Veterinarian technicians also work in laboratories conducting research, where they are known as laboratory animal technologists or laboratory animal technicians. Animal research is conducted to improve livestock output, study disease and infections, improve animal health, perfect new surgical procedures, and test drugs for human use. With the proliferation of the animal rights movement, there has been serious scrutiny of the use of animals in many medical testing procedures. Thus the work of laboratory animal technicians has become more important because they supervise the daily care and maintenance of the animals, and also may assist in surgical care and conduct other health maintenance procedures.
RELATED OCCUPATIONS
- Veterinarian
- Gamekeeper
- Poultry Veterinarian
- Poultry Breeder
- Livestock Inspector
- Zookeeper
- Artificial Breeding Technician
- Zoo Veterinarian
A career as a veterinarian technician or a laboratory animal technician requires individuals to complete a two-year degree program from a community or technical college in veterinary technology. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there are 60 associate programs and five bachelor degree programs certified by the AVMA. Laboratory animal technologists must possess a four-year degree in the life sciences.
Students should have a strong science background in high school. Typical first-year general college courses include chemistry, math, biology, anatomy, humanities, and communication. Specific second-year courses approved by the AVMA may include animal pharmacology, veterinary physiology, animal care and management, radiography, anesthetic nursing and monitoring, and animal husbandry. Students also receive training in clinical practice with live animals at the school and field experience working in a veterinary practice or other animal health care facility.
SPECIAL CERTIFICATION
More than 35 states require that veterinary technicians be licensed, registered, or certified. Licensure requirements in most states include graduation from an AVMA accredited animal technology program, passing a state certification examination, and at least one year of full-time work experience. Contