Veterinary Technician

Your Fit

Income

$44K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

20.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Veterinary Technician?

A Veterinary Technician is a skilled professional who assists veterinarians in providing medical care to animals. They play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses in a variety of animal species.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Veterinary Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Veterinary Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$30K per year	$36K per year	$44K per year	$49K per year	$59K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $4.32K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Veterinary Technician do?

Work environment

Veterinary Technicians typically work in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics, zoos, wildlife facilities, and research labs. Their role often requires them to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, and may involve exposure to emotional situations like sick or injured animals.

Quick task list

Assists veterinarians in exams and surgeries.
Performs laboratory tests to diagnose diseases in animals.
Administers medications, vaccines, and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian.
Provides emergency first aid to injured animals.
Educates pet owners about animal care and wellness.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Clinical Practice: Specializing in general veterinary care for different types of animals (e.g., small animals, livestock, exotics).
Surgical Technology: Assisting in surgical procedures and post-operative care.
Dental Technology: Focusing on animal dental care and oral hygiene.
Anesthesia: Managing anesthesia during surgical procedures.
Emergency and Critical Care: Providing urgent care to animals in emergency situations.

Description

Veterinary Technicians are essential to the veterinary field, acting as the right hand of veterinarians. They perform a variety of tasks from conducting medical tests and treating medical conditions to assisting in surgeries. This career requires a strong foundation in animal anatomy, pharmacology, and surgical techniques, as well as the ability to handle complex medical instruments.

The role demands both technical skill and emotional strength. Technicians must be capable of handling animals that may be scared, sick, or aggressive, and they need to provide compassionate care while managing their own emotional responses, especially in high-stress situations like emergencies or when dealing with critically ill animals.

Veterinary Technicians are vital in educating pet owners about proper animal care, nutrition, and disease prevention. The job can be physically demanding and sometimes emotionally draining, but it offers the rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of animals and their owners.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The joy of helping animals and improving their quality of life.
Working in a dynamic environment with various species and medical cases.
Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth in veterinary medicine.

You might make a good Veterinary Technician if you are...

Passionate about animal welfare and veterinary medicine.
Detail-oriented, especially in following veterinary procedures and treatments.
Able to handle emotionally charged situations with compassion and professionalism.
Physically fit to manage tasks like lifting animals or standing for long periods.
A good communicator, capable of interacting effectively with pet owners and veterinary staff.

Pros:

Rewarding work in caring for and improving the lives of animals.
Diverse working environments, from clinics to research facilities.
Opportunities for specialization in areas like emergency care or animal dentistry.

Cons:

Emotionally challenging situations, including dealing with sick or injured animals.
Potential for physical injuries from handling animals.
Often requires working outside of regular business hours.

How to become a Veterinary Technician

Typical education

Becoming a Veterinary Technician generally requires an Associate's degree in veterinary technology, which typically takes about 2 years to complete. Some states also require passing a national examination to become licensed or certified.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to understand basic animal physiology and medical concepts.
Mathematics for dosage calculations and laboratory data analysis.
Agriculture or Animal Science, if available, to gain early exposure to animal care.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Participating in 4-H clubs or similar organizations focused on animal care.
Shadowing a veterinary technician or veterinarian to gain real-world insights into the profession.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in an accredited veterinary technology program to obtain an Associate's degree.
Gain practical experience through internships or part-time work in veterinary settings.
Prepare for and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) for licensure.

More resources

National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) - Professional organization offering resources and certification information.
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - Provides information on accredited veterinary technician programs.
Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) - Information about the national exam required for licensure.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.