Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Did You Know:
- Animal lovers get satisfaction from this occupation, but aspects of the work can be unpleasant, physically and emotionally demanding and sometimes dangerous.
- There are primarily two levels of education and training for entry to this occupation: a 2-year program for veterinary technicians and a 4-year program for veterinary technologists.
- Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.
- Overall job opportunities should be excellent; however, keen competition is expected for jobs in zoos and aquariums.
Industry Areas
- Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
- Scientific Research and Development Services
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms.
- Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
- Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
Overall Kind of Work
Owners of pets and other animals today expect superior veterinary care. To provide this service, veterinarians use the skills of veterinary technologists and technicians, who perform many of the s...
Work Environment
Civilian
While people who love animals get satisfaction from helping them, some of the work may be unpleasant, physically and emotionally demanding and sometimes dangerous. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Lab...
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 10.47% (0-20 Hours)
- 17.30% (21-34 Hours)
- 13.70% (35-39 Hours)
- 56.20% (40 Hours)
- 2.03% (41-49 Hours)
- 0.30% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Health practitioner support technologists and technicians (29-2050)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People:
Things: 
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition: 
Time Pressure:
Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 81.88% (Private For-Profit)
- 10.46% (Private Not For-Profit)
- 4.72% (State and Local Govt)
- 2.42% (Federal Government)
- 0.52% (Self-Employed)
This data also pertains to Health Diagnosing And Treating Practitioner Support Technicians