Duties

• Private practice veterinary technicians take and record pet medical histories. They may collect clinical specimens for testing and assist veterinarians with diagnostic testing. They may also perform medical tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Vet techs often prepare surgical spaces for procedures and ready animals for surgery. They may expose and develop X-rays, and perform dental exams. Vet techs also educate pet owners on pet health issues and instruct them on proper treatment for a pet's medical condition. They may be responsible for supervising new staff as well. Vet techs who work in biomedical research oversee the care and handling of research animals, ensuring humane treatment. They also implement research projects and record results.
  
  

Education

• Vet techs usually earn associate's degrees from a veterinary technology program at a community college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Students receive classroom instruction and perform lab assignments with live animals. Some veterinary technology programs award bachelor's degrees as well. Associate's degree programs usually require two years of study, while bachelor's degree programs generally last four years. Entry-level vet techs will also receive on-the-job training, working under a veterinarian and other experienced vet techs. After completing a degree program, vet techs in every state must pass a licensing or certification exam. Many states use the National Veterinary Technician Exam to award credentials to vet techs. Those who wish to work in research usually seek certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, which requires both practical experience and successful completion of a certification exam.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Vet techs' work can often become quite stressful. Techs must restrain agitated animals, putting them at risk for scratches and bites. They must also clean and lift heavy cages, which can be physically demanding as well. In addition, the job can affect technicians emotionally, as they must help euthanize sick or elderly animals or treat animals that have been abused and neglected. Veterinary technicians usually work standard 40-hour weeks. However, some animal clinics provide emergency services and are staffed 24 hours a day, so techs may have to work irregular hours, such as late night and early morning shifts.
  
  

Salary

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, vet techs earned a median annual wage of $28,900 as of May 2008. The highest 10 percent were paid more than $41,490, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $19,770. The middle 50 percent were paid between $23,580 and $34,960.
  
  

Employment Outlook

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment for veterinary technologists and technicians will increase by 36 percent between 2008 and 2018---a much faster rate than the average for all occupations. Many pet owners are becoming more willing to pay the high costs of advanced medical care for their pets---a potential spark for the increased demand for veterinary care. With more veterinarians working in private clinics, a need should arise for veterinary technicians to assist them. Due to the relatively low yearly rate of vet tech graduates, excellent opportunities should arise for those in the field.