Anyone interested in veterinary medicine as a career? Here is an article that may be of help to those of you considering a career as a veterinarian.
If you have any potential interest in the field of veterinary medicine, I encourage you to check it out.
https://excellentdogsclub.com/2049-2-is-becoming-a-veterinarian-hard/
The above link takes you an article that details the required steps to become a veterinarian. It further shares some of the many benefits of doing so.
Even more important, there is a brief video included. This video clip shows the compassionate hearts found in our better veterinarians and their assistants.
Veterinary Medicine Involves More Than The Doctor
We usually think of the doctor in the vet clinic before anyone else. However, there are other vital members of the team as well.
For many reasons, some who are interested in this field either cannot or choose not to become a vet. One of the other veterinary medicine positions is Vet Tech.
This is a demanding, yet rewarding, position for animal lovers. Just like any major decision, you need to do some research.
It is vital that you obtain a realistic understanding of the pros and cons associated with being a Vet Tech.
What Is Involved In The Position of Vet Tech?
Whether in the clinic or in the hospital setting, the VT assists the Veterinarian in every technical aspect of animal care.
Surgical procedures and the prescription of medication after diagnosing illness or injury must be done by the Vet. However, the majority of other things can be performed by a Vet Tech.
A few of these technical aspects are as follows.
- Gathering information about the animal from their owner
- Weighing and measuring animals
- Maintaining a clean exam room
- Drawing blood for necessary lab work
- Placing catheters
- Giving medication
- Administering vaccines
- Assisting during surgery
- Comforting animals during procedures
Like All Things, There Are Pros and Cons in the Pursuit of Veterinary Medicine
Pros
The ability to easily obtain experience working with a variety of animals is a plus. You must find out if working with unknown animals, especially those under stress, is a good fit for you.
Most importantly, you need to do this before applying to school.
Humane Societies and Animal Shelters are ideal places for you to get the experience you need. First of all, you get answers to important questions by working there.
Furthermore, you can also get references that will help you get accepted into the school of your choice. It may even help you obtain scholarships for which you may apply.
With over 160 Vet Tech training programs scattered across the United States and online opportunities available, you are not limited by geography.
If you stay focused and on track, you can complete most VT programs in two years.
Pros, Once You Have Completed the Training
Diversity is one of the greatest components of this profession. There are so many places from which you can choose to work.
- Private practice clinic specializing in large or small, domestic or exotic animals
- Veterinary Hospital
- Emergency Vet Clinics
- Aquariums
- Zoos
- Animal Shelters
- Humane Societies
- Horse Breeding Farms
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Veterinary medicine is important to horse breeding farms
Cons
Although there is always a demand for Vet Techs, the salary range is not very generous. This profession draws people with a great love for animals. Their dedication to caring for animals means more to them than the salary.
There is a range of annual salaries that differs between Vet Techs, Certified Techs, and Registered Techs. This is similar to the nursing profession.
As with most fields, as your education level rises, so does your salary. Here is a rough guide to what can currently be expected in the way of salaries.
- Vet Tech range is between $19,ooo and $40,000
- Certified Tech range is between $22,ooo and $41,ooo
- Registered Tech range is $23,000 and $51,ooo.
A number of factors contribute to the determination of one’s salary. Some of these factors are as follows.
- Educational qualifications
- Work experience
- Type of Employer
- Geographic location
More Than Money or Other Practical Concerns
Medicine, whether for animals or humans, requires more than intelligence and physical dexterity. Compassion and love for animals are vital components to the practice of veterinary medicine in any capacity.
Remember that you will be dealing with both the animals and their owners. When an animal is injured or ill, they can be more difficult to deal with. So can their owners when they are scared and worried about their pets.
This is stressful for all involved. Being able to remain calm and to help others, both man and beast, to do the same is important.
When a pet dies or has to be euthanized, Vet Techs are expected to assist. This can be very challenging at times. Not everyone can handle this.
Some people cannot deal with this level of emotional involvement. Can you?
Are you still interested in learning more about becoming a Vet Tech?
There are at least five very good, accredited Vet Tech programs in the United States. There is a combination of on-campus and online programs from which to choose.
While several offer mostly online training with an externship component for the required hands-on element, fewer offer 100% online training.
For more detailed info on becoming a vet tech or other vet associated employees such as a vet assistant, follow these links.
https://www.veterinarianedu.org/
https://www.edumed.org/online-schools/vet-tech-programs/
For a more generalized look at online college opportunities, check out this article. https://onlinecollegelife.info/is-now-the-time-for-you-to-attend-college/
Photos courtesy of Pixabay
