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Your Career in veterinary Technology In recent years the practice of veterinary medicine has grown more sophisticated and complex. The public expects and is entitled to, state-of-the-art veterinary care for its animals. To provide this type of service, today's modern veterinarian uses the skills of a trained and educated professional know as a "veterinary technician." If you like animals, enjoy working with your hands as well as your mind, and want a challenging job with a variety of responsibilities, a career in veterinary technology may be right for you.
Duties and Responsibilities The veterinary technician (VT) is an integral member of the veterinary health care team who has been educated in the care and handling of animals, the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in routine laboratory and clinical procedures. In general, a veterinary technician performs many of the same tasks for a veterinarian that nurses and other professionals perform for physicians; a veterinary technician assists veterinarians, biomedical research workers, and other scientists. A veterinary technician employed in a veterinary practice might:
A veterinary technician does not diagnose, prescribe, or perform surgery, or engage in any activity prohibited by the state practice act. All veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a veterinarian. In addition to the duties and responsibilities previously mentioned, a veterinary technician employed in a biomedical research facility might:
These tasks are performed under the supervision of a veterinarian, a biomedical research worker, or other scientist.
Career Opportunities A majority of veterinary technicians are employed in private practice, particularly companion animal practice. However, the demand for technicians in other areas is rapidly expanding. Opportunities that exist for graduate veterinary technicians include-
Education Required A career in veterinary technology requires a minimum of two years college education. A graduate veterinary technician receives either a certificate, a diploma, or an associate degree. Some veterinary technology programs are longer in length and may culminate in a baccalaureate degree. There are over 75 veterinary technology programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association; graduation from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program allows you to take the credentialing examination in any state in the country. The AVMA does not accredit correspondence courses. The Association recommends that anyone seeking a career in veterinary technology attend a two-year program at an accredited institution of higher learning where courses are taught in clinical and laboratory settings using live animals.
Veterinary technicians earn salaries that compare favorably to those in other fields requiring a similar education. Salaries vary according to experience, responsibility, geographic location, and practice type or setting.
Professional Regulations
Organizations Approximately one hundred state, local, and provincial organizations of veterinary technicians exist across the United States and Canada. Leaders of these groups formed the National Association for Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), which is the national organization for veterinary technicians. Continuing education, social, and employment-related activities are common features of these organizations, which benefit their members. For further information contact NAVTA, P.O. Box 224, Battle Ground, IN 47920 or visit www.navta.net
Further Information See the following links for more information about a career in veterinary technology: |
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