Do you love caring for animals? Many animal lovers find rewarding careers in the field of veterinary medicine. A quick way to get started is as a vet tech, an in-demand position that typically requires only two years of training.
Veterinary technicians are an important part of veterinary medicine. Technicians perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals and prepare vaccines and serums for disease prevention. They also prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. They clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. They may also assist a veterinarian during surgery.
Bright Outlook
Employment of veterinary technicians is projected to grow 19 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment is expected to grow as veterinarians continue to use technicians and technologists to do general care and lab work on household pets.
Required Training
Veterinary technicians typically earn a high school diploma or GED follwed by a two-year associate degree that includes hands-on experience. In Virginia, vet techs are required to be licensed. In addition to learning about the medical aspects of animal care, vet techs should also enjoy working with people as communicating with pet owners is a large part of the position.
Potential Earning
The U.S. average yearly wages for vet techs is $35,320. In Virginia, technicians on average earn $43,570. In the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News area, electricians earn an average of $33,350.
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Source:Bureau of Labor Statistics