A veterinary technician or vet tech is a professional who assists the veterinarian in treating animals. A career as a veterinary technician is an excellent choice for those who love animals and want to pursue a job concerning their care and treatment. A veterinary technician supports the vet, similar to how a surgical technician would assist a doctor. They are required to perform many tasks including, drawing blood, catheterization, assisting in surgery, giving anesthesia, dealing with the caretakers, etc. A veterinary technician takes care of all the technical tasks so that the vet can focus on each patient.

To be a veterinary technician, one needs to complete a degree program in Veterinary Technology. Getting an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in the Veterinary Technology program at a school like City College in Hollywood, FL, would take about two years. After obtaining state credentials, the veterinary technicians must maintain their licensure by completing continuing education requirements.

Below are six reasons why one should consider becoming a veterinary technician:

1. Opportunity to work with animals: 

For those who love animals and are passionate about helping them, a career as a veterinary technician is a great choice. One of the best parts about this job is that one gets to work closely with animals every day, helping them get better and improving their overall quality of life. The veterinary technician is also responsible for dealing with pet owners and teaching them how to take care of their pets more effectively.

2. Strong demand for veterinary technicians: 

There is a high demand for vet technicians in many organizations. Compared to the past, currently, fewer people are working as veterinary technicians, so there is a high demand for them. Qualified veterinary technicians can find employment as this industry continues to thrive and grow. The US Bureau of labor statistics projected the growth rate for this profession to be more than 20% by 2026. Working as a veterinary technician can prove to be an enriching career as it provides job security that few other professions usually offer.

3. Varied duties and responsibilities: 

Being a veterinary technician is a unique job and is well suited for those who prefer a fast-paced work environment where one has to deal with diverse challenges daily. This job allows one to work with many types of animals while performing a variety of duties such as preparing animals for surgery, assisting in operations, doing lab and radiological work, giving anesthesia, compiling records, cleaning teeth, filling prescriptions, etc. Apart from dealing with animals, the veterinary technician is also required to interact with and guide the pet owners. There is a lot more workplace variety in this field than in other professions as it can involve working in an office or in the field. The veterinary technician can choose from a variety of workplace options such as an animal hospital, the zoo, a farm, research facilities, or a private clinic.

4. Making a difference:

Veterinary technicians actively support the veterinarian in diagnosis and treatment and also help the animals by treating minor injuries, performing routine lab tests, and by maintaining their dental hygiene. For someone who loves animals, helping them in this way, earning their trust, and watching them make a full recovery is an excellent source of satisfaction and accomplishment. There is a level of personal satisfaction when working together with the owners for the betterment of the animals.

5. Opportunities for professional growth:

A career as a veterinary technician is not limited to small private clinics. Veterinary technicians have a lot of opportunities for professional growth, such as they can specialize in emergency care, internal medicine, behavior surgery, dental care, or nutrition. Vet technicians also have many options regarding where they work or the types of animals they can help treat. Over the next ten years, increased development is expected in the veterinary and pet industry. According to the bureau of labor statistics, the number of veterinary technician jobs in the US is expected to increase by 52% from 2010 to 2020. It also indicates that their demand would be exceptionally high in rural areas.

6. Graduate in only Two Years:

In contrast to most other professional careers, becoming a veterinary technician requires only two years to achieve qualifications.  In City College’s Veterinary Technology program, the curriculum includes real-life clinical scenarios with 300 hours of externship at a local veterinary clinic.   Veterinary technicians can specialize in many areas of Veterinary Technology, including clinical practice, clinical pathology, critical care, internal medicine, behavior studies, surgery, dental care, and nutrition. Certification for specialization can be achieved through the documentation of experience, case logs, continuing education credit hours, and formal exams. The benefits of specialization include higher earning potential and career growth.

This career is well-suited for those who would like a fast-paced job with a variety of duties that involve working closely with animals. Vet technicians have a variety of work environments available for them to work in, such as private practices, zoos, animal hospitals, farms, and even research facilities.