Agricultural Careers By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Jennie Simpson Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START Veterinarian Technician

What Is a Veterinarian Technician? Owners of pets and other animals today expect state-of-the-art veterinary care. To provide this service, veterinarians use the skills of veterinary technologists and technicians, who perform many of the same duties for a veterinarian that a nurse would for a physician; including routine laboratory and clinical procedures. Veterinary technicians conduct clinical work in a private practice under the supervision of a veterinarian. They perform laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood counts, assist with dental cleanings, prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, or assist veterinarians.

Duties of Veterinarian Technicians Serve as a general technician or may concentrate on patient care, laboratory work, or office management. A veterinary technician can do most of the vet’s work, therefore increasing the patient load for the clinic. The vet must diagnose sicknesses, prescribe medicines and perform surgery, but the technician is the one responsible for handling the majority of the procedures. Veterinary technicians may get the animal’s history, discuss the animal’s condition with the owner, and perform a physical examination. Vaccinate for rabies and other diseases, and collect blood or other samples for laboratory tests. The technician assists the vet with surgery and gives the anesthesia.

Becoming a Veterinarian Technician A veterinarian technician must have a strong love and compassion for animals and for their owners who may be upset over their pets’ medical condition. They need to have the ability to remain calm and controlled in crisis situations. They should also be excellent communicators and possess quality people skills since a majority if their work will be done with the clients. They should also be orderly and patient to help the hastiness of the environment flow better.

Education There is a 2-year program for veterinary technicians and a 4-year program for veterinary technologists. Most entry-level veterinary technicians have a 2- year degree, an Associate of Applied Science degree. A few colleges offer veterinary technology programs that are longer and may culminate in a 4- year bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. Technicians are required to intern with a veterinary clinic, zoological garden, research facility, or teaching institution before graduation. Knowledge of common domestic animals, drug names, and laboratory procedure is expected.

Employment Median earnings of veterinary technologists and technicians were $22,950 in The middle 50 percent earned between $19,210 and $27,890. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $16,170, and the top 10 percent earned more than $33,750. Employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year Strong competition is expected in zoos, due to expected slow growth in zoo capacity, low turnover among workers, the limited number of positions, and the fact that the occupation attracts many candidates.

Related Careers Animal Trainer Laboratory Animal Manager Pet Care Worker Veterinarian Veterinary Assistant Zoo Keeper

Career Resources American Veterinarian Medical Association 931 N Meacham Rd, Suite 100 Schaumburg, IL Internet: National Association of Federal Veterinarians 1101 Vermont Avenue NW Suite 710, Washington DC Internet: American Animal Hospital Association P.O. Box Denver, Colorado Internet: Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges 1101 Vermont Ave. NW Suite 301 Washington, DC Internet: