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Veterinary Technicians


Overview

Introduction

Veterinary technicians provide support and assistance to veterinarians. They work in a variety of environments, including zoos, animal hospitals, clinics, private practices, kennels, and laboratories. Their work may involve large or small animals or both. Most veterinary technicians work with domestic animals, but some professional settings may require treating exotic or endangered species. There are approximately 112,900 veterinary technicians and technologists employed in the United States.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$35,520

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

Associate's Degree


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Experience

Completion of a veterinary clinical practicum required


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Skills

Interpersonal
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Personality Traits

Organized
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Earnings

Earnings are generally low for veterinary technicians in private practices and clinics, but pay scales are steadily climbing due to the increasing demand. Better-paying jobs are in zoos, in research, and with the federal government. Those fields of practice are very competitive (especially zoos) and only a small percentage of highly qualified veterinary technicians are employed in them.

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Work Environment

Veterinary technicians generally work 40-hour weeks, although some technicians work more than 50 hours a week. These hours may include a few long weekdays, night shifts, and alternated or rotated Saturdays. Hours may fluctuate, as veterinary technicians may need to have their schedules adjusted to accommodate emergency work.

A veterinary technician must be prepared for emergencies. In fi...

Outlook

Employment for veterinary technicians will grow by 16 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations, through 2029, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Veterinary medicine is a field that is not adversely affected by the economy, so it does offer stability. The public's love for pets coupled with higher disposable incomes will encourage continued demand for workers in th...