Median hourly earnings of veterinary technologists and technicians were $22,950 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $19,210 and $27,890. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $16,170, and the top 10 percent earned more than $33,750.
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 done 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 veterinarian—often performing various medical tests along with treating and diagnosing 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 utilize various items of medical equipment, such as test tubes and diagnostic equipment. While most of these duties are performed in a laboratory setting, many tasks are not. For example, some veterinary technicians obtain and record patient case histories, expose and develop x-rays, and provide specialized nursing care. Additionally, 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.
In addition to working in private clinics and animal hospitals, veterinary technologists and technicians also may work in research facilities. There, they may administer medications orally or topically, prepare samples for laboratory examinations, and record information on genealogy, diet, weight, medications, food intake, and clinical signs of pain and distress. Some may be required to sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment and provide routine postoperative care. At research facilities, veterinary technologists typically work under the guidance of veterinarians, physicians, and other laboratory technicians. Some veterinary technologists vaccinate newly admitted animals and occasionally are required to euthanize seriously ill, severely injured, or unwanted animals.
While the goal of most veterinary technologists and technicians goal is to promote animal health, some contribute to human health as well. Veterinary technologists occasionally assist veterinarians 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.
Employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Job openings also will stem from the need to replace veterinary technologists and technicians who leave the occupation over the 2002-12 period. Keen competition is expected for veterinary technologist and technician jobs in zoos, due to expected slow growth in zoo capacity, low turnover among workers, the limited number of positions, and the fact that the occupation attracts many candidates.
Pet owners are becoming more affluent and more willing to pay for advanced care because many of them consider their pet to be part of the family, spurring employment growth for veterinary technologists and technicians. The number of dogs as pets, which also drives employment growth, is expected to increase more slowly during the projection period than in the previous decade. However, the rapidly growing number of cats as pets is expected to boost the demand for feline medicine, offsetting any reduced demand for veterinary care for dogs. The availability of advanced veterinary services, such as preventive dental care and surgical procedures, may provide opportunities for workers specializing in those areas. Biomedical facilities, diagnostic laboratories, wildlife facilities, humane societies, animal control facilities, drug or food manufacturing companies, and food safety inspection facilities will provide more jobs for veterinary technologists and technicians. Furthermore, demand for these workers will stem from the desire to replace veterinary assistants with more highly skilled technicians and technologists in animal clinics and hospitals, shelters, kennels, and humane societies.
Employment of veterinary technicians and technologists is relatively stable during periods of economic recession. Layoffs are less likely to occur among veterinary technologists and technicians than in some other occupations because animals will continue to require medical care.
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. Most entry-level veterinary technicians have a 2-year degree, usually an associate degree, from an accredited community college program in veterinary technology, in which courses are taught in clinical and laboratory settings using live animals. A few colleges offer veterinary technology programs that are longer and that may 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.
In 2003, more than 80 veterinary technology programs in 41 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. 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. This process 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 utilize the same exam.
Employers recommend American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification for those seeking employment in a research facility. AALAS offers certification for three levels of technician competence, with a focus on three principle areas—animal husbandry and welfare, facility administration and management, and animal health. Those who wish to become certified must satisfy a combination of education and experience requirements prior to taking an exam. Work experience must be directly related to the maintenance, health, and well-being of laboratory animals and must be gained in a laboratory animal facility as defined by AALAS. Candidates who meet the necessary criteria can begin pursuing the desired certification, based on their qualifications. The lowest level of certification is Animal Laboratory Assistant Technician (ALAT); the second level is Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT); and the highest level of certification is Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). The examination consists of multiple-choice questions and is longer and more difficult for higher levels of certification.
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. Because veterinary technologists and technicians often deal with pet owners, communication skills are very important. Additionally, 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.
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. As they gain experience, technologists and technicians take on more responsibility and carry out more assignments under only general veterinary supervision, and some eventually may become supervisors.
Others who work extensively with animals include animal care and service workers. Like veterinary technologists and technicians, they must have patience and feel comfortable with animals. However, the level of training required for these occupations is less than that needed by veterinary technologists and technicians. Veterinarians also work extensively with animals. They prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, disorders, and injuries in animals.
