Veterinary Tech Careers
A career as a veterinary technician is a good choice for anyone who likes working with animals, is good at math and enjoys working with the public. There is a lot of responsibility involved in the position, so only those willing to put the effort forward should consider a veterinary tech career.
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Features
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Veterinary techs are trained to handle and care for animals, and about all life processes and laboratory procedures. They work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians.
Function
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Veterinary techs perform tasks such as taking detailed patient histories, collecting specimens and doing routine lab work. They prepare animals for surgery and do other nursing duties, take X-rays and educate pet owners in animal care. Veterinary techs who work in the biomedical field take care of research animals in a humane way, and help with research projects.
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Types
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Veterinary techs can work at biomedical labs, colleges, private veterinary offices, zoos, the military, laboratories and humane societies. They may also work in food safety inspection, and drug manufacturing and sales.
Considerations
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Anyone wishing to be a veterinary tech should be good at math, general science and biology. They should also have good communication and people skills.
Time Frame
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The American Veterinary Medical Association is responsible for accrediting veterinary tech programs in the United States and Canada. They offer two-year associate's degrees and four-year baccalaureate programs (see Resources).
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Resources
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Comments
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Bobbi Leder
Jun 01, 2009
I volunteered as a vet tech years ago and it was not as much fun as I had hoped. Some dogs are very nervous and bite out of anxiety; and of course the vet wasn't the nicest person in the world to work for. There is a vet tech near us that obviously hates animals so I wonder why she even works there. I refuse to return to that veterinary office because of her. I know it's a difficult job, but if you truly don't love animals, then it's best to look for another job.
