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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.