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So you want to be a vet tech? Great! The first step is to understand what vet techs do and what the requirements are to become one.
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Introduction
Vet techs are an important part of the veterinary team, providing crucial support to veterinarians and animal owners.
A career as a vet tech can be both demanding and rewarding, and it’s important to make sure you’re up for the challenge before you embark on this path. In this article, we’ll take a look at what vet techs do, what the job requires, and what you need to do to become one.
So, what does a vet tech do? As a vet tech, you will be responsible for providing medical care to animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. This care may include taking X-rays, preparing animals for surgery, administering vaccinations, and more. In addition to providing medical care, vet techs may also be responsible for record-keeping, customer service, and other administrative tasks.
Becoming a vet tech requires completing a two-year accredited veterinary technology program . After completing the program and passing the certification exam, you will be able to find work in a variety of settings, such as animal hospitals, clinics, zoos, rescue organizations, research facilities, and more.
What is a Vet Tech?
A veterinary technician is a professional who provides direct patient care and performs diagnostic, surgical, and therapeutic procedures under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The veterinary technician is an essential member of the veterinary healthcare team.
Vet techs work in a variety of settings, including private practices, zoos, research laboratories, shelters, and food animal production facilities. They may also be employed by the armed forces, wildlife agencies, or pharmaceutical companies.
Vet techs must be able to effectively communicate with both animal owners and other members of the veterinary healthcare team. They must have excellent manual dexterity and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Vet techs must complete a formal education program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Commission on Accreditation of Veterinary Education (COE). Upon completion of their education, vet techs must pass a state- administered examination to become licensed or registered in their state.
The Pros and Cons of Being a Vet Tech
There are many things to consider before becoming a vet tech. Here we will explore some of the pros and cons of being a vet tech to help you make an informed decision.
Pros:
-One of the most fulfilling jobs is working with animals and helping them to recover from sickness or injury.
-As a vet tech, you would be an integral part of the animal healthcare team.
-You would have the opportunity to work with a variety of animals, including those that are rare or exotic.
-The job offers good career prospects, with experienced vet techs able to progress into management or supervisory roles.
-Vet techs can also choose to specialize in a particular area of animal care, such as nutrition or surgery.
Cons:
-The job can be emotionally demanding, as you may have to deal with sick or injured animals on a daily basis.
-It can also be physically demanding, as you may be required to lift heavy animals or move them around during treatment.
-The hours can be unsociable, as many vet clinics operate 24 hours a day, meaning that you may have to work nights and weekends.
-The job can be stressful, as you may have to deal with impatient owners or difficult cases.
The Education and Training Required to Become a Vet Tech
Veterinary technicians are important members of the veterinary healthcare team. They work under the supervision of veterinarians to provide animal care and assist with medical procedures.
Becoming a veterinary technician requires completing a 2-year Associate’s degree program at a community college or technical school. Veterinary technician programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). After completing an AVMA-accredited program, vet techs must pass a national, state, or provincial exam to become licensed, registered, or credentialed, as required in their particular jurisdiction.
Veterinary technicians have a wide range of responsibilities that may include assisting with animal examinations and surgeries, taking and processing x-rays, collecting laboratory samples, teaching pet owners about animal care, and providing emergency first aid. They also may dispense medications and perform minor office procedures such as making appointments and stocking supplies.
The education and training required to become a veterinary technician typically takes 2 years to complete, although some programs may be completed in as little as 18 months. After completing an AVMA-accredited program, you will need to pass a national, state, or provincial exam to become licensed or registered in your jurisdiction.
The Job Outlook for Vet Techs
The job outlook for vet techs is quite good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of vet techs will grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2018 and 2028, with a projected growth rate of 21 percent. This is attributable to several factors, including an increasing number of pet owners, an aging population of pet owners who are more likely to seek medical care for their pets, and the continuing advancement of veterinary medicine. The median annual salary for vet techs was $33,380 in 2018.
The Salary of a Vet Tech
In the United States, the mean salary for a veterinary technician is $33,280 per year, with a reported range of $21,960 to $48,000 annually. Pay will vary based on location, employer type, experience, and education. Veterinary technicians who work in metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those employed in rural areas. Experienced veterinary technicians may earn salaries at the upper end of the pay scale. Those with specialized skills or who are certified may also earn higher salaries.
Conclusion
As a vet tech, you can expect to find employment in a variety of settings, including animal shelters, zoos, veterinary hospitals, and research laboratories. You will most likely work with small animals, but you may also work with large animals such as cattle, horses, and pigs. The hours can be long and the work can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. If you are passionate about helping animals and working in the medical field, then becoming a vet tech may be the perfect career choice for you.
