Veterinary Technician Research Paper
Jessica Hinson
English114
Feb 1, 2014
Career Research Investigation
Veterinary technicians, commonly known as veterinary technicians, provide care and comfort to sick or injured animals. They work with veterinarians or scientists in a way that is similar to the help a nurse gives to a doctor. Many people become attracted to this occupation because of a love of animals, but there is a downside, both physically and emotionally. Animals may bite, scratch or otherwise injure veterinary technicians who are caring for them. There is an emotional toll that comes from seeing the results of abuse or abandonment, and from having to euthanize ill or injured animals.
Some of the specific tasks of a veterinary technician include checking vital …show more content…
signs of patients, weighing them, check temps, and asking an owner questions about the animal. Also the technician often calms a dog or cat during the veterinarian’s examination. Veterinary technicians may exercise the dogs and cats that are staying overnight at the clinic. Cleaning cages, wiping down exam tables, sweeping exam rooms, feeding and giving medication to overnight patients are other tasks of a veterinary technician.
Some of the cons of working as a veterinary technician are Stressful situations: While the pay may be satisfactory, the long hours worked by vet techs can be extremely demanding on the body.
Dealing with the death of pets and distraught owners can have an effect on these professionals. Exposure to allergens like pet dander and fur, along with radiation are just some of the health issues vet technicians must deal with on a day-to-day basis. Combine all of that with playing multiple roles throughout the day - receptionist, nurse, kennel attendant, technical assistant, janitor, and counselor - and you 've got yourself one heck of a work day. Unpredictable Animals: When an animal feels threatened or alarmed, it will try to defend itself. And when in an unfamiliar area the situation could turn ugly, especially when the animal is sick or in pain. In these cases, the animals are more likely to scratch or bite. Odd Hours: Depending on the employer and his/her expectations, vet technicians may be expected to work on nights and/or weekends. Inclement weather may not be exempt either. Some of the pros of working as a veterinary technician are Pay: While a veterinary technician isn 't necessarily going to start off at $20 an hour, this figure is a possibility depending on the location of the practice and the amount of experience in the field. And with room to grow within the field, the likelihood of a raise isn 't out. Room for Advancement: Veterinary technicians have the option to develop within their field, which translates to more money and opportunities. With an extra two years of education a veterinary tech may become veterinary technologist. This position entails working in biomedical facilities, wildlife facilities, diagnostic laboratories, food safety inspection facilities, and drug and food manufacturing companies. Flexibility: Along the same lines of the point above, vet techs have flexibility to work in a diverse set of environments, not just in a local
veterinarian office. This position is perfect for those who crave a continuously changing environment. Opposite of a Boring Work Environment: People who make a career as a vet technician realize that the work environment is constantly changing every day. It 's not a mundane, sit-in-an-office-chair-all-day kind of job. Interaction with various animals and the completion of numerous tasks throughout the day ensures an extremely productive and rewarding work day.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $29,710.
Aspiring veterinary technicians attend an accredited, two-year veterinary technology programs at community colleges usually earning associate degrees. To become a veterinary technologist, one must earn a bachelor 's degree in veterinary technology, which means attending college for four years. Regardless of which degree you decide to pursue, during training you will do laboratory and clinical work with live animals. If you are a high school student who is interested in this field, make sure to take science classes, including biology, as well as math classes. Also consider volunteering at a facility, such as an animal shelter, where you can get experience and find out if this occupation is really right for you.
Cited Page
Ciesielski, Artur. "Veterinary Technician Job Description." Vet Tech Guide. Artur Ciesielski, 2000. Web. 30 Jan. 2014.
"The Career Trove." The Career Trove. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2014.
"Veterinary Technologist and Technician." Job Overview. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2014.
English114
Feb 1, 2014
Career Research Investigation
Veterinary technicians, commonly known as veterinary technicians, provide care and comfort to sick or injured animals. They work with veterinarians or scientists in a way that is similar to the help a nurse gives to a doctor. Many people become attracted to this occupation because of a love of animals, but there is a downside, both physically and emotionally. Animals may bite, scratch or otherwise injure veterinary technicians who are caring for them. There is an emotional toll that comes from seeing the results of abuse or abandonment, and from having to euthanize ill or injured animals.
Some of the specific tasks of a veterinary technician include checking vital …show more content…
signs of patients, weighing them, check temps, and asking an owner questions about the animal. Also the technician often calms a dog or cat during the veterinarian’s examination. Veterinary technicians may exercise the dogs and cats that are staying overnight at the clinic. Cleaning cages, wiping down exam tables, sweeping exam rooms, feeding and giving medication to overnight patients are other tasks of a veterinary technician.
Some of the cons of working as a veterinary technician are Stressful situations: While the pay may be satisfactory, the long hours worked by vet techs can be extremely demanding on the body.
Dealing with the death of pets and distraught owners can have an effect on these professionals. Exposure to allergens like pet dander and fur, along with radiation are just some of the health issues vet technicians must deal with on a day-to-day basis. Combine all of that with playing multiple roles throughout the day - receptionist, nurse, kennel attendant, technical assistant, janitor, and counselor - and you 've got yourself one heck of a work day. Unpredictable Animals: When an animal feels threatened or alarmed, it will try to defend itself. And when in an unfamiliar area the situation could turn ugly, especially when the animal is sick or in pain. In these cases, the animals are more likely to scratch or bite. Odd Hours: Depending on the employer and his/her expectations, vet technicians may be expected to work on nights and/or weekends. Inclement weather may not be exempt either. Some of the pros of working as a veterinary technician are Pay: While a veterinary technician isn 't necessarily going to start off at $20 an hour, this figure is a possibility depending on the location of the practice and the amount of experience in the field. And with room to grow within the field, the likelihood of a raise isn 't out. Room for Advancement: Veterinary technicians have the option to develop within their field, which translates to more money and opportunities. With an extra two years of education a veterinary tech may become veterinary technologist. This position entails working in biomedical facilities, wildlife facilities, diagnostic laboratories, food safety inspection facilities, and drug and food manufacturing companies. Flexibility: Along the same lines of the point above, vet techs have flexibility to work in a diverse set of environments, not just in a local
veterinarian office. This position is perfect for those who crave a continuously changing environment. Opposite of a Boring Work Environment: People who make a career as a vet technician realize that the work environment is constantly changing every day. It 's not a mundane, sit-in-an-office-chair-all-day kind of job. Interaction with various animals and the completion of numerous tasks throughout the day ensures an extremely productive and rewarding work day.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $29,710.
Aspiring veterinary technicians attend an accredited, two-year veterinary technology programs at community colleges usually earning associate degrees. To become a veterinary technologist, one must earn a bachelor 's degree in veterinary technology, which means attending college for four years. Regardless of which degree you decide to pursue, during training you will do laboratory and clinical work with live animals. If you are a high school student who is interested in this field, make sure to take science classes, including biology, as well as math classes. Also consider volunteering at a facility, such as an animal shelter, where you can get experience and find out if this occupation is really right for you.
Cited Page
Ciesielski, Artur. "Veterinary Technician Job Description." Vet Tech Guide. Artur Ciesielski, 2000. Web. 30 Jan. 2014.
"The Career Trove." The Career Trove. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2014.
"Veterinary Technologist and Technician." Job Overview. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2014.