Table of Contents
What are the responsibilities of a veterinary technician?
Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech) Responsibilities
- Performing an initial examination of the animal.
- Taking vital signs, drawing blood and gathering medical histories.
- Providing emergency first aid.
- Collecting specimens.
- Assisting in research.
- Performing laboratory procedures.
Do vet techs put animals down?
Currently around 10 states allow vet techs to perform euthanasia with (Direct) or without (Indirect) the veterinarian present. The vet tech cannot decide to perform it without veterinarian consent. The majority, some 26 states, do not allow veterinary technicians to perform euthanasia outside of shelters.
What is the salary for a vet tech?
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $18.70 |
| Overall | $15.19 | $21.47 |
| Top | $18.00 | $24.97 |
Do vet techs do stitches?
Under direct supervision of a vet, vet techs can also administer anesthesia to animals before surgery, suture wounds and remove teeth.
What are the cons of being a vet tech?
Downsides. The clinic can be a stressful work environment. Technicians must be able to deal with upset owners, aggressive or uncooperative animals, euthanasia, and seeing severe injuries caused by trauma or neglect. Stress is one of the biggest factors cited by techs that decide to leave the profession.
Is vet technician a good career?
A Vet Tech Career Can Be a Smart and Highly Rewarding Occupation. If you love animals—and dread a repetitive mind-numbing job with no room for growth—a vet tech career path might be a great option to consider.
Why do vet techs burn out?
Outdated systems limit efficiency and productivity. The result is the technician feeling wasted, less productive, and less appreciated. Obsolete software and hardware reduce employee morale and are a leading cause of career burnout.
How do I become a vet tech without college?
Are there states where you can be a vet tech without a degree? Yes. States such as Alaska, California, and Wisconsin allow vet techs to take the VTNE if they complete a certain amount of work experience or an alternative training program.
How much do vet techs make an hour?
Registered Veterinary Technician Salaries
| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| VetStrategy Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) salaries – 3 salaries reported | $20/hr |
| VCA Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) salaries – 3 salaries reported | $23/hr |
| McDonald’s Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) salaries – 1 salaries reported | $29/hr |