For information on certification as a laboratory animal technician or technologist, contact:
For information on careers in veterinary medicine and a listing of AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs, contact:
For information on veterinary technology programs, contact:
For information on becoming a veterinary technician, contact:
Entrants generally complete a 2-year or 4-year veterinary technology program, and must pass a State examination. Although specific job duties vary by employer, there often is little difference between the tasks done by technicians and by technologists, despite some differences in formal education and training. As a result, most workers in this occupation are called technicians. While most of these duties are performed in a laboratory setting, many tasks are not. Very few veterinary technologists work in mixed animal practices where they care for both small companion animals and larger, nondomestic animals.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos183.htm
They are employed in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, zoos, animal research laboratories, government and pharmaceutical companies. Employment requirements Completion of a two- or three-year animal health/veterinary technology college program is required. Successful completion of the Veterinary Technologist National Examination (VTNE) may be required in some employment settings. Registration with provincial animal health technologists' or veterinary technicians'/technologists' associations is available, but voluntary in all provinces. Additional information With experience, veterinary and animal health technologists and technicians may progress to supervisory positions.
Summary of: http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/2001/e/groups/3213.shtml
Entrants generally complete a two-year or four-year veterinary technology program, and must pass a state examination. Employment is expected to grow much faster than average. Nature of the Work Owners of pets and other animals today expect state-of-the-art veterinary care. Although specific job duties vary by employer, there often is little difference between the tasks done by technicians and by technologists, despite some differences in formal education and training. While most of these duties are performed in a laboratory setting, many tasks are not.
Summary of: http://healthcare.monster.com/articles/vettech/
As a result, regulations adopted by the Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine allow more extensive use of registered technicians. Technicians assist veterinarians, biological workers, and other scientists by performing more routine tasks, freeing them for specialized, complex tasks. They also work in companies that produce drugs and feeds, animal production facilities, zoos, meat packing companies, animal shelters, animal control facilities, and spaying and neutering clinics. Veterinary Technicians who assist veterinarians perform duties in the medical, surgical, and therapeutic treatment of animals. Technicians in Research laboratories and animal hospitals work almost entirely indoors, using modern equipment.
Summary of: http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/VETTECH.HTM
That person--a veterinary technician or technologist--is the vet's helper, assisting with any sort of treatment or intervention your pet needs. And if you need to leave your pet at the animal hospital, veterinary techs are the people who monitor and keep records on your pet's condition. Vet techs monitor the intensive care unit, conduct lab tests, like urinalysis and bloodwork, prepare operating rooms and monitor anesthesia. In short, just about everything--and more--that a nurse might do for human patients, veterinary techs do for their animal patients. (Veterinary technicians are assistants who have an associate's degree in veterinary technology.
Summary of: http://www3.ccps.virginia.edu/career_prospects/briefs/T-Z/VeterinaryTechs.shtml
Where are the programs for Veterinary Technicians/Technologists. I'm moving from (state 1) to (state 2) How do I become credentialed in (state 2). Salaries and employment information. For further information about becoming credentialed click here. It is available to students who have completed 2 semesters or 3 quarters of full-time classes, and are a student member of NAVTA.
Summary of: http://www.navta.net/faqs.htm
Most people do - so much they expect the same state-of-the-art health care for their pooches that they would for themselves. Veterinarians have so much to do these days that they need some help. Therefore, veterinary technologists and technicians - who perform similar duties to what nurses do for physicians - are in high demand. If working with animals is just your niche, here are some facts about veterinary technologists and technicians from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In addition, they may discuss the animal's condition with its owner, develop X-rays and provide specialized nursing care.
Summary of: http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/CareerBytes/0205job_vetasst.htm
This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals.
Summary of: http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-2056.00
At the time, they cared for farm animals, such as cows, pigs, and horses. More and more people own "companion" animals. And, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than eleven billion dollars a year is spent on treatments for pets. They draw blood, collect tissue samples, and do laboratory work. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment.
Summary of: http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=130004