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So you want to be a vet tech? Great! The veterinary technology field is expected to grow much faster than average in the next decade. But before you start your journey, you might be wondering: is it hard to be a vet tech?
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The Job of a Vet Tech
A veterinary technician is a vital part of any veterinary practice. They are responsible for many of the day-to-day tasks in the clinic, including animal care, laboratory work, and client education. Being a vet tech is not an easy job, but it can be very rewarding. Let’s take a look at what it takes to be a successful vet tech.
What they do
Vet techs are responsible for a variety of tasks, both medical and clerical, in order to support the work of veterinarians. They may help to restrain animals during exams and procedures, collect samples for testing, maintain records, administer medications, take X-rays, prepare animals and instruments for surgery, advise pet owners on care and nutrition, and perform CPR on sick or injured animals. Some vet techs may also specialize in a particular area such as dentistry, animal behavior, or emergency medicine.
The hours they work
Vet techs are on the job an average of 40 hours per week, but that doesn’t mean their workday is 9 to 5. They may work early morning, late evening, weekends, and holidays. They also may have to be on call for emergencies, which means being available 24 hours a day.
The pay
Most vet techs earn an hourly wage. The median wage for a vet tech in the United States is $15.71, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that half of all vet techs earn more than this amount and half earn less. The highest-paid 10 percent of vet techs earn more than $23.79 per hour, while the lowest-paid 10 percent earn less than $10.14 per hour.
The Education of a Vet Tech
Becoming a vet tech is not as difficult as one might think. There are various schools across the country that offer accredited programs. The education of a vet tech generally takes two years to complete, although some schools offer four-year programs. The courses required to become a vet tech are mostly related to animal science and veterinary medicine.
What classes they have to take
Aspiring veterinary technicians usually need to complete a 2-year associate’s degree program in veterinary technology. Admission to these programs typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
Coursework in these programs covers animal anatomy, physiology and diseases, as well as administrative aspects of running a veterinary practice. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in which they work with animals under the supervision of licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
The cost of schooling
The cost of schooling to become a vet tech can vary depending on the type of program you choose. Some programs may be completed in as little as two years, while others may take up to four years. The cost of tuition also varies depending on the school, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for your education.
The time it takes to get certified
To become a certified veterinary technician, you will need to complete a two-year Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from an accredited college. Alternatively, you may opt to complete a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science. Once you have completed your degree, you will need to pass the state-administered Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in order to become certified.
The Pros and Cons of Being a Vet Tech
Many people think that being a vet tech is all about playing with puppies and kittens all day. However, there is a lot more to it than that. As a vet tech, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks, from taking care of the animals to cleaning cages and performing lab work. It can be a lot of work, but it can also be very rewarding. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of being a vet tech.
The pros
There are many reasons why someone might want to become a Veterinary Technician. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary for a Veterinary Technician is $33,530, with the top 10% earning more than $47,350. And, with a projected job growth of 19% from 2016 to 2026, the field is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
The cons
Though being a vet tech has its perks, there are some cons that come along with the job. For one, it can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Caring for sick and injured animals day after day can take an emotional toll, and constantly being exposed to grieving pet owners can be difficult. It’s important to have a strong support system in place to help you through the tough days.
Another con is the potential for long hours. While most vet techs work regular business hours, there are times when you may be required to work nights or weekends, or be on call in case of emergencies. If you don’t mind working occasional odd hours, this shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Finally, the pay for vet techs isn’t always competitive. In some areas, vet techs make less than other medical professionals with similar levels of education and experience. However, there are many ways to earn more money as a vet tech, such as working in private practice or taking on additional responsibilities.
