Q. Vet Tech Job Overview

            Veterinary technology is a two year program. There is a 30% growth in job opportunity for them between 2012 and 2022 which is much faster than average. Vet techs work under the supervision of a veterinarian to help to diagnose the illnesses and injuries of animals. Vet techs must pass the Veterinary Technology National Exam (VTNE). The VTNE is the New York State licensing exam for veterinary technicians. The median annual wage for vet techs is a little over $30,000. Vet techs have a lot to do on the job. They have to provide nursing care to animals, they must administer anesthesia to animals and monitor their response. Vet techs have to collect samples of blood, urine, or tissue for testing. They also must perform lab tests on the samples they collect. They have to take and develop x-rays. Veterinary technicians have to prepare animals and instruments for surgeries. Vet techs conduct a lot of clinical and laboratory procedures such as postoperative care, dental care, and specialized nursing care.

They give medications, vaccinations, and treatments that are prescribed by a veterinarian. Another thing vet techs must do it collect and record histories of animals. Many vet techs work in private clinics, animal hospitals, and veterinary testing laboratories. They mainly work with cats and dogs but they may also work with animals such as mice, rats, sheep, pigs, cattle, and birds. Veterinary technicians may specialize in dental technology, anesthesia, emergency and critical care, and zoological medicine. The job of a vet tech can be physically and emotionally demanding. They have to work with abused animals, and also euthanize animals. They have a higher rate of injury than the average job because they have to work with aggressive animals and it is easy for injury to occur when they are holding, cleaning, or restraining and animal. Some clinics are open 24/7 so they have variable schedules and some may have to work 7 days a week.