Humans need medical care as well as animals, which brings us to the importance of a vet. Tech. Just before that, what is the job description of a vet tech?
Normally, we all know veterinary doctors to be the ones who take care of animals or, rather, pets.
But, most times, veterinary doctors also need assistance.
And that’s where a vet tech comes into play.
Since you are reading this article, I guess you are a volunteer or job seeker interested in animals and want to know what it takes to become a healthcare provider.
The job description of a vet technician may differ depending on your location.
However, this article has what to expect, irrespective of your location.Â
In addition, you may encounter little variation depending on your country’s law.
Read More: Physical Therapist Job Description| Duties & Responsibilities
What Do Veterinary Technicians DO?
A vet tech is to an animal, what a nurse is to humans.
In other words, they perform several nursing duties to animals under the supervision of a veterinary doctor.
They also perform any task allocated to them by the veterinarian under whose supervision they work.
But there are exceptions. Some of these exceptions include the following:
The job description of a vet tech is similar to that of a registered nurse.
But in this case, animals are the patients.
According to the United States bureau labor statistics, the job opportunities for vet techs should increase by 16% in 2029.
Read More: Event Planner Job Description| Duties & Responsibilities
What are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Vet Tech?
A vet technician usually takes orders from a veterinary doctor. As such does whatever task he or she is ordered to do.
Here are some of the duties and responsibilities to expect.
Volunteering or working as a vet tech may be a good starting point for a full-blown career in veterinary science.
Usually, the passion for this job is born out of a love for animals.
What Qualifications Do I Require to Become a Vet Tech?
The qualifications required to become a vet tech may differ depending on location.
But in general, a good knowledge of maths and biology is advantageous.
The job description of a vet tech requires a certification, license, or registration.
A four years bachelor’s degree program or a two years associate degree is the standard route to becoming a veterinary technician.
Online education is also available, but you will also need a level of clinical practice.
The academic curriculum of a veterinary technician may include the following:
If you undertake an online program, look for one with AVMA accreditation.
But such online courses require a lot of data and time to accomplish.
As a veterinary technician prospective student, here are some things to look out for:
Read More: Flight Attendant Job Description| Duties & Responsibilities
What Skills or Personality Suits a Veterinary Technician?
Passion is the major thing every good vet tech should possess. True love for animals makes a good vet tech.
In addition, some of the skills a vet technician should possess are as follows:
#1. Communication Skills
A good vet tech should be able to communicate necessary information correctly.
Good communication skills are essential, especially for training pet owners.
And also for communicating animal conditions and behavior to veterinarians.
#2. Compassion
Compassion for animals is also a skill that makes a good vet technician.
As a good vet tech, you should always be kind to pets.
Read More: Logistics Coordinator Job Description| Duties & Responsibilities
#3. Strength
A good vet technician should be physically strong to restrain animals for examination or treatment.
What are the Areas of Expertise of a Veterinary Technician?
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America recognizes 11 veterinary technician areas of expertise.
These areas of specialization include:
Before students can become certified vet techs, he or they must have obtained a degree and a good level of experience.
How Much Do Veterinary Technicians Make?
Factors like location, qualifications, experience, and employer determine the salary of a veterinary technician.
On average, a veterinary technician earns about $35,569 per annum.
To improve your pay as a vet tech, you may have to improve your qualification and gain more experience.
Veterinary Technician Work Schedule and Environment
A vet tech’s work schedule depends on the veterinary clinic’s requirements.
Sometimes, they are required to work in the evening and at weekends.
Veterinary technicians may work for private corporations and laboratories.
Due to the working environment of a vet tech, they must always take necessary precautions to avoid injury and possible transfer of disease.
Read More: Software Engineer Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities
What is the Difference Between a Veterinary Technician and a Veterinary Technologist?
A veterinary technician and technologist work together to assist a veterinarian.
The major difference between the two is that a vet tech may only require a two-year associate degree, but to become a technologist; you require a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
In addition, the veterinary technologist shoulders more duties and responsibilities assigned by the supervising veterinarian.
But on a general note, they all perform the same duties and responsibilities, depending on the country’s law.
Although a vet technician and a veterinary technologist may perform the same duties, having more education may put the technologist in a better position.
What is the Difference Between a Veterinary Technician and a Veterinary Assistant?
Vet assistants do not require formal education training. Therefore, vet technicians are better authorized to perform more clinical duties.
As a result of the little or no training required to become a vet assistant, they perform more of clerical duties.
Some of such duties include:
However, different countries provide different specifications for the job description of a vet tech and a veterinary technician.
Conclusion: Vet Tech Job Description Guide
Being a veterinary technician is a good job for anyone who loves animal care.
It is also a good start in veterinary science.
This article on the job description of a vet tech should guide you when creating a portfolio.
Other job descriptions:
Read More: Hotel Manager Job Description | Duties and Responsibilities
Related Post
- Program Manager Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities
- Graphics Designer Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities
- Office Manager Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities
- Dental Assistant Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities
- Customer Service Representative Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities
- Dental Hygienist Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities
- Bartender Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities
- Social Worker Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities
- Operations Manager Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities
- Production Manager Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities
- Carpenter Job Description | Duties & Responsibilities
- Detailed Job Description Guide for Different Professions and Job Positions
