Veterinarian Technologist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Caring for pets and livestock animals is extremely important to the people that own them, and it takes a highly trained professional to be able to examine, diagnose and treat animals that don’t really have a way to communicate about their illnesses and injuries. Although the veterinarian is the professional most often responsible for evaluating and treating these non-human patients, it is the responsibility of the veterinarian technologist to provide support to the licensed vet and take care of preliminary interview and minor procedures that the vet doesn’t have time for. Veterinary technologist is able to interview animal owners about any problems or abnormalities, prepare animals to receive vaccinations or medicines, and explain the impending procedures to the pet owner. Minor tasks like adding or removing bandages, taking vital signs and cosmetic procedures are usually the responsibility of the vet technologist.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$25,200
Salary Range
$18,200 - $31,900

Work Environment

Because it is necessary for the veterinarian technologist to work under the close supervision of the licensed veterinarian, it is most common for them to work in private veterinary clinics or research hospitals for animals. Although they are required to keep normal business hours, emergencies often call veterinarian technologists out during the evening and on weekends.

High School Preparation

Those individuals who enjoy working with animals and think that they would be good at fulfilling the responsibilities of the veterinarian technologist are encouraged to spend their high school career increasingly their knowledge of biology, animal science and emergency medicine. Supporting course work for this line of work includes chemistry, dental/medical assisting, social studies, and computer skills.

Requirements

Following graduation from high school, those individuals that are interested in pursuing the career of a veterinarian technologist are required to enroll in an accredited associate’s degree program that has been approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The best programs are the ones that offer small class sizes and access to hands on training. In some cases additional certification for various equipment and procedures is also available.

Career Outlook

Given the high importance that many pet and livestock owners are starting to place on preventative care for their pets and animals, it is expected that the demand for highly qualified veterinarian technologists is expected to increase quickly over the next ten years. Those veterinarian technologists that will be in the highest demand will be the ones that have the most experience and are up to date on the latest veterinarian technologies. In some cases, starting as a veterinarian technologist will present opportunities for further education and advancement in the future.

Professional Organizations

North American Veterinary Technician Association
PO Box 224
Battle Ground, IN 47920
Phone: (765) 742-2216
www.navta.net