If you've ever taken your pet to the vet, whether it be for an annual checkup or an emergency, you've almost certainly interacted with a veterinary technician, often called a vet tech. Think of vet techs as nurses for animals. They help provide animals with primary care, operate machinery, and support veterinarians.
Working as a vet tech can be gratifying, especially for those who want to work in a career with animals. This is a growing field, with 16% growth expected over the next decade. The median vet tech salary is $32,260 per year, with the typical entry-level role requiring an associate degree — though it is not always necessary with the proper credentialing and experience.
[dig-deeper title="What Does a Vet Tech Do?" subtitle="Vet Tech Career Basics" description="Veterinary technicians support veterinarians and provide care for animals, including performing some medical tests and helping to diagnose animal injuries and illnesses." panel_subtitle="Vet Tech Career In-Depth"]Vet techs typically work in private clinical practices under a veterinarian's supervision.
Being a vet tech requires working with both humans and animals, as the role often does in-take and basic checkups like vitals and other essential health indicators. Vet techs also communicate information about an animal's health to its owner or caretaker. This may include updates about health status, their condition, and how to administer medication and other care the veterinarian prescribes.
[/dig-deeper]5 Steps to Becoming a Vet Tech
Step 1: Complete an associate degree in veterinary technology
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits vet tech programs and most end with an associate degree. Check with your veterinary state board for accredited programs in your home state and educational requirements for licensure.
Expect this to cost between $1,300-$30,000 depending on the school and whether you are paying in-state or out-of-state tuition.
Step 2: Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam.
Most states use the national exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards to license veterinary technicians. Vet techs who pass this exam are referred to as Certified Veterinary Technicians.
Step 3: Become a member of NAVTA.
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians (NAVTA) in America is the preeminent industry group for professional veterinary technicians. Although not a prerequisite for employment or certification, membership provides many different professional and personal benefits.
This costs $60 per year.
Step 4: Find a job in a veterinary clinic.
The majority of veterinary technicians work in veterinary offices. This is the best place to begin your career search.
Step 5: Maintain certification.
Continuing education is a requirement to maintain certification. There are many different resources available to complete continuing education. In most cases, you must renew your certification every two years. Renewal will cost at least $20, depending on the certification.
Vet Tech Salary and Job Growth
Top 10 States With the Highest Job Growth
Utah: 71.5
Georgia: 43.9
Colorado: 36.9
Arizona: 36.1
Nevada: 34.4
Virginia: 34.2
Wyoming: 31.8
Tennessee: 30.1
Alaska: 26.3
Florida: 26.3
A veterinary assistant works under a vet or vet tech's guidance to care for animals. This typically includes basic care. No formal education or training is required. On-the-job training may prove useful in seeking out work as a vet tech.
Once you get your associate degree in veterinary technology, you can start working as a vet tech. Duties include caring for animals, interacting with animal caretakers, and helping to perform some medical procedures. Vet techs can advance through certifications and continuing education.
A veterinarian is a licensed professional who can provide medical care for animals. This career requires a four-year bachelor's degree and a doctorate in veterinary medicine.
Vet Tech Training Programs
Courses in vet tech associate degree programs include:
Anatomy & physiology
Animal dentistry
Animal nursing
Anesthesia
Clinical toxicology
Diagnostic imaging
Microbiology
Parasitology
Pathology
Veterinary medical calculations
Veterinary medical ethics
