Are you passionate about helping animals and have a positive, friendly, and self-motivated attitude?
As a Veterinary Technician, you’ll use your talents and skills to support veterinarians by caring for animals during medical exams and procedures.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Veterinary Technicians held approximately 114,000 jobs in 2020, with a 15% increase expected by 2030.
This month’s Job Spotlight blog series delves into what it takes to be a Veterinary Technician.
Required Education: Veterinary Technicians may be required to have an Associate’s degree. Most states require technologists and technicians to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination, offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. The Canada Veterinary Medical Association also offers programs for Veterinary Technicians.
Pay: Pay varies depending on multiple factors (e.g. experience, geographic area, etc.). Typically, Veterinary Technicians can earn $36,850 annually.
What Do Veterinary Technicians Do?
Veterinary Technicians deal with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
- Observe the behavior and condition of animals
- Provide nursing care or emergency first aid to recovering or injured animals
- Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush or cut animals’ hair
- Restrain animals during exams or procedures
- Administer anesthesia to animals and monitor their responses
- Take X-rays and collect and perform laboratory tests, such as urinalyses and blood counts
- Prepare animals and instruments for surgery
- Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian
- Collect and record animals’ case histories
What Companies Look for in a Veterinary Technician:
- Communication skills
- Detail-oriented
- Physical strength and stamina
- Compassion
Examples of Jobs to Similar Veterinary Technician:
- Animal care and service workers
- Phlebotomists
If you need help finding a similar position, we can help.
Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, Express Employment Professionals is a leading staffing provider in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. If you have any questions about Veterinary Technician jobs in your area or about your job search in general, contact your local Express office, download the ExpressJobs app from your mobile store, or fill out our online contact form.
Are you a Veterinary Technician? What else should people know about your job? Let us know in the comments section below!
Our Job Spotlight monthly blog series is designed to help answer to shine a light on in-demand jobs and careers. In this series, we review all the basics of specific jobs, from pay and duties, to why people do their jobs.
