Top Reasons You Should Become a Vet Tech

Top Reasons You Should Become a Vet TechTop Reasons You Should Become a Vet TechVeterinary technicians are highly visible members of the veterinary team. Here are ten of the best reasons to consider pursuing a career as a vet tech 1. Strong Demand for Vet Techs The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the job market for veterinary technicians will expand at a rate of more than 30 percent over the decade from 2012 to 2022. This extremely strong rate of growth far exceeds the average for all professions surveyed. Qualified vet techs should have no trouble finding employment as the veterinary industry continues to expand. 2. Graduate in As Little As Two Years Veterinary technicians can complete their Associatedegree in just two years through traditional college programs. There are also AVMA accredited distance learning programs that allow students to work full or part time at a veterinary clinic while completing their formal degree. 3. Many Specialty Certification A reas There are many specialty certification areas for vet techs including clinical practice, clinical pathology, emergency and critical care, equine, zoo, internal medicine, behavior, surgery, anesthesiology, dental care, and nutrition. Certification is achieved through documentation of experience (usually 3 to 5 years), case logs, continuing education credit hours, and a formal exam. Specialists may enjoy higher earning potential after achieving the certification that officially recognizes their advanced skill level. 4. Each Day Is Different No two days are alike for a vet tech. As a tech you will work with many patients over the course of the day. You will treat a variety of injuries, assist with emergencies, and use many different diagnostic tools to assist the veterinarian with the overall treatment plan. You never know what sort of case will come through the door. 5. Varied Responsibilities Vet techs are responsible for an extremely wide variety of tasks in the clinic environment. They prepare animals for surgery, clean and organize surgical tools, collect samples, run lab tests, take x-rays, administer anesthesia, perform dental cleanings, clean cages, update client files, fill prescriptions, interact with owners, and assist the veterinarian with any other duties that may be required. Large animal vet techs often ride along on farm visits, assisting with animal restraint and treatment in the field. 6. Options Beyond Private Practice You can use your veterinary technician experience to transition into a variety of roles with veterinary pharmaceutical sales companies, laboratories, animal production facilities, zoos, public health organizations, and more. The veterinary technician career path does notlage limit you to private practice. 7. Help Animals on a Daily Basis Technicians are active participants in the treatment process. You can help animals every day by treating injuries, catching problems early by running routine lab tests, perfo rming dental cleanings, and other routine activities. It is very satisfying to see an animal make a full recovery under your care. 8. Work With Other Animal Lovers Vet techs get to work closely with others who have devoted their lives to helping animals. Veterinarians, techs, kennel staff, receptionists, and other staff members have the opportunity to do what they love and become valued parts of the veterinary team. 9. Utilize New Technology Modern vet techs must stay abreast of new developments in the field of veterinary technology. Clinics are continually upgrading their computer-based record systems, digital x-ray machines, and diagnostic test procedures. Techs never stop learning. 10. Interact With the Community Vet techs have a particularly high level of interaction with clients and may provide advice on a variety of topics (from flea control products to pet food) when it is requested. They have the opportunity to make connections with a wide cross section of the co mmunity during their appointments. This level of interaction makes it a great career path for those who like working with both pets and people.