What Is a Vet Tech?
Veterinary technicians are an integral part of veterinary medicine. Vet techs work under the supervision of veterinarians. Vet techs are employed to assist in many different veterinary tasks. However, they cannot diagnose, prescribe medication or perform surgery.
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Education
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To become a vet tech, you must graduate from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited vet tech program. Some of these programs are two years while others are four years. The four year programs usually lead to higher salaries and more responsibilities.
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Clinical experience is also required in an AVMA accredited veterinary tech program. This period of "hands-on training" is critical to the vet tech program, according to AVMA.org's Becoming a Veterinary Tech page.
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Responsibilities
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A vet tech is entrusted with many different responsibilities. They are trained to obtain patient histories, collect specimens, provide nursing care, prepare animals, instruments and equipment for surgery, and develop x-rays. They are also trained to assist in different procedures such as diagnostic, medical and surgical.
Biomedical Research
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A vet tech may also be employed in a biomedical research environment. They are trained to perform other duties, also under the supervision of a vet, as well as a biomedical researcher. Vet techs in a biomedical environment supervise the humane treatment of research animals. They also assist in research projects.
Opportunities
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Those trained to be vet techs can assist with biomedical research, work in zoos or other wildlife facilities and work in humane societies. They also are able to be employed in universities, diagnostic labs and the military service.
Salary
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According to indeed.com's career salary search, the average veterinary technician salary for 2008 was $34,000. However this can be more or less depending on experience, geographical location and type of employment.
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