About Vet Tech Lab Jobs
- To become a veterinary technologist, a candidate must complete a two or three year college AHT/VT course diploma program. The term technologist refers to someone trained to recognize reasoning behind the various tasks and procedures they are trained to perform. A veterinary technician, on the other hand, requires one or two years of training. A technician is trained to perform the same tasks and procedures but is not required to know why such skills are necessary.
- In addition to classroom education, a student of veterinary technology must participate in an on-the-job training program and an internship at a veterinary teaching hospital. Greater paying job opportunities exist for veterinary technologists who become registered by passing a state or nationally issued exam.
- Trained, registered veterinary techs work in private practice positions as well as at research laboratories, educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies, zoos and animal shelters. Career opportunities for veterinary technologists expand to include biomedical facilities, diagnostic laboratories, wildlife facilities, animal hospitals, zoos and aquariums.
- Some vet techs choose a specialized career as bioresearchers, also known as a laboratory animal technicians. In this job, a vet tech assists with research projects. The vet tech will take care of the animals, monitor health conditions, prepare lab materials and equipment, provide pre-and postoperative care, perform euthanasia and administer drugs and other treatments.
- Even though jobs in veterinary technology provide a great deal of satisfaction to animal lovers, they also put a strain on workers, both physically and emotionally. Vet techs risk bites, scratches and exposure to rabies and other diseases. Animals require 24-hour care and vet techs tend to work long hours. They are often called away from their families to assist with emergencies.
