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Veterinary technicians are lucky in many ways. They get to
work with the animals they love every day in a highly rewarding
career. And unlike veterinarians, they can begin their careers
without eight years of college and a lengthy internship. If
your end career goal is to become a veterinarian, becoming
a veterinary technician is also a great way to test out the
career field and gain valuable experience before applying
to veterinary school.
Veterinary technicians are involved in almost every aspect
of an animal’s medical care. Let’s follow Sparky
the dog as he visits his veterinarian’s office to take
a look at all the things a veterinary technician does during
a normal workday.
Sparky arrives at the vet.
Mrs. Pearson, Sparky’s owner, brings Sparky into the
veterinary office. After checking in, the veterinary technician
takes Sparky and Mrs. Pearson to an exam room. The veterinary
technician asks Mrs. Pearson questions about Sparky’s
problem and notes them on Sparky’s chart. Sparky has
been throwing up all night and pawing at her belly. The technician
takes Sparky’s temperature and other vital signs. After
a short wait, the veterinarian comes in and gives Sparky an
examination.
Sparky gets an x-ray.
Because Sparky is still a puppy and has no fever, the veterinarian
thinks Sparky may have eaten something indigestible, like
a plastic bag or piece of a toy. The vet recommends an x-ray
to make sure. The veterinary technician helps position Sparky
and holds him still while the vet takes the x-ray. The technician
will then wait for the vet to make an official diagnosis.
Sparky has surgery.
It turns out that Sparky has eaten something that looks suspiciously
like Mrs. Pearson’s new cell phone. Because the object
is too large to pass on its own, they will have to operate
to remove it. The veterinary technician prepares the room
and assists the vet with the operation, monitoring Sparky’s
vital signs and anesthesia. He will have to stay overnight,
where the evening shift veterinary technician will keep a
close eye on him.
Sparky goes home, good as new.
The next day, Sparky is ready to go home. The veterinary technician
shows Mrs. Pearson how to care for Sparky’s stitches
and gives her some advice on how to keep Sparky from eating
electronics in the future. Mrs. Pearson thanks them both for
saving Sparky’s life and taking such good care of him.
Career possibilities
While small animal practices employ the most veterinary technicians,
veterinary technicians may also work in zoos, aquariums, shelters,
laboratories, or large animal practices catering to livestock
or horses. Job prospects for this field should be excellent,
and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 41% growth
rate in this field through 2016. Candidates holding degrees
from accredited veterinary technician and veterinary technology
programs will have the best job prospects.
An associate degree in veterinary technology will prepare
you to work as part of an animal care team in a veterinarian’s
office or an animal hospital in just two short years. A veterinary
technician diploma or certificate can usually be completed
in as little as nine months.
There are many schools that offer veterinary courses. To
see these and other related degrees, visit the Veterinary
Schools directory today.
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