Demand for veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow much faster than for other jobs between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Vet techs work in private veterinary clinics, zoos, animal shelters and laboratories, among other work environments that involve animals. To become a veterinary tech, candidates must obtain specific educational and licensing requirements.
High School Courses
In order to have a solid academic grounding for veterinary technician or veterinary technologist schooling, prospective techs should take biology and chemistry in high school. They should also have a strong grounding in other sciences, as well as math. Since entry into post-secondary programs can be competitive, candidates may have to meet a minimum grade point average in order to gain admittance.
Veterinary technicians and technologists complete a minimum two-year associate's degree. The American Veterinary Medical Association accredited 191 schools that offered such programs in 2011. Of those, 21 offered a four-year bachelor's degree for veterinary technologists. Students are required to learn clinical laboratory procedures, nursing care, dental care, anesthesia and radiology techniques, assisting with surgeries, administration of medications and veterinary ethics.
Credentialing and Certification
Each state has its own licensing requirements for veterinary technicians and technologists. Most require successful completion of the veterinary technician national examination, which is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. In addition, each state may have specific practice requirements. Technologists who plan to work in research facilities can be certified as assistant laboratory animal technicians, laboratory animal technicians and laboratory animal technologists through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. Not all research facilities will require this certification.
Salary and Outlook
Veterinary technicians and technologists accounted for 80,200 jobs in 2010. That will increase to an estimated 121,900 in 2020. The average annual salary for all vet techs was $29,710 in 2010. Vet techs in educational institutions had the highest average salary at $36,450. Those in scientific research institutions had a comparable average annual salary at $36,200. Vet techs in veterinary services, including hospitals and clinics, made significantly less, with an average annual wage of $29,290.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook -- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians -- How to Become One
- American Association of Veterinary State Boards -- Veterinary Technician National Examination
- Yakima Valley Community College: Veterinary Technology Program
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook -- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians -- Pay
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