Veterinary technicians are employed in both private and public health surroundings such as hospitals, zoos, animal shelters, medical clinics and places where animals are being cared for. These individuals act as assistants to the veterinarian. There are some veterinary technicians that care for larger animals such as horses, cows, sheep and goats. You have to go through specialized veterinary technician training in order to work with such large animals. Here’s how to become a large animal veterinary technician.
Range of Work
As a large animal veterinary tech, you will be expected to:
- Assess the vital signs.
- Remove test samples from large animals.
- Carry out lab tests on samples received.
- Give injections.
- Offer prescribed medications.
- Know how to use medical instruments such as catheters and speculum.
- Know how to get a large animal ready to have surgery. Prepare surgical instruments for surgery.
- Be an assistant during surgery.
- Be an assistant during work on large animal’s dental work.
- Get information from owners of animals regarding medical history.
- Go along with veterinarian during ranch and farm visits.
Education Required
- Get a high school diploma or GED. To prepare for a career in veterinary technology with large animals, take biology, math and science classes in high school. During high school, volunteer or intern in a similar capacity to gain the experience of working on large animals. By doing so, you will be able to decide whether you want to pursue veterinary jobs or not. Get as much information about how these large animals behave by reading different materials about their anatomy or physiology to make sure a veterinary career is something you’ll enjoy.
- Sign up for a program that teaches veterinary technology and make sure you complete a two year or four year degree. You can get an associate degree at your local community college or a bachelor’s degree at a local university. There are many schools in the United States that offer programs for veterinary technician and the technology. Be sure to find veterinarian technician schools that are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and that the program includes practical work and course work.
- Acquire your credentials in the state that you plan to work by taking and passing the state-specific exam. The Veterinary Medical Board will have more details. However, the exams are administered by the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) board. Once you receive your certification, you involuntarily assume membership in the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA). As a member, you will be offered opportunities for continuing your education. Therefore, be sure to take advantage of this. Veterinary technicians are expected to understand the specifics of production medicine, which involves the treatment of large animal groups and not only one animal at a time. Knowledge of work done with ropes and knots are essential to working on large animals. You can find a job as a large animal veterinary technician in the agricultural industry. You will work with a certified veterinarian to provide healthy solutions to large animals on ranches, farms and stables.
Job Outlook
While not prevalent, opportunities for employment in large animal veterinary technician jobs will increase in the next seven years and there is not as much competition. The salary for large animal veterinary technicians starts at $14.50 per hour and increases to $16 per hour depending on your educational background and experience.
This profession, though, not popular, still has a lot of potential and possibilities. It is a rewarding profession that gives you the opportunity to assist and care for large animals. Large animal veterinary technicians can use their experience to later pursue a career as a licensed veterinarian with their appropriate education.