Veterinary Technicians

Learn More About Veterinary Technicians

Those that decide to become veterinary technicians are among a special category of people that have a passion for animals and a drive to see them happy and healthy. Although veterinary technicians do not get paid the same high salary as veterinarians, they are still capable of earning over $20 per hour and the other benefits to having a career in this field are innumerable.

Veterinary technicians are responsible for fulfilling many roles. Just as a nurse assists a doctor with caring for patients, veterinary technicians are called upon to help the veterinarian in any way that he or she sees fit. Therefore, veterinary technicians may be called upon to assist during surgery or during routine physical examinations, to take vital stats such as the animal's pulse and blood pressure, or simply to hold down an overly anxious pet.

In addition to working with the veterinarian, veterinary technicians are also commonly called upon to interact with pet owners. For example, veterinary technicians may explain certain procedures to the pet owner or provide the pet owner with instructions for properly caring for the pet following a procedure.

Depending upon the facility in which the veterinary technicians work, they might also be responsible for overseeing other workers within the veterinary office or research lab. In many cases, there will be a head veterinary technician on duty that has more responsibilities than the other technicians. This person generally has the most experiences and, therefore, has a greater number of responsibilities. In turn, this person receives a higher salary and may enjoy better employment benefits as well.

In order to receive a veterinary technician's certificate, you must complete the proper amount of schooling. There are veterinary technician's schools both online and offline, so you can choose the method of education that suits your needs the best. In some cases, you can complete the schooling in as little as two years if you so desire. In other cases, it can take four years to complete or even more if you do not attend school on a full time basis.

Featured Veterinary Technician School

The Brown Mackie College system of schools offers both Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Technology associate’s degrees.* The Veterinary Technician/Technology programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to obtain entry-level employment in a variety of modern veterinary clinical settings and veterinary-related fields.

Coursework focuses on a wide range of clinical skills, including animal patient care, laboratory procedures, medical imaging, anesthesia administration and monitoring, and surgical assisting for a variety of domestic animals.

* Program availability varies by location.

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