A Day in the Life of a Veterinary Technician

Do you have a dream of working with animals? Those who work with animals say it is among the most rewarding lines of work in the world. Jobs involving animals are highly sought after due to their rewarding qualities and satisfaction knowing that animals have been helped and saved. Even though it is simply the nature of these jobs, helping animals is the most important aspect for employees looking to start this career. Our furry friends deserve our respect, love and care because they are depending on us! If you are looking for jobs working with animals, then consider becoming a Vet Tech, also known as a Veterinary Technician.

The Best Career Working with Animals: Veterinary Technicians

What is a Vet Tech? Here’s a glimpse into the life of a Veterinary Technician:

Much like a nurse working for a doctor, Veterinary Technicians help with the daily tasks of a Veterinarian. Vet Techs are often confused with Veterinary Assistants, but they are actually different positions. While they perform mostly the same tasks, the education programs are different. Veterinary Technician training equips techs with a wider skill set than the program for a Veterinary Assistant, allowing them the option to work in advanced research rather than a clinic.

Just what do Vet Techs do in a typical day?

Vet Techs provide services to an animal clinic such as:

• laboratory testing
• surgery assistance
• x-rays
• recording patient histories
• office help

Here’s a look at a typical day:

You will usually start the morning by checking out all the dogs and other animals to make sure they’re healthy and in good shape. You will run diagnostic tests such as listening to their hearts and checking their breathing. You will check to see if there is any animal that needs medical attention, of which you would inform the veterinarian.

After examining the animals, you will ready yourself for the day’s appointments. There will likely be a surgery or dental appointment, and you will need to prep those animals for their appointments. The preparation may be fluids, medicine or something else requested by the Vet.

Throughout the day, dogs and other animals will come in for appointments. You will help both healthy and sick animals. The healthy ones normally come in for vaccines, or just a routine check-up. The sick animals may require you to take X-rays, draw blood, do tests or help the doctor in administering medicine. Similar to an ER, you will have animals come in that require immediate medical attention. The great thing about a job working with animals is that you are able to help save the lives of these precious creatures!

As with all careers with animals, Veterinary Technician jobs are extremely fulfilling. However, it isn’t always easy, as sometimes you have to assist the Vet in putting down a sick dog, and that is never an easy thing to do. At the end of the day, careers involving animals are tough, but worth it if you truly love what you do.

How to Become a Vet Tech

Veterinary Technology is a growing field that is expected to continue to rise in popularity. In order to become a Vet Tech, you must attend a Veterinary Technician college and earn your Veterinary Technician degree. Veterinary technician programs will equip you with the tools and skills necessary to succeed in your field. Fortunately, you can even take Vet Tech classes, courses and certification requirements online! The recent surge in online Vet Tech programs has many animal lovers racing to their computers. These convenient programs allow students to complete their degree while still working and gaining real-world experience. Whether you attend one of the many Vet Tech Schools online, or attend a traditional Vet Tech School in a brick and mortar building, you will need to pass a state test to ensure your certification.

Veterinary Technician Salary Statistics

How much will you make as a Vet Tech?

If you want to work with animals, you must be fine with the fact that you likely will not make as much as other professions. It is a trade-off in the end of what you love to do and your salary. While Vet Tech salaries vary, the median annual wage of Veterinary Technologists and Veterinary Technicians in 2008 was $29,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $19,000 and the top 10 percent earned over $42,000. Research jobs provide even more pay than other jobs.

If you’re looking into careers working with animals, be sure to consider Vet Tech jobs!