If you have a love for animals and want to become involved in their health care then you should become a veterinary technician. This is a career that is projected to be in high demand for the next ten years or more. Pet owners think of their pets as a member of the family, and they are willing to pay for great health care for their pet. As a veterinary technician you get the satisfaction in knowing that you have helped pet owners keep their beloved pets healthy, and you get to spend your day being around the animals that you love.
Read on to discover the requirements that you must meet to become a veterinary technician. First of all, it is important that you know the difference between a veterinary technician and a veterinary assistant.
How to Become a Veterinary Assistant
A veterinary assistant usually takes a 6-month training course or gets on the job training. The vet assistant can then help in the care of the animals such as feeding, restraining them for procedures and preparing the exam room for patients. One of the biggest differences between a veterinary technician and a veterinary assistant is thatthe veterinary assistant is trained in administrative duties such as fee collection, banking and accounts payable. The veterinary assistant is more of a clerical work than a direct animal care job.
Veterinary Technician Certification
Becoming a veterinary technician requires a two year college degree and certification. A veterinary technician is the direct assistant to the veterinarian. A vet tech can perform medical tests such as drawing blood and obtaining urine samples. They will prepare tissue samples for examination, and they may expose and develop x-rays. A vet tech can also interview the pet owner to get a detailed medical history on the pet, and they may also perform specialized nursing care.
A veterinary technician has a more diverse area of employment options in comparison to a veterinary assistant. A vet tech can choose to work in one of the following settings:
Private veterinary clinic.
A research facility.
A zoo or wildlife facility.
Colleges and universities.
Humane societies.
Diagnostic labs.
Veterinary supply sales.
Drug and feed manufacturing companies.
The veterinary technician is normally a two year college degree but the vet tech may choose to pursue a four year college degree. A four year college degree changes the veterinary technician title to veterinary technologist. The veterinary technologist title gives you a higher rate of pay and a higher level of responsibilities.
To become a veterinary technician you must complete a period of clinical experience in addition to the coursework. This is called a preceptorship or externship, and it is a critical part of the veterinary technician program. You will complete your clinical rotation at an approved veterinary clinic in your area.
Once you complete the required college courses and clinical rotations then you can take the licensure exam or veterinary technician certification test. Each state will have different requirements for certification or licensure but most states use the National Veterinary Technician Exam. You can transfer your passing grade on the exam from state to state as long as both states use the same exam.
The salary range for a veterinary technician is between $18,500 and $40,000. Your salary will depend on the type of facility in which you choose to work and the area that this facility is located. Some areas of the country will pay a lot more than others.
Therefore, if you have a love for animals, and you want to help them stay healthy then becoming a veterinary technician could be the right career for you. You need to check into the veterinary tech qualifications for your state and enroll in a college that meets these requirements. After a few years you will have an exciting and rewarding career in veterinary technology.
