Many people have a love for animals and want a career that involves helping them. Becoming a veterinarian is a great career choice, but it is important to note that the education required for this position is quite extensive.
That is why becoming a veterinarian assistant or a vet tech can be a great choice for those who love animals. Veterinary assistant are responsible for assisting veterinarians in caring for animals. The specific job duties of a veterinary assistant include: feeding the animals, bathing the animals, administering medications and assisting in examinations.
The job opportunities for a veterinarian assistant are expected to be great. This field is expected to grow much faster than the national average between the now and 2018. There is no schooling required to become an veterinarian assistant. The only requirement needed is to fill out an application and complete on-the-job training. Veterinarian assistants make about 10 dollars an hour or $21,000 per year.
Many people start off as veterinary assistants further their education to become veterinarian technicians. The training needed to become a veterinary technician is much more extensive the training needed to become an assistant. Veterinarian technician programs are offered at both technical colleges and universities. The program that is offered at a technical college takes about 2-3 years while a university program will take about 4 years to complete. It is important to note that there are very few university programs for veterinarian technicians.
In most states, a person must pass a certification exam before he or she is allowed to practice. Veterinarian technicians perform some of the same duties as assistants, but the job duties of a technician are much more extensive. Some vet techs even assist veterinarians in surgery and other complicated procedures.
The job opportunities for a vet tech are expected to be great. Even though the economy is uncertain, layoffs are less likely to occur because vet techs will always be needed. The salary for a vet tech is around $29,000 per year, but it can be higher or lower. The state that one resides in and the place of employment are two of the main factors that affect the salary of a vet tech.
It is very important to note that a career as a vet assistant or technician can be very stressful. It can be quite difficult for a person to deal with suffering animals everyday, so this job is best suited for those who are emotionally stable. This job can also be physically demanding because it sometimes involves lifting heavy animals. Even though most vet techs and assistants work a standard 40-hour week, many of them work 50 or more hours. This further adds to the stress of being a vet tech or assistant.
Those who love animals will most likely enjoy being a vet tech or assistant. Those who are interested in becoming an assistant only have to complete on-the-job training while those who want to become a tech have to earn at least an associates degree. Both techs and assistants should be caring, compassionate and hard-working.