The Average Salary of Veterinary Technicians & Assistants
Veterinary technicians and assistants help veterinarians diagnose, treat and care for sick animals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics compares the role of veterinary technicians and assistants to that of a nurse who works with a doctor to treat patients. The average salary for veterinary technicians is higher than that of veterinary assistants because of key differences in the jobs.
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Veterinary Technicians
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for a veterinary technician was $28,900 in 2008. Government labor statistics cite approximately 80,000 veterinary technicians currently working in the U.S.; experts expect this number to grow by 36 percent by 2018.
Veterinary Assistants
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According to the U.S. Department of Labor's O-Net site, the average salary for veterinary assistants is approximately $21,000 a year, or about $10.20 per hour. As of 2006, there were 75,000 people employed as veterinary assistants in the U.S.; labor statistics cite a need for an additional 21,000 veterinary assistants by 2016.
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Education
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Veterinary technicians usually complete a two- or four-year degree in veterinary technology or laboratory animal science. Veterinary assistants usually complete a high school education as well as an apprenticeship with either a veterinary technician or a veterinarian.
Licensure and Certification
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Veterinary technologists must pass a state licensure examination and register with the state board of veterinary medicine. Certification from the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science is critical for veterinary technicians looking for a job in a research facility. Veterinary assistants are not required to have licensure or certification.
Outlook
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The U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics expects both veterinary technician and veterinary assistant jobs to grow much faster than average because of the small numbers of training programs, low class size of the programs and the increased demand for veterinary services.
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