Becoming a Veterinary Technician – Careers & Outlook

What does a Veterinary Technician Do?

A veterinary technician is not a veterinarian, but they are also not veterinary technologists. The latter must complete a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. The additional education opens the door for more advanced job opportunities and work on more sophisticated equipment including things like x-ray machines.

While those in the veterinary profession require licensing for employment, the formal licensing depends on state requirements. Such licensing includes Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT), Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), and Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).

Vet tech duties usually include taking blood, collecting and preparing lab samples and performing lab tests, symptom monitoring, and performing first aid in emergencies. They assist the vet in patient surgical preparation and administering anesthesia. They may also perform simple procedures on patients such as bandaging or giving inoculations. What they cannot do, since they are not veterinarians, is diagnose an animal, prescribe medication, or perform surgery or euthanasia.

On a typical day, they can handle many patients and may need to restrain aggressive animals. The job is literally hands-on. In some practices, they may answer phone calls or schedule appointments. Vet technicians must also keep patient records. They fill prescriptions and keep track of the practice’s pharmaceuticals. If the practice offers pet care services such as nail clipping or grooming, vet techs can also perform these tasks.

Where Do Veterinary Technicians Work?

A veterinary technician most often works in private clinics or animal hospitals. A veterinary technician may also work in animal shelters, zoos, research laboratories, veterinary testing laboratories, and a college or university. Many vet techs do not work 9-to-5 hours, especially if they work in a veterinary practice or animal hospital. Some may work evenings or weekends, or even all night in a 24-hour facility. On holidays, some vet techs are needed to care for emergency cases in animal hospitals or treat patients staying there.

Why Become a Veterinary Technician?

Because the demand for vet techs is strong and expected to increase in coming years, finding a job should not prove difficult. Such job growth should take place nationwide. That means you are not necessarily tied to one area, and a vet tech’s job is quite portable.

Unlike those engaged in a human healthcare career, there is less likelihood of being on call 24/7, which can provide a better work/life balance. The work is always interesting, and no two days are ever the same. Not only can a vet tech career fulfill your passion for helping animals but it is never boring. Depending on the practice, you may not just handle multiple patients on an ordinary day, but a variety of species or breeds. Most vet techs report a high degree of satisfaction with their jobs. Because they work in a culture of like-minded individuals, the sense of teamwork is strong and deep friendships often develop. In essence, you have found your tribe.

By earning veterinary certifications, you’ll have the opportunity not only to increase your skills and knowledge but to qualify for more advanced positions and earn a higher salary. With additional experience comes more responsibility.

The job is sometimes difficult, but also rewarding. A vet tech knows they have made a difference in the life of an animal and perhaps their owner. Because client education is part of the vet tech’s role, you can help an owner provide the best standard of care for their animal.