Veterinary technicians perform certain medical procedures to assist the veterinarian.
If you want to work around animals, you might consider a career as a veterinary technician. You'll be able to help animals in distress, as well as provide useful information to pet owners. You can receive training in classes either online or in brick-and-mortar institutions, as well as through on-the-job training in a veterinarian's office.
Schools
Two-year associate degrees from accredited American Veterinary Medical Association community college programs are required for veterinary technicians. If you want to go further in your career, you can enroll in a four-year program that results in becoming a veterinary technologist. Every state requires a veterinary technician to successfully pass an exam upon completion of the veterinary technician program. The exam tests for proficiency and competency and consist of oral and written testing along with practical applications. This results in either becoming registered, certified or licensed, depending upon the state. In addition, the results can be transferred from state to state, provided both states used the same exam.
Classes
As a veterinary technician, you'll be taking extensive math and science courses. The more math and science you have in your background prior to enrolling in the course, the better prepared you'll be, since both areas figure prominently in becoming a veterinary technician. Math skills are important due to the nature of the work, involving medication requirements based upon the weight of the animal being treated. This is why having a solid background in algebra could be useful. Having a solid background in science is also important. Classes that you'll take before becoming a veterinary technician include animal physiology, as well as animal anatomy and basic medical procedures. Coursework will also include classes in parasitology.
Other Requirements
Since some vet techs will also work in the administrative part of the office, you might also take classes in basic office software. You'll also want to focus on communication classes, since you'll be dealing with clients on a daily basis. Training will also include teaching you observation skills. Since you'll be dealing with animals that cannot tell you how they are feeling, you'll need to watch them to determine when they're not comfortable. Many veterinary technician programs also require the students fulfill a period of time as interns in veterinary clinics and animal hospitals.
Salary
The average veterinary technician makes around $29,000 a year, with a small percentage only making $19,000 a year on the low end of the scale and $41,000 on the high end of the scale. In May 2009, most veterinary technicians earned between $23,000 and $34,000 a year, according to the Bureau of labor Statistics.
Tags: veterinary technician, becoming veterinary, will also, also include, becoming veterinary technician
