Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/713076
August, 2016 l Working World l WorkingWorld.com 7 animal hospitals. They also may work in laboratories, colleges and universities, and rescue leagues. Their jobs may be physically or emotionally demanding. For example, they may witness abused animals or may need to help euthanize sick, injured, or unwanted animals. WORK SCHEDULES Many clinics and laboratories are staffed 24 hours a day, so veterinary technologists and technicians may have to work evenings, weekends, or holidays. Many technicians have variable schedules. EDUCATION There are primarily two levels of education for entry into this occupation: a 4-year program for veterinary technologists and a 2-year program for veterinary technicians. Typically, both technologists and technicians must pass a credentialing exam and must become registered, licensed, or certified, depending on the state in which they work. Veterinary technologists and technicians must complete a postsecondary program in veterinary technology. In 2015, there were 231 veterinary technology programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Most of these programs offer a 2-year associate's degree for veterinary technicians. Twenty-three colleges offer a 4-year bachelor's degree in veterinary technology. Nine schools offer coursework through distance learning. People interested in becoming a veterinary technologist or technician should take high school classes in biology and other sciences, as well as math. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS Although each state regulates veterinary technologists and technicians differently, most candidates must pass a credentialing exam. Most states require technologists and technicians to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. For technologists seeking work in a research facility, the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) offers the following certifications for technicians and technologists: Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) and Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). Although certification is not mandatory, workers at each level can show competency in animal husbandry, health and welfare, and facility administration and management to prospective employers. To become certified, candidates must have work experience in a laboratory animal facility and pass the AALAS examination. IMPORTANT QUALITIES Communication skills. Veterinary technologists and technicians spend a substantial amount of their time communicating with supervisors, animal owners, and other staff. In addition, a growing number of technicians counsel pet owners on animal behavior and nutrition. Compassion. Veterinary technologists and technicians must treat animals with kindness and must be sensitive when dealing with the owners of sick pets. Detail oriented. Veterinary technologists and technicians must pay attention to detail. They must be precise when recording information, performing diagnostic tests, and administering medication. Manual dexterity. Veterinary technologists and technicians must handle animals, medical instruments, and laboratory equipment with care. They do intricate tasks, such as dental work, giving anesthesia, and taking x rays, which require a steady hand. Problem-solving skills. Veterinary technologists and technicians need strong problem-solving skills in order to identify injuries and illnesses and offer the appropriate treatment. PAY The median annual wage for veterinary technologists and technicians was $31,800 in May 2015. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,890, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $47,410. Veterinary technologists and technicians working in research positions often earn more than those in other fields. Many clinics and laboratories must be staffed 24 hours a day, so veterinary technologists and technicians may have to work evenings, weekends, or holidays. Many technicians have variable schedules. JOB OUTLOOK Employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to grow 19 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Clinics and animal hospitals are increasingly using veterinary technologists and technicians to provide more general care and perform more laboratory work, allowing them to operate more efficiently. Furthermore, veterinarians will continue to prefer higher skilled veterinary technologists and technicians over veterinary assistants for more complex work. There will also be demand for veterinary technicians in areas such food and animal safety, where organizations work to prevent foodborne contaminations and diseases in animals; public health, where organizations work to protect the health of an entire population; disease control; and biomedical research on human health problems. JOB PROSPECTS Overall job opportunities for veterinary technologists and technicians are expected to be good, particularly in rural areas. However, the number of veterinary technology programs has grown rapidly in recent years, so the number of new graduates vying for jobs over the coming decade should result in greater competition than in the past. The need to replace workers who leave the occupation each year also will result in job openings. For more information about becoming a veterinary technician or technologist, visit National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. For information about certification as a laboratory animal technician or technologist, visit American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. For information about the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), visit American Association of Veterinary State Boards.