Veterinary Technician

Jobs Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technicians provide assistance to veterinarians in the care of animals. Becoming a veterinary technician requires one to attend an accredited Veterinary Technician school. Veterinary Technician schools will award either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree to supply the new Veterinary Technician with the credentials necessary to apply for jobs Veterinary Technician.

Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a veterinarian and their job responsibilities include:

Performing routine laboratory and clinical procedures such as giving medication, taking blood, and carrying out medical tests.
Assisting in physical examinations.
Giving anesthesia.
Recording pulse, temperature, and respiration.
Dressing wounds and applying splints.
Assist in surgery by providing and monitoring equipment.
Provide nursing care for sick animals.
Recording and maintaining treatment and patient records.
Discussing the animal’s condition to its owners.
Euthanizing critically ill animals.

Veterinary Technicians are able to work in animal hospitals, private clinics, zoos, and research facilities. Experienced Veterinary Technicians may also train entry level Veterinary Technicians.

Veterinary technologists typically do the same work as Veterinary Technicians, but the amount of education required is different. People who select a career as a veterinary technician will be required to complete a two-year veterinary technology program at a community college or at an accredited Veterinary Technician school. After they have successfully finished the program, they will earn an associate’s degree. Aspiring veterinary technologists are required to complete a four-year program where they will be earning a bachelor’s degree. After graduation, one will be required to pass a credentialing exam to become certified or licensed as a veterinary technician or technologist.

Veterinary Technician salaries are dependant upon many factors such as the experience level, the state of employment, and the level of education a person has. The average hourly wage of a veterinary technician is approximately $13.45 an hour. In 2007 the average annual wage of a veterinary technician was $27,970. Veterinary Technicians who work hard and gain more experience in the field will have the opportunity to advance. Some Veterinary Technicians will use this career as a way to acquire hands-on experience before studying to become a veterinarian.

Jobs Veterinary Technician are expected to grow faster than average. In the United States, people are obtaining more companion animals, which results in an increasing demand for medical care. Being a veterinary technician is a rewarding job, but requires a lot of hard work. Other rewarding careers include database engineer, fitness trainer, and physical therapist aide