The world of animal healthcare has various career opportunities. One of the fastest growing careers is that of a veterinary technician. A veterinary technician is a career path for those who love animals. He is the one who provides the necessary medication and other medical needs of different types of animals. A veterinary technician is different form a veterinary assistant. He undergoes training programs that allows him to do some medical treatments even without a veterinarian. The veterinary technician can work in a laboratory or a clinic. He may be tasked to feed, monitor animal behavior, diagnose, treat, or do necessary laboratory tests.
How to become a Veterinary Technician
To qualify for a veterinary technician degree, one must equip himself with sciences such as biology, chemistry, microbiology and math. Getting an associates degree is the first step towards this career path. If one desires to pursue a bachelor degree in this field, it is possible. Pursuing further studies and choosing a specialization will give one an opportunity to advance as a veterinary technician. It is a must that an aspiring veterinary technician to take and pass the national examination for veterinary technicians for this is an employment requirement. A veterinary technician also has to become part of NAVTA or the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
Veterinary Technician Courses, training, programs
Veterinary technician courses cover the different general and animal sciences. Internships are also available for students to become more experienced in handling medical cases of different animals. There are also programs that would allow students to specialize in this field. One may specialize in internal medicine, animal behavior, anesthesiology and other fields. Choosing a specialization gives one a chance to do what he is really passionate about.
TOP 5 colleges/Universities
University of Florida
Ohio State University
University of Minnesota
Purdue University
Washington State University
Veterinary Technician Jobs, opportunities, salaries/pay
A certified veterinary technician may find work in veterinary offices, animal shelters, farms, laboratories, animal health care companies or wildlife sanctuaries. This career provides one an opportunity to earn from $22,929 to $33,318. Veterinary technicians may be promoted as a trainer or supervisor.