at private practices, other opportunities are available in accredited research laboratories, zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Veterinary Technician Pay and Job Outlook
-
Veterinary technicians holding a degree in veterinary technology generally start out with no experience at around $23,000 to $27,000, with a median salary for experienced techs of around $28,900, depending on the geographical location. The field of caring for animals is constantly growing and veterinary technicians are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for veterinary technicians are expected to grow by 41 percent by the year 2016, opening the door for at least 29,000 new jobs.
-
Job Responsibilities
-
Veterinary technicians perform a variety of duties including collecting blood and other samples to be analyzed, instructing pet owners on medications and other post-office care, assisting veterinarians with physical exams and surgeries, comforting frightened animals, and administering anesthesia to pre-op animals. Veterinary technicians are not allowed by law to perform surgeries or prescribe medications to pets.
Requirements for Veterinary Technician Degree
-
Most veterinary technician study programs are found in junior colleges and culminate in a two-year Associate's Degree, specializing in veterinary technology. Some students may be able to complete the program in 18 months. Those training to become a veterinary technician will study veterinary clinic procedures, animal anatomy and physiology, animal disease and nutrition, anesthesia and radiology, veterinary surgery, pharmacology, and learn about the care of exotic animals such as parrots and reptiles. Students may also be required to dissect a deceased animal as part of their training. Once requirements are met, students will test for licensure from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Other Considerations
-
Those who love animals will enjoy the daily interaction with different pets, but working as a veterinary technician often requires a strong stomach. The job can be emotionally demanding as many of the animals are either sick or injured. In addition, you will be required to assist the veterinarian in euthanasia procedures (putting the animal to sleep permanently).
-
