CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Veterinary technicians work with veterinarians to care for sick and injured animals. They also provide preventative treatment.
Career Level
Similar Jobs
Consider these careers as well:
Salary
National average, per year
$33,400
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
8,397
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticcs.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Veterinary Technician Job Description
Veterinary technicians (vet techs) work under the supervision of veterinarians to care for sick and injured animals. They administer medications and other treatments. They may perform diagnostic tests and collect laboratory samples. They assist veterinarians during medical procedures and surgeries.
Vet techs also provide preventative treatment to keep animals healthy. They administer vaccines and perform dental care. They provide education to animal owners.
If you have a true love for working with animals and want job security and opportunities for career advancement, then becoming a veterinary technician may be the perfect career option for you.
Veterinary Technician Job Responsibilities
Veterinary technicians may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Administer medications, vaccines and treatments
- Perform tests and x-rays
- Educate animal owners
- Assist veterinarians during medical procedures and surgeries
- Provide emergency and general nursing care to animals
- Collect animal’s history from owners
- Prepare animals for surgery
- Administer anesthesia
- Sterilize equipment
- Collect laboratory samples
Veterinary Technician Salary
The actual salary of the veterinary technician can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $33,400*
National average per hour: $16.06*
- $32,490 per year, $15.62 per hour**
- $29,806 per year, $14.33 per hour***
- $24,375 to $36,490 per year****
- $31,567 per year, $15.18 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Veterinary Technician Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a veterinary technician? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Excellent job growth
- Job security
- Daily work varies
- Opportunities for career advancement
- Get to work hands-on with animals
Cons
- Daily work can be busy and stressful
- High risk for injury/bites from animals
- Work can be challenging
- May have to work evenings, weekends and holidays
- Low pay
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Veterinary Technician?
If you are considering a career as a veterinary technician, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Earn an associate’s degree from an accredited veterinary technician program. This typically takes 2 years to complete.
- Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). This exam is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Most states require the passing of this credentialing exam.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the veterinary technician is in the middle of the medical career pathway and can be preceded by entry-level or other mid-level jobs. A sample career path could look like this:
Caregiver > Veterinary Technician > Veterinarian
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Associate’s degree from an accredited veterinary technician program
Typical Work Experience Required
Usually gained through the veterinary technician training program.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by location.
- Ability to walk, bend and stand for extended periods of time
- Ability to lift and carry animals up to 50lbs
- Genuine love for animals
- Positive personality
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to multitask
- Compassionate and caring personality
- Ability to work as a team
Veterinary Technician Certifications
None
Veterinary Technician Licenses
Licensing requirements vary by state. Visit the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) website to learn about specific state requirements.
Veterinary Technician Training and Preparation
Once you have completed the associate’s degree program, it is time to prepare for the credentialing exam through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Passing this exam is a requirement in most states.
Preparing for the exams can be done in many ways. Flashcards and exam prep books are great tools to help you organize and prepare. The AAVSB website has online practice tests, sample questions and other review material available. A little self-confidence and some strategic studying and preparation can help ensure your success.
Was this article helpful?
@Raising Careers Inbox
Like this article? Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll send you a summary of everything new on Raising Careers once a week.