When you are a vet tech, you have the ability to work directly with animals. Whether you are prepping a chameleon for a surgery or comforting a kitten before an appointment, you can find joy in interacting with animals on a daily basis. For people who don’t want to devote eight to ten years in pursuit of a veterinarian’s degree, this is the ultimate career. You do not have to spend a lot of money or time to obtain the skills necessary for working as a vet tech. You can become a vet tech by getting an associate’s degree in only a couple of years. One of the other benefits of becoming a vet tech is that you can work on a part-time basis and do not have to work long hours. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a vet tech?” When you want to become a vet tech, you should pursue an associate’s degree in veterinarian medicine or veterinarian technology.
What’s it like to be a vet tech?
A typical day as a vet tech includes scheduling appointments, handling animals before appointments and interacting with nervous pet owners. You may need to explain the typical stages of an appointment to a new patient of the clinic. Your duties may also change depending on the needs of a vet office. You may be required to fulfill secretarial duties, such as handling phone lines and scheduling appointments for a clinic. A veterinarian may want you to be present at all appointments. You may be able to help control animals during appointments.
Education Requirements
To become a vet tech, you can have a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree. People who are considering becoming full-fledged veterinarians will often obtain an associate’s degree so that they can decide whether they want to become a veterinarian. After completing a program with a focus in veterinary work, you will be able to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam. This is a test that lasts for four hours, and it will provide you with an additional certification that will make you highly respected in the vet world. The Veterinary Technician National Exam covers areas such as lab procedures and animal nursing. You may need to also receive additional training if you wish to work with a particular type of animal. You may need to receive additional training if you want to work with exotic animals like boa constrictors or tarantulas.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a vet tech is about $29,000 a year. A vet tech may earn a higher salary if he or she works additional hours for a vet clinic. To get a job as a vet tech, one should simply apply for open positions at veterinarian offices. You can also obtain a membership with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. This organization will put you in contact with many veterinarians in your area. You may be able to land a job as a vet tech by making a connection with a veterinarian who lives in your city. You can also obtain a job as a vet tech by looking for open positions at vet clinics in your area on the internet or through a job placement agency.
References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2065319_become-veterinary-technician.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm