Paws and effect: Veterinary technologists help pets lead productive, safe lives
Jennifer O’Connor remembers the first time she knew she wanted to work with animals for the rest of her life. If you’re thinking it was the time she held a piglet at the state fair, the time she found an injured cat on her walk home from a friend’s house, or even the time her father brought a lab puppy home in his briefcase, you’re aiming way too high. Sure, O’Connor says, all of those things helped lead her to her current career as a veterinary technician, but they had nowhere near the impact of two prominent animals on the Nickelodeon television network near and dear to her heart: Boots, Dora the Explorer’s trusty cartoon monkey, and Blue of “Blue’s Clues” fame, Steve’s loyal and affectionate dog.
Today, at 27, O’Connor works with animals five days a week on a professional level and two days a week as a volunteer, all within Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s, city limits.
“People think anyone in the veterinary sciences is someone who can’t relate to humans. OK, I’ll admit I was a little bit that way,” says O’Connor, who adds that she’s no longer an only child. “I used to think animals were the only creatures worth talking to but I’m over that. I do think that they provide people with inner peace and a sense of wonder and worth that really can’t be replicated in people.”
Technologists vs. technicians
According to the Department of Labor, veterinary technologists and technicians work under veterinarians to provide quality health care to animals. They typically conduct clinical work in private practice, performing medical tests and treating and diagnosing medical conditions and diseases in animals. In addition, they may discuss the animal’s condition with its owner, develop X-rays and provide specialized nursing care.
Training and education
The primary difference between veterinary technologists and technicians is the educational requirements: veterinary technicians must complete a two-year program; veterinary technologists need a four-year degree. Veterinary technician programs are typically offered at accredited community colleges.
Opportunities
Veterinary technicians and technologists generally perform the same duties. Most care for either small, companion animals (cats, dogs, etc.) or larger, non-domestic animals. In addition, some technologists and technicians work in biomedical research, wildlife medicine, the military, livestock management or pharmaceutical sales.
Emotional work
Being a veterinary technologist or technician is an ideal career for animal lovers who may not want to undergo many years of education. They work closely with animals and get fulfillment from helping and caring for pets. Because some animal hospitals, research facilities and shelters are open 24 hours a day, it is
possible to work flexible shifts.
Salary
In 2013, the median annual earnings of veterinary technologists and technicians was $36,260 with some technicians or technologists earning as much as
$44,490.
Job outlook
As pet owners become more affluent and willing to spend money pets, they consider to be part of the family, job opportunities are increasingly abundant for veterinary technicians and technologists.