Posts Tagged ‘veterinarian’

How To Get A Job As A Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technicians work as part of a team, under the direct supervision of a Veterinarian.  They may work in veterinary offices, on farms, in animal shelters, zoos, aviaries, and aquariums, literally anywhere veterinarians are employed.  Veterinary Technicians also work in research facilities, a difficult environment for those who love animals.  A successful Veterinary Technician must be hard-working, able to make wise decisions, be kind, patient, respectful, and above all love animals.  They must have good communication skills, be good working with your hands, and able to respond wisely, calmly, and appropriately in an emergency.

Veterinary Technicians perform a variety of tasks daily.  They may welcome pet owners, take case histories, keep records, collect specimens, prepare animals as needed instruments for surgery, assist the veterinarian when animals are being treated,  provide nursing care as needed, and perform general maintenance duties.

Individual states dictate the duties which Veterinary Technicians are allowed to perform.  In no states are the Technicians allowed to prescribe drugs, or diagnose or perform surgery.

Veterinary Technicians may choose to specialize.  The five specialties which are presently recognized are: dentistry, internal medicine, anesthesia, emergency and critical care, and veterinary behavior.

Education

To become a Veterinary Technician, your must first complete High School, with a heavy emphasis on sciences, especially biology, mathematics, English, and communications.  You must then enroll in an accredited training program for Veterinary Technicians.  Programs may be two years, after which you will receive an Associate Degree, or four years, after which you will receive a Bachelors Degree.  Programs include both classroom courses, and on-hands training in a veterinary facility.

Be aware that those with a Bachelor’s Degree will command a higher salary, which will of course entail greater responsibilities.

During training, students learn to handle and care for animals along with all the scientific knowledge and skills needed to preform the many duties of a Veterinary Technician.  Distance learning may be available to candidates who are sponsored by a licensed Veterinarian.

Licensing, Registration, and Certification

Licensing, Registration, and Certification vary from state to state.   Once you have graduated from an accredited training program you are eligible to take the required exam.   Most states require applicants to take the Veterinarian Technician  National Examination before they are given a license to practice.  Employers look favorably on those who have passed this exam, whether or not it is a requisite for employment.

A career as a Veterinary Technician is a challenging one, but also highly rewarding and enjoyable, for those who enjoy being around, and caring for animals.