What is the job of a Veterinary Technician?

I'm interested in animal care and wondering if becoming a Veterinary Technician could be a good career path for me. What does a Vet Tech do day-to-day, and what kind of education or training is needed?

A Veterinary Technician, often called a Vet Tech, plays an essential role in animal healthcare. Their duties look very much like those of a nurse in human healthcare. Vet Techs typically work under a Veterinarian and perform a wide range of clinical duties.

In their day-to-day duties, Vet Techs often handle a myriad of tasks such as taking patient histories, collecting samples and conducting standard laboratory tests, providing nurses care for patients, assisting in medical procedures, and record keeping. They also often help Veterinarians in surgery by administering anesthesia and under the Vet's supervision, providing post-operative care.

Vet Techs may focus on different areas in their work such as dental care, anesthesia, internal medicine, emergency and critical care, zoological medicine, and more. They must also possess good communication skills as they interact a lot with pet owners, explaining home care instructions or a pet's medical condition.

In terms of education, most states require Vet Techs to have a two-year associate degree from an accredited community college program in veterinary technology where coursework generally includes anatomy, physiology, veterinary medicine, radiology, and surgical techniques. These programs usually involve internships that allow you to gain practical experience. After completing the program, Vet Techs typically must pass a state exam to earn their credential and these requirements can vary from state to state.

Finally, while these might be the formal requirements, passion and love for animals can't be overstated for someone considering this career path! You'll likely be handling a variety of animals, from pets like cats and dogs to more exotic species, depending on your place of employment, so being comfortable around animals and having an understanding of their behavior is critically fundamental in this profession.