Obtaining medical history for several patients, performing an array of nursing duties including lab work, medication administration, and different types of technical procedures such as placing catheters.
CAREER
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$36,260
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+16.2% (much faster than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Associate's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Veterinary Technologists and Technicians Do
Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.
Other Job Titles Veterinary Technologists and Technicians May Have
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Emergency Veterinary Technician (Emergency Vet Tech), Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician (Internal Medicine Vet Tech), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Veterinarian Technician (Vet Tech), Veterinary Laboratory Technician (Vet Lab Tech), Veterinary Nurse (Vet Nurse), Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech), Veterinary Technologist
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
In a typical day, I would monitor surgery patients vitals. I would assist the doctors in the room by holding patients while they are being examed and given shots or having samples taken. I would get the rooms ready for all appointments. I am also expected to be the go-between for the Dr. and patient.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
- Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
- Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
- Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
- Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Associate's degree (33%)
Some college, no degree
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Veterinary Sciences/Veterinary Clinical Sciences,...
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Vet tech school
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Conferences, webinars, and just on the job training!
A basic understanding of animal behavior is always good. Any animal experience is helpful.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Find a practice that will let you volunteer. It’s best to see the daily life before you commit as the hours and work can be brutal!
I would talk to your local vet about shadowing.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
