Veterinary Technician
Veterinary technicians are similar to nurses. As nurses work under the supervision of doctors, technicians do the same with veterinarians. They are well educated in the care and handling of animals. They can draw blood, prep animals for surgery, and hold animals down while vets administer vaccines. In some instances, they can give vaccinations, but not the rabies vaccine, which by law a veterinarian must do.
Chrissy Zarony, a veterinary technician with Animal Care Center of Plainfield, went into the profession after completing nursing school. “People who know me know that I have a mothering nature,” she says. “I always had an interest in caring for animals. My nursing background helps. I have a lot of contact with people. You need good people skills for this job. And the rewards from this job are amazing. It's unbelievable when you save lives. The downside is when you have to euthanize a sick animal. It is good for the animal if he is suffering, but it still feels sad.”
Zarony works 7 A.M. to 2 P.M. “The hours are pretty steady at a hospital or large clinic, and you can go home and spend time with your family,” she says.
When she started her career fifteen years ago, she learned hands-on. “My nursing background was somewhat transferable, and I was eager to pitch in and learn,” she says. “Today, many schools offer certification to become a veterinary technician.”
Dr. Daniel E. Salmon graduated from Cornell University in 1872 with a BVS (Bachelor of Veterinary Science) and went on to earn his DVM from Cornell in 1876. It was the first DVM to be granted in the United States. The genus
Many schools offer a two-year associate degree for veterinary technicians. Some schools promote a four-year baccalaureate degree. The degree programs focus on basic skills needed to assist veterinarians. Students learn about overall healthcare concerns, how to handle and restrain animals, how to diagnose certain illnesses for large and small animals, and certain surgical procedures. Most students study practical applications in animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. They also learn about basic office procedures. Students with a four-year degree usually earn high salaries and have more responsibilities, but it depends on the place of practice.
Starting salaries range from $9 to $20 per hour, depending on where you live. Annual cost-of-living and performance raises are routine, and most veterinary technicians get health benefits.
