If you have a passion for animals and want to work with them on a daily basis, a career as a certified veterinary technician may be for you. There is growth in the industry, with annual salaries ranging from $30,000 to $40,000. As a vet tech, you will act as the veterinarian’s nurse, providing lab assistance as well as educating the clients. You can find employment not only in local kennels and vet offices, but also research labs, zoos, marine parks and wildlife refuges.
If becoming a veterinary tech sounds interesting to you, you’ll need to undergo specialized veterinary technician training. Use these tips to prepare for veterinary technician jobs. Here’s how to become a certified veterinary technician.
- Assess if you have the personality and the ability to do this type of veterinary job. Aside from a love of animals, you should be willing to carry and restrain big animals as well as sacks of food and other equipment; you should not be squeamish about administering medication or working in a lab environment and cleaning up after the animals. You should be able to relate to pet and animal owners, so effective communication skills are also a must for this veterinary career.
- You must have a diploma from at least a two-year program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). If you have an Associate Degree that is not relating to the field, you will need to take continuing education classes to learn about veterinary services. You may check with your local community college or online for a list of accredited veterinary technician schools. There are about 160 schools accredited in the United States. You can also complete an accredited online degree to get your certificate.
- After you have completed your degree, you need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. This is an oral, written and practical exam.
- Depending on your state, you may also need to take a state licensing exam.
- You need to have about three years of hands-on work experience in the field. The more work experience, the better, since it can compensate for the lack of a degree.
- Decide on what type of certification you want. The more specialized your career track and higher the certification, the better. If you want to work in a research facility, get the certification exam by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). Choose which level of certification you want: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician, Laboratory Animal Technician and Laboratory Animal Technologist.
- Take and pass the exam for the certification you want. It is about a two to three hour multiple choice exam relating to animal husbandry, lab management and animal health.
- Keep in mind that certification is not mandatory, although it will give you an edge, compared to someone who is merely licensed. If you are certified, you will be able to negotiate a better contract since you are letting your employer know that your skills are up to par with the AVMA.
Certification gives you a competitive edge in the veterinary market because it shows that you have obtained the skill level set by a nationally recognized standard. The job outlook is excellent, with an expected 36% growth rate up to 2018. Look into your options and consider this veterinary career path carefully.