How to get a Job as a Veterinary Technician
To become a veterinary technician requires a dedication to and love of pets of all types, and veterinary technicians play a vital role in nearly every type of veterinary care far beyond what most pet owners realize. It takes a well-organized and energetic individual to become a veterinary technician as their duties are diverse and seemingly never-ending, as the scope of their job related duties can be quite numerous and difficult. There are however, a considerable set of rewards associated with being a veterinary technician as the satisfaction of helping sick and injured animals can make every day of work in the field a positive experience.To become a veterinary technician first and foremost requires a love of animals and a desire to help those animals in need and eliminate suffering. The educational requirements to become a veterinary technician consist of a minimum of a two year degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Those graduates from institutions that are recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association are then eligible to become certified or licensed in the state of their choosing following the necessary testing. The certification process consists of both oral and written tests, and upon receiving a passing grade a veterinary technician can begin work in their state of preference.After completing the requirements to become a veterinary technician an individual can work in a wide variety of professional settings, including animal shelters, kennels, veterinary hospitals and clinics, research facilities, veterinarians offices, zoos, stables or on farms and ranches. The duties of a veterinary technician can include administering medications and providing nursing care to animals, collecting and maintaining medical records, performing basic laboratory tests, assisting a veterinarian during medical procedures and taking x-rays among others.Because of the career diversity that is present for a veterinary technician the employment outlook is good in just about every area of the United States. While average salaries for veterinary technicians may vary widely according to the specific duties of a particular position, most salaries are equitable with the educational and training requirements.Perhaps the most important aspect of how to become a veterinary technician rests in an individual's ability to form an almost immediate relationship with their animal patients. A veterinary technician can have the best of all possible training and experience, but to a large extent their true value in helping animals is shown by their ability to show compassion to their patients and to the humans that are deeply concerned about their pet's health.
