Veterinary Technology

A veterinary technologist, or veterinary technician, performs many of the same tasks for a veterinarian that a nurse would provide for a physician. They’re one step above veterinary assistants, providing services to an animal clinic such as laboratory testing, surgery assistance, x-rays, and recording patient histories. Though there are educational programs that differentiate a veterinary technologist from veterinary technician, they perform mostly the same tasks; the only notable difference is the veterinary technologist’s option to work in advanced research rather than a clinic.

To learn more about veterinary technologist and veterinary technician educational options, feel free to request additional information.

Salary

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.

Training and Qualifications

Most veterinary technologists and technicians complete a 2-year program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This may be done on a campus or online. Some schools offer 4-year programs as well. The educational programs for veterinary technologists are not common, so students seeking education in this field should note all accredited programs they come across.

Regulation of veterinary technologist and veterinary technician positions varies by State, but each State requires passing some kind of credentialing exam after completion of coursework. Aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians should look into the requirements their State holds for the position.

Job Outlook

Due to the relatively few graduates of veterinary technologist programs each year, job opportunities are expected to remain high. In 2008, fewer than 3,800 graduates were counted nationwide; this number will not meet the demand. A veterinary technician normally remains in the field for less than 10 years, which further causes a demand as their current jobs become vacant.

A veterinary technologist has an upper hand on the veterinary technician in that they can also fill high-demand research and laboratory positions. Due to the highly specialized requirements of these researchers, veterinary technologist programs provide almost guaranteed job security in the future.

Advancement

Experience may eventually allow a veterinary technologist or veterinary technician to enter a supervisory role.

Learn More

To learn more about pursuing an veterinary technologist and veterinary technician positions and educational requirements, fill out the following form. Alternatively, check out Veterinarians.