What Jobs Are In Demand And Pay The Best Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

In Demand: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
CareerBuilder.com

Do you love your pet? 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).


Veterinary technologists and technicians work under veterinarians to provide quality health care to animals. They typically conduct clinical work in a private practice, performing medical tests and treating and diagnosing medical conditions and diseases in animals. In addition, they may discuss the animal's condition with its owner, develop X-rays and provide specialized nursing care.

Some technologists vaccinate newly admitted animals and euthanize seriously ill, severely injured or unwanted animals.

Training and Education
The primary difference between veterinary technologists and technicians is the educational requirements: veterinary technicians must complete a two-year program, veterinary technologists need a four-year degree. Veterinary technician programs are typically offered at accredited community colleges. Both programs are taught in clinical and laboratory settings using live animals.

Though exact requirements vary by state, all veterinary technicians and technologists must pass a credentialing exam after they finish their coursework.

Entry-level positions usually involve routine tasks under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. As they gain experience, technologists and technicians take on more responsibility and work more independently. Some eventually become supervisors.


Opportunities
Veterinary technicians and technologists generally perform the same duties. Most care for either small, companion animals (cats, dogs, etc.) or larger, nondomestic animals. In addition, some technologists and technicians work in biomedical research, wildlife medicine, the military, livestock management or pharmaceutical sales. Still others may work in medical-related fields like gene therapy and cloning.

Pros and Cons
Veterinary technologist or technician is an ideal career for animal-lovers who do not want to undergo many years of education. They work closely with animals, and get fulfillment from helping and caring for pets. Because some animal hospitals, research facilities and shelters are open 24 hours a day, it is possible to work flexible shifts. Most technologists and technicians work about 40 hours per week.

However, some of the work can be physically and emotionally draining or dangerous. Technicians and technologists must sometimes clean cages or hold or restrain animals, risking injury from bites or scratches. In addition, the work setting may be noisy.

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges for any animal lover in the occupation is overcoming the emotional stress of witnessing and euthanizing abused, injured or unwanted animals. Those who deal with the public must be prepared to meet with hostility if they imply animal owners are abusing or mistreating their pets.

Salary
Median annual earnings of veterinary technologists and technicians were $22,950 in 2002.

Job Outlook
As pet owners become more affluent - and willing to spend money pets they consider to be part of the family - job opportunities are increasingly abundant for veterinary technicians and technologists. Biomedical facilities, diagnostic laboratories, wildlife facilities, humane societies, animal control facilities, drug or food manufacturing companies and food safety inspection companies will provide additional technologist and technician jobs.

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