  
This page includes information on the following:
Your Career in Veterinary Medical Technology
Duties and Responsibilities
Career Opportunities
Education Required
Salary
Professional Regulation
Organizations
Accredited Veterinary Technician Programs
Veterinary Technician Association Listing-1999
State Regulations for Veterinary Technician Registration
Learn more from the
North American Veterinary Technician Association (NAVTA)
Home Page.
YOUR CAREER IN VETERINARY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 
In recent years, the practice of veterinary medicine has grown to be more sophisticated and complex. Pet owners expect, and are entitled to, state-of-the-art veterinary care for their animals. To provide this type of service, today's modern veterinarian uses the skills of a trained and educated professional known as a Veterinary Technician.
If you like animals, enjoy working with your hands, as well as your mind, and want a challenging job with a variety of responsibilities, a career in Veterinary Medical Technology may be right for you.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
The Veterinary Technician is an integral member of the veterinary health care team who has been educated in the care and handling of animals, the basic and advanced principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in routine and advanced laboratory and clinical procedures. In general, a Veterinary Technician performs many of the same tasks for a veterinarian that nurses and other professionals perform for physicians, except that a Veterinary Technician is trained in ALL areas of veterinary medicine, including laboratory procedures, radiology, dentistry, surgical assistance, pharmacology, critical care/emergency medicine, laboratory animal studies, and to say the least, all of these areas are covered for multiple species, including canines, felines, equines, bovines, porcines, caprines, ovines, reptiles, avians, and captive wild animal species such as those found at the zoo. They are the full package and more!
A Veterinary Technician employed in a veterinary practice might:
obtain and record patient case histories
collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures
provide specialized nursing care
prepare patients, instruments, and equipment for surgery
assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures
expose and develop radiographs
communicate with animal owners
supervise and train clinic personnel
surgical nursing
dental prophylaxis
A Veterinary Technician does not diagnose, prescribe, or perform surgery, or engage in any activity prohibited by the state practice act. All Veterinary Technicians work under the supervision of a veterinarian.
In addition to the duties and responsibilities previously mentioned, a Veterinary Technician employed in a biomedical research facility might:
-supervise the care and handling of animals
-assist in the implementation of research projects
These tasks are performed under the supervision of a veterinarian, a biomedical research worker, or other scientist.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES 
The majority of Veterinary Technicians are employed in private practices, particularly companion animal practice. However, the demand for technicians in other areas is rapidly expanding. Opportunities that exist for graduate Veterinary Technicians include:
biomedical facilities
diagnostic laboratories
colleges/universities
veterinary supply sales
zoos and wildlife facilities
humane societies and animal control facilities
the military
drug or feed manufacturing companies
industry
food safety inspection
EDUCATION REQUIRED 
A career in Veterinary Medical Technology requires a minimum of two years college education. A graduate Veterinary Technician receives either a certificate, a diploma, or an associates degree. Some Veterinary Medical Technology programs are longer in length and may culminate in a baccalaureate degree. There are over 75 Veterinary Medical Technology programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association; graduation from an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Medical Technology program allows you to take the credentialing examination in any state in the country. My personal and strong recommendation is the program offered at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford, NC. From personal experience, as well as seeing other graduates excel trememdously, this program will provide you with the knowledge to be one of the best in the profession!
The AVMA does not accredit correspondence courses. The Association recommends that anyone seeking a career in Veterinary Medical Technology attend a two-year program at an accredited institution of higher learning where courses are taught in clinical and laboratory settings using live animals.
SALARY 
Veterinary Technicians earn salaries that compare favorably to those in other fields requiring a similar education. Salaries vary according to experience, responsibility, geographic location, and practice type or setting.
PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
The majority of states have regulations that provide for technician credentialing (certification, licensure, registration). Candidates are typically tested for competency through examination, and the process is regulated by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, or another appropriate agency. Many states require candidates to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination.
ORGANIZATION 
Approximately one hundred state, local, and provincial organizations of Veterinary Technicians exist across the United States and Canada. Leaders of these groups formed the North American Veterinary Technician Association (NAVTA), which is the National Organization for Veterinary Technicians. Continuing education, social, and employment-related activities are common features of these organizations, which benefit their members. For further information contact NAVTA, P.O. Box 224, Battle Ground, IN 47920
FURTHER INFORMATION
A complete listing of AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs is available from the American Veterinary Medical Association, 1931 N. Meacham Rd., Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173.
Copyright © 1998
American Veterinary Medical Association
Parts contain rewording or additions by Karen Hailey.
Always Keep This In Mind 
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"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."--Eleanor Roosevelt
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