The demand for qualified Veterinary Technicians is steadily increasing, as we realize, more and more, the value of both emergency and preventive medical care for animals.

To be a successful Veterinary Technician, you must be compassionate, patient, able to work as part of a team, able to take and follow directions, and, above all, you must love animals.  You must be physically fit, be well-organized, able to respond quickly in the event of an emergency, and exhibit good communication skills when dealing with pet owners and fellow workers.  Veterinary Technicians must have good manual dexterity.

Veterinary Technicians may often have to work under unpleasant and stressful conditions.  Animal personalities vary from friendly to fierce and from cooperative to wild.  All animals, frightened or in pain, may struggle, bite, scratch, peck,or kick.

Veterinary Technicians should not be confused with Veterinary Technologists who have more training and hence more complex duties.

Veterinary Technicians work in veterinary offices, game farms, zoos, pet hospitals, and research facilities.  Veterinary Technicians work with animals of all shapes and sizes, both domestic and wild.  Most Veterinary Technicians work under the supervision of veterinarians.  Those who work in research may also work under the supervision of physicians.  A research environment is stressful those who love animals.

Depending on their education and experience, Veterinary Technicians may admit patients, take case histories, explain procedures, and provide both routine and specialized nursing care.  They may also administer medications and anesthetize patients.  They may take blood or urine for analysis.  They may also assist the veterinarian during surgeries and dental procedures.  The extent of their assistance depends on their education and experience.  Some Veterinary Technicians perform general office duties.

Education

If you want to become a Veterinary Technician, you must first get a high school diploma.  Take all the science course you can.  Mathematics and English will also be useful.  Get some volunteer experience.  Animal shelters appreciate all the help they can get.

You must then enter an accredited training program.  To be successful, make sure the training program you choose has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.  These training courses cover both academic and practical subjects.

Courses run for either two or four years.  Both two and four year courses are offered by colleges.  Some vocational schools offer the two year course.  Those wishing to become Veterinary Technicians must complete the two year course.  If you go on to complete the four year course, you will become a Veterinary Technologist.

The process of Certification varies from state to state.   To get your certification, you must first graduate from a certified training program, and then pass an exam.  This exam covers all aspects of the profession, both academic and practical.

A career as a Veterinary Technician, or Technologist, is ideal for those who love animals and are concerned about their welfare.