In the contemporary American veterinary care industry, veterinary technicians are essential. Professional opportunities for veterinary technicians are expanding quickly due to the rise in the number of families demanding excellent care for their pets and the increased focus on ensuring excellent care for livestock, production animals, and research animals.
Pros of being a vet tech
Here are some benefits of working as a veterinary technician:
Positive career outlook
Engaging and active work
Vet techs have a physically active, hands-on job. They frequently have to handle patients to conduct assessments and administer treatments because they work closely with animals and their owners. Having the physical capacity to restrain and position animals is essential in this role because professionals in this position frequently deal with moving animals that may not always cooperate with them or their owners. This can be a fantastic career opportunity for those who enjoy physical challenges, enjoy working in hands-on settings, and are passionate about interacting directly with animals.
Variety of daily tasks
Vet techs have a variety of duties to perform on a daily basis. They frequently see a large number of patients during the course of the day, and they each receive individualized care tailored to their particular needs. For instance, a vet technician might spend their entire workday dealing with various animals. Depending on the type of vet work they are qualified to do, they may travel to evaluate livestock, lab animals, or zoo animals in addition to working with domestic pets like cats and dogs. For those who enjoy having a variety of work experiences, this can be a great job.
Rewarding and emotionally fulfilling
The job of a vet tech can be emotionally rewarding. Every day, veterinary technicians improve the lives of animals and their owners. They work to protect animals from disease and harm, and their work is crucial for diagnosing and treating illnesses. Vet technicians use their training to provide high-quality care as medical professionals so that animals live long, healthy lives. Pets can support their owners’ emotional needs, livestock can maintain farmers’ livelihoods, and zoo animals can assist zookeepers in educating the public about animal welfare with proper medical care.
What does a vet tech do?
Vet techs work as assistants to veterinarians. Vet techs have many job responsibilities, such as:
Vet techs can perform a variety of clinical tasks, but they lack the necessary licenses to make their own diagnoses, prescribe medications, or carry out surgeries. Instead, they consult with pet owners, carry out routine examinations, and perform lab tests to assist a supervising veterinarian in their work.
Cons of being a vet tech
The following are some drawbacks of being a vet tech along with suggestions for overcoming these difficulties:
Physically demanding work
Vet techs can work in physically strenuous environments. They are on their feet for the majority of the day and frequently have to lift, position, catch, or restrain animals. By taking certain precautions, such as dressing appropriately for work and taking care of their physical health outside of the workplace, those in this profession can reduce the risk of strain or injury. For instance, veterinary technicians may put on slip-resistant footwear with adequate foot support to ensure their comfort all day long. Additionally, vet techs can manage their physical health by engaging in regular exercise, eating healthfully, and getting enough sleep.
Emotionally challenging
Because vet technicians frequently deal with sick, hurt, or distressed animals, their work can be emotionally taxing. Because owners may experience anxiety or stress due to their pet’s condition, it’s crucial for vet techs to learn how to handle emotionally trying circumstances and develop effective coping mechanisms. Vet techs can take care of their emotional health by employing effective stress-reduction techniques like journaling, meditation, and exercise. Vet techs can cope with emotional situations, stay focused, and maintain motivation at work when they incorporate healthy stress management techniques into their work.
Nonstandard hours
Vet techs may work irregular hours depending on their place of employment. They might have to work on the weekends, on holidays, or be available for emergencies. While some professionals prefer to work outside of the norm, others might need to find ways to make their work schedules work for them. It’s crucial to strike a healthy balance between work and personal obligations by taking your work schedule into account. Making time for socializing with friends and family, for instance, is crucial, even if your work schedules differ from theirs.
Tips for becoming a vet tech
If you’re thinking about becoming a vet tech, here are three things to keep in mind:
1. Start early
There are steps you can take to get ready for a career as a veterinary technician if you’re still in high school or college. Consider enrolling in math, English, and natural science courses in high school, such as biology and chemistry. You can get ready to study these subjects in college by completing coursework in them. Additionally, taking English can help you improve your communication skills because vet techs frequently need to interact with animal owners.
Try looking for volunteer opportunities that allow you to work with animals in addition to enrolling in pertinent courses. Volunteering is a fantastic way to develop professional skills and build a network of people in the field. Volunteer opportunities may be available at zoos, wildlife rescue organizations, or animal shelters. For aspiring veterinary technicians, having prior experience working closely with various species of animals can be a huge asset.
2. Find a professional mentor
Any experienced professional in the field who wants to assist you with your professional development can serve as a mentor. Professional mentors can assist you in navigating your career by offering guidance, feedback, and assistance in locating opportunities to develop your skills. By introducing you to other industry experts, they could assist you in networking, which will be useful for your job search. They can also provide information about your professional strengths and weaknesses.
3. Join a professional organization
A society devoted to advancing a specific industry or profession is known as a professional organization. These groups frequently give their members access to resources and occasions that can advance their careers. For instance, some professional organizations hold routine networking occasions where members can meet new people. They might also give members access to training sessions, conferences, and workshops for professional growth.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Being a Vet Tech
FAQ
What are the pros of becoming a vet tech?
Downsides. The clinic can be a stressful work environment. The ability to deal with irate clients, hostile or uncooperative animals, euthanasia, and seeing severe injuries brought on by trauma or neglect are all requirements for technicians. One of the main reasons given by technicians for quitting their jobs is stress.
Is being a vet tech worth it?
- A Strong Job Market. We are aware that most students worry about their employment prospects and financial stability, particularly in the current climate.
- A Unique Work Environment. …
- The Knowledge That You Are Making a Difference. …
- An Opportunity for Growth.
Why you shouldn’t be a vet tech?
Anyone who wants to work with animals and away from an office setting should consider becoming a vet technician. Currently, the field is expanding rapidly, with about 10,000 new jobs appearing on the market each year. Additionally, the industry offers plenty of job security and room for advancement.
