Veterinary Technician By: Anna, Katie, Kari, Rosalia, and Hanna

Description Veterinary technicians are compassionate professionals dedicated to animal health care and well being. Certified veterinary technicians are vital members of the complete veterinary health care team. They are trusted with medical responsibilities that include animal nursing care, laboratory specimen analysis, surgical assistance, anesthesia, radiographic imaging (x-ray), nutritional management, dental prophylaxis, physical therapy and client education.* *statement retrieved from pcc.edu/programs/vet-tech/employment.html

Highs and Lows HIGHS Job Security- Vet techs are in high demand. Variety- You never know what is going to come through the door. Opportunity for Advancement- To supervisor or to specialized duties Hands-On Work with Animals LOWS Very Stressful- Working with sick/dying patients and their owners. Low to Moderate Pay Long Hours- Often working overtime Enhanced Risk of Injury- Bites, scratches, kicks, etc.

What is the job like on a daily basis? A veterinary technician is to animal care as a nurse is to human healthcare. They are assistants to the veterinarian, and carry out a wide range of duties. In one day a vet tech might prepare a patient for surgery,take x-rays, collect lab samples, answer phone calls, maintain patient records, restrain patients for examination,and educate owners. Probably the most common task of a vet tech is the administration of medications and vaccines. The only duties vet techs are not qualified to carry out is making diagnoses, performing surgery, or prescribing medication.

Required Education Average Annual Salary Usually requires an Associate's degree (2 years in college) Internship Average Annual Salary Average of $31,570 per year Starts around an average of $25,850 per year

How could someone find out more about this career? Get an internship at a vet Volunteer at an animal shelter Ask or talk to a local vet Look for information online

Future Outlook The future outlook for veterinary technicians is expected to grow 20%, which is much faster than average. It is a very competitive field.

Accredited Schools with Vet Tech Programs Oregon: Portland Community College Central Oregon Community College Washington: Yakima Valley College Pierce College Pima Medical Institute California: Carrington College Platt College California State Polytechnic University More schools at www.avma.org

Average total cost to get a degree of certification in this chosen field Veterinary technology associate's degree costs about $1,300-$12,000 for in-state tuition and fees (resident rate) or around $8,000-$30,000 for out-of-state tuition and fees. It can also depends on whether the university is public or private A veterinary technology bachelor's or four-year degree typically costs around $67,000-$86,000. Veterinary Technician national exam usually costs around $100- $300 and this is required so a veterinary technician can become licensed Books and supplies for veterinary school typically cost around $1,500-$3,600/year.

What should high school youth be doing now to prepare for this career pathway today? There are many things you can be doing right now to prepare for the veterinary technician field. Take recommended classes: chemistry, biology, physics, and math. Contact people in the vet tech field and ask questions. Shadow a vet tech for a while to see what the job requires. Get a high school diploma or take your GED. Look into colleges with good vet tech programs.