• Animal lovers get satisfaction from this occupation,
but aspects of the work can be unpleasant, physically and
emotionally demanding, and sometimes dangerous.
• Entrants generally complete a 2-year or 4-year veterinary
technology program and must pass a State examination.
• Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.
• Overall job opportunities should be excellent; however,
keen competition is expected for jobs in zoos and aquariums.
Nature of the Work
Owners of pets and other animals today expect state-of-the-art
veterinary care. To provide this service, Veterinarians use
the skills of veterinary technologists and technicians, who
perform many of the same duties for a veterinarian that a
nurse would for a physician, including routine laboratory
and clinical procedures. Although specific job duties vary
by employer, there often is little difference between the
tasks carried out by technicians and by technologists, despite
some differences in formal education and training. As a result,
most workers in this occupation are called technicians.
Veterinary technologists and technicians typically conduct
clinical work in a private practice under the supervision
of a licensed veterinarian. They often perform various medical
tests and treat and diagnose medical conditions and diseases
in animals. For example, they may perform laboratory tests
such as urinalysis and blood counts, assist with dental prophylaxis,
prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, or assist Veterinarians
in a variety of tests and analyses in which they often use
various items of medical equipment, such as test tubes and
diagnostic equipment. While most of these duties are performed
in a laboratory setting, many are not. For example, some veterinary
technicians obtain and record patients’ case histories,
expose and develop x rays and radiographs, and provide specialized
nursing care. In addition, experienced veterinary technicians
may discuss a pet’s condition with its owners and train
new clinic personnel. Veterinary technologists and technicians
assisting small-animal practitioners usually care for companion
animals, such as cats and dogs, but can perform a variety
of duties with mice, rats, sheep, pigs, cattle, monkeys, birds,
fish, and frogs. Very few veterinary technologists work in
mixed animal practices where they care for both small companion
animals and larger, nondomestic animals.
Besides working in private clinics and animal hospitals,
veterinary technologists and technicians may work in research
facilities, where they administer medications orally or topically,
prepare samples for laboratory examinations, and record information
on an animal’s genealogy, diet, weight, medications,
food intake, and clinical signs of pain and distress. Some
may sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment and provide
routine postoperative care. At research facilities, veterinary
technologists typically work under the guidance of Veterinarians
or physicians. Some veterinary technologists vaccinate newly
admitted animals and occasionally may have to euthanize seriously
ill, severely injured, or unwanted animals.
While the goal of most veterinary technologists and technicians
is to promote animal health, some contribute to human health
as well. Veterinary technologists occasionally assist Veterinarians
in implementing research projects as they work with other
scientists in medical-related fields such as gene therapy
and cloning. Some find opportunities in biomedical research,
wildlife medicine, the military, livestock management, or
pharmaceutical sales.
Work environment
People who love animals get satisfaction from working with
and helping them. However, some of the work may be unpleasant,
physically and emotionally demanding, and sometimes dangerous.
At times, veterinary technicians must clean cages and lift,
hold, or restrain animals, risking exposure to bites or scratches.
These workers must take precautions when treating animals
with germicides or insecticides. The work setting can be noisy.
Veterinary technologists and technicians who witness abused
animals or who euthanize unwanted, aged, or hopelessly injured
animals may experience emotional stress. Those working for
humane societies and animal shelters often deal with the public,
some of whom might react with hostility to any implication
that the owners are neglecting or abusing their pets. Such
workers must maintain a calm and professional demeanor while
they enforce the laws regarding animal care.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
There are primarily two levels of education and training
for entry to this occupation: a 2-year program for veterinary
technicians and a 4-year program for veterinary technologists.
Education and training
Most entry-level veterinary technicians have a 2-year associate
degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited
community college program in veterinary technology in which
courses are taught in clinical and laboratory settings using
live animals. About 16 colleges offer veterinary technology
programs that are longer and that culminate in a 4-year bachelor’s
degree in veterinary technology. These 4-year colleges, in
addition to some vocational schools, also offer 2-year programs
in laboratory animal science. Several schools offer distance
learning.
In 2006, 131 veterinary technology programs in 44 States
were accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association
(AVMA). Graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology
program allows students to take the credentialing exam in
any State in the country. Persons interested in careers as
veterinary technologists and technicians should take as many
high school science, biology, and math courses as possible.
Science courses taken beyond high school, in an associate
or bachelor’s degree program, should emphasize practical
skills in a clinical or laboratory setting. Technologists
and technicians usually begin work as trainees in routine
positions under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
Entry-level workers whose training or educational background
encompasses extensive hands-on experience with a variety of
laboratory equipment, including diagnostic and medical equipment,
usually require a shorter period of on-the-job training.
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| Apollo
College - We offer practical, real-world
education to our students. Small class sizes
increase individual attention from first-rate
instructors. We encourage lively interaction
and provide an atmosphere for students to
receive the best practical hands-on experience.
We opened our doors in 1976 and haven’t
looked back since. With our programs in
Allied Health, we are in the business of
preparing our 4,000 + students annually
for a bright future. We have earned national
accreditation by ABHES and have partnered
with employers to provide opportunities
for both the community and the students
to contribute to the future. The Graduate
Placement Department recognizes extremely
high placement rates and we carefully monitor
trends to ensure our curriculum reflects
what our students need to be successful
in their work environment.
The objective of the Veterinary Assistant
program is to develop student's skills to
assist Veterinarians at an entry-level position
to treat illness, ease discomfort, cure
diseases, mend injuries, and improve nutrition.
They will learn the basics of first aid,
anatomy, routine care, emergency care, surgical
preparation and basic nursing techniques.
They will learn how animals communicate,
animal behavior, training, breeding and
the life cycles of young, adult, and old
animals. Students will learn teamwork and
how to communicate in the veterinary office.
Campus Locations: Mesa, Phoenix and
Tucson, AZ; Albuquerque, NM; Boise, ID;
Portland, OR; Spokane, WA; Las Vegas, NV
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• Veterinary Assistant Diploma |
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View
a complete list of colleges offering Veterinary Technician
programs
Licensure and certification
Each State regulates veterinary technicians and technologists
differently; however, all States require them to pass a credentialing
exam following coursework. Passing the State exam assures
the public that the technician or technologist has sufficient
knowledge to work in a veterinary clinic or hospital. Candidates
are tested for competency through an examination that includes
oral, written, and practical portions and that is regulated
by the State Board of Veterinary Examiners or the appropriate
State agency. Depending on the State, candidates may become
registered, licensed, or certified. Most States, however,
use the National Veterinary Technician (NVT) exam. Prospects
usually can have their passing scores transferred from one
State to another, so long as both States use the same exam.
Other qualifications
As veterinary technologists and technicians often deal with
pet owners, communication skills are very important. In addition,
technologists and technicians should be able to work well
with others, because teamwork with Veterinarians is common.
Organizational ability and the ability to pay attention to
detail also are important.
Advancement
As they gain experience, technologists and technicians take
on more responsibility and carry out more assignments under
only general veterinary supervision. Some eventually may become
supervisors.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational
Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Veterinary Technologists
and Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos183.htm
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