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A
veterinary technician can first be trained as a veterinary
assistant to obtain hands-on skills and experience in the field.
Veterinary technician school prepares a prospective vet tech
with necessary training for bathing and feeding animals,
administering examinations and tests, and taking care of sick or
injured animals. Veterinary technicians are important parts of a
veterinary medical team, and can be involved with treatment and
diagnoses of various animal health conditions.
Job Description and Responsibilities of Veterinary Technician School Graduates
Graduates of veterinary
technician schools are expected to:
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Work as part of a team,
including veterinary assistants and veterinary supervisors
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Administer tests and
examinations for animals
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Monitor a pet's pulse,
temperature, and respiration
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Assist with pet surgery
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Creating lab tests and
reports
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Assisting veterinarians
during surgery
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Follow detailed instructions,
and keep accurate records
Key Differences Between
a Veterinary Technician and a Veterinary Assistant
Both veterinary technicians and
veterinary assistants are involved in work with a veterinary medical team. A vet
tech or vet technician plays a more leading role within this team, and can be
involved directly with surgery, administration of medication, and handling pets
or animals in a crisis situation. A vet technician may begin their career in
this field as a veterinary assistant, gaining experience and hands-on training
from supervising veterinarians. In a research facility setting, veterinary
technicians work under the guidance of physicians and supervising veterinarians.
Veterinary assistants are often
involved with:
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Restraining animals during a
surgical procedure
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Preparing a treatment room
for an examination
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Setting up lab tests and
providing medical records
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Maintaining the cleanliness
of the lab or examination room
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Answering the phones within
the office, and other administrative duties
Career Options After Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant School
Students of veterinary assistant or veterinary technician schools
can choose to work in:
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Animal hospitals
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Group veterinary
practices
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Animal shelters
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Animal nursing facilities
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Private veterinary clinics
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Research facilities
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Zoos
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Grooming facilities
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Animal training
organizations
Veterinary Technician
and Veterinary Assistant Training & Certification
Veterinary technician and
veterinary assistant training can involve either a 2-year degree program, or a
comprehensive 4-year program through a veterinary technician school. A
veterinary assistant school can help train a prospective vet tech by providing
key skills and administrative knowledge. Assistants must become comfortable
working with both animals and pet owners, and assume general office skills such
as recordkeeping. Although certification or licenses are not required for
veterinary assistants, passing a state licensing exam is required to become a
veterinary technician.
An associate degree program for
a veterinary technician consists of clinical and laboratory experience, along
with lectures and written examinations in a classroom setting. Each state has
different requirements on licensing and requirements for veterinary technicians,
and most require competency in an oral, written, and practical examination. The
majority of states require passing the National Veterinary Technician (NVT)
exam. Scores do transfer from state to state as long as the same exam has been
taken.
Many employers also look for
certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
This certification is available at three levels to test technician competence.
These areas include:
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Facility Management
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Animal Husbandry
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Animal Health & Welfare
The Assistant Laboratory Animal
Technician (ALAT) is the lowest level of certification available, followed by
the Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), and then the Laboratory Animal
Technologist (LATG). After certification, prospective vet technicians must also
satisfy work experience requirements.
Before entering a vet tech
school or training program, a high school education with a strong focus on
science and mathematics is recommended.
Veterinary Technician School Accreditation
The American Veterinary Medical
Association (AVMA) is the accrediting party for all veterinary technician and
veterinary assistant school programs. This organization is also responsible for
accrediting online veterinary technician school programs.
Veterinary Tech School Graduates Earning
Potential and Employment Prospects
A veterinary tech school graduate made an hourly earning of $11.99
in 2004, and earnings vary depending on the skills, education, and certification
completed. The demand for veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants is
expected to grow faster than average through 2014 as more people focus on the
health and well-being of their pets, and the number of pet owners increases.
Related occupations include:
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Veterinary technologists
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Animal care and services
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Veterinarians
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Animal hospice care
- Laboratory animal
caretakers
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