 A veterinary technician is responsible for assisting veterinarians in various procedures. A veterinary technician can expect a stable and fulfilling care as vet techs are always in demand. The veterinary technician salary is well worth a career in working with animals. This short guide will give you some additional insight into veterinary technicians and what you can expect when choosing this career path.
Veterinary Technician Salary Information:
A certified veterinary technician salary range is anywhere between $14,000 - $20,000 per year entry level. This seems a little bit low, but with some effort and as you gain more experience at your job, you can boost the figures up within the range of $25,000 to $40,000. This is one career in which contacts and experience are valued tremendously.
Veterinary Technician Education Requirements:
Getting certified as a veterinary technician usually takes two to three years to complete. It is vital that whatever school you choose is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Without this accreditation, it will be near impossible to gain employment. The majority of local colleges have programs that can be tailored to suit your needs. Online schools are also on the rise as of late but make sure you do your research. If you also go down that road, be prepared to be a "self-starter" as you will have no professor to push you. Another down-side of online is that you will not able to network to find job opportunities or paid internships. In the end, you must do what program best suits you.
Veterinary Technician Work Environment:
The vast majority of veterinary technicians end up working at a localized vet clinic. However, you may also find yourself working at an animal shelter, a zoo, or a research center. Unlike hospitals, these are much more cozy working conditions where you will know and interact with all the staff. At this stage you should be prepared to collect urine samples; performing skin scrapings; taking and processing radiographs; and performing other routine lab procedures. You will also need to support the veterinarian with physical exams that help determine the nature of the illness or injury.
If you choose to go into this fun and exciting field you can expect to always be able to find employment. Also, make sure you take full advantage of student loans and government assistance. With some dedication, you will have no problem succeeding as a veterinary technician. |
