There are some people who simply melt when they see animals or have their hearts broken when they encounter sick or injured animals. Do you care deeply enough to want to help? If you do care, the perfect way to help is to become a veterinary technician.
As a career path, you could not have chosen better. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the anticipated growth in employment for veterinary technicians is projected at 36 percent. That is above normal growth for a 10 year period (2008 – 2018). The employment prospects are excellent in this field and combined with your love of animals, you will get the job you want, enabling you to enjoy doing what you love best.
Before you start thinking about what courses to take in high school, what degree will be best for you or where you will seek employment as a vet tech, the first thing you need to do is give serious consideration to becoming a veterinary technician. Not to discourage you in any way, but the job can get real hairy at times; it can be stressful and messy. But as people claim, love overcomes everything – if your love for animals is really deep, consider the following points as part of your preparation to becoming a successful veterinary technician.
Research is vital to finding information today, so go online and learn about the duties and responsibilities of veterinary technicians, what they study, what kind of job they do, the kind of programs on offer to become a vet tech, what sort of employment opportunities are available, what the pay scales are like. Basically you are information gathering and learning about a veterinary technician in real life. Some people will find that no matter how deep their love for animals, they do not want a career that keeps them in constant contact with sick animals. Let’s be practical here, if you faint at the sight of blood you are not going be much of a veterinary technician!
After the research, if you feel you are still keen on your career choice, talk to a few veterinary technicians. Set up appointments and go prepared with your list of questions. Keep an open mind and don’t let another person’s perceptions of the job skewer your thinking.
If the excitement at becoming a veterinary technician persists, ask a vet tech if you can shadow the person (on the job) for a few days. This will give you first hand appreciation for the pros and cons of the job.
Still sticking by your decision to become a veterinary technician? Great! If you’ve made it this far, you now need to consider what the next step should be. There is more to becoming a vet tech than simply getting high grades. You may want to consider volunteering in an animal shelter, humane society or vet’s office to get some hands-on experience.
After you complete high school, you need to find an accredited veterinary technology program to enroll in. These programs are offered by community colleges and regular colleges as two year associate’s degree and four year bachelor’s degree programs.
Good luck!
Speak Your Mind