Before we explore the Veterinary Technician Jobs in the USA, let us understand exactly are the roles and responsibilities of a Veterinary Technician.
The veterinarian – a trained nurse for the animal – carefully handles the dog and supports the vet by providing accurate reports while performing surgeries.
They document their observations from the diagnostic film and prepare the patient file. This specialized veterinary technician is a specialist (VTS) and is specially trained in dog dentistry.
If the patient needs a tooth extraction or it could be anything related to canine diseases they can assist the veterinarian. When becoming a veterinary technician, a professional can play similarly important roles in a clinic or veterinary hospital.
Treatments for dogs related to cancer like Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs require multiple reports and detailed analyses prepared by the Veterinary Technician, so as to come to a clear conclusion about the diagnosis of this deadly disease.
For animal lovers who want a faster degree program — being an affordable and less time-consuming-veterinary technician (vet tech) then attending a veterinary medical school is an excellent choice.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Veterinary Technician plays a key role in veterinary settings by monitoring the health conditions of canine patients;
Taking analytical pictures with sophisticated equipment; Providing surgical, dental, anesthetic, and other forms of assistance to veterinarians; Restraining animals during routine testing; Processing laboratory samples;
Liaison with pet owners; Preparation of vaccines and serums; Maintaining a clinic list, And ensuring that the veterinary office works smoothly.
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The veterinary technician career path is the most popular in the animal industry. The wet tech profession has grown exponentially in recent years and the demand for qualified technicians is strong.
Here are some pros and cons of this very lucrative but demanding profession.
Advantages with Veterinary Technician Jobs
Job security and opportunities
There is a strong demand for veterinary technicians. The projected growth rate for the profession by 2022 is 30 percent. The veterinary technician should not have a problem finding a job that is in such constant demand in the future.
The nature of the veterinary work guarantees that the two days will not be virtually the same. Technicians perform a wide variety of procedures, see many patients, and communicate with a dozen or more employers each day.
There are usually opportunities for progress in the veterinary office.
Technicians may be promoted to supervisory roles over time (working in an administrative position such as Head Technician or Veterinary Practice Manager).
They can also advance their careers by earning a specialty certification that leads to higher pay and more specialized duties.
Working with animals with hands-on capability is a huge selling point for this career path. Veterinary technicians constantly interact with their patients, from routine examinations to postoperative care.
Veterinary Technician Jobs Salary
Veterinary technicians received an average salary of $ 35,320 in 2019. The top 25 percent paid $ 42,540 that year, and the lowest-paying 25 percent made $ 29,080. (Report Source)
Disadvantages with Veterinary Technician Jobs
The clinic can be a stressful work environment. Technicians should be able to see aggrieved owners, aggressive or uncooperative animals, euthanasia, and serious injuries from injury or negligence. Stress is one of the biggest factors exemplified by techies who decide to leave the profession.
You will not be hungry to work as a vet tech, but you can only get a moderate salary for your efforts.
Techies with specialty certification also do not receive particularly large salaries.
Long hours and risk of injury
Most veterinary technicians work longer than a traditional 40-hour workweek. Most clinics are open Saturdays and some clinics are open seven days a week. Emergency clinics may employ staff around the clock.
Even in clinics where more traditional times are kept, there are often instances where the staff is understaffed, resulting in mandatory overtime work.
This is one of the biggest drawbacks and many other animal career pathways are at risk of being injured at work.
Veterinary technicians must work with animals under considerable stress due to injury or being in an unfamiliar environment (and sometimes these two things play a role simultaneously). Tech should be very careful to prevent bites or kicks from their patients, so-called animals, taking extreme care to properly manage and prevent the animal at all times.
How many years does it take to become a veterinary technician?
Although requirements vary depending on the state in which you live in the USA, Veterinary Technician Jobs usually require certification, licensing, or registration.
You will need an Associate Degree to become a Veterinary Tech, and it will take two years to complete and Vet Tech Hiring would start immediately after the completion of the course.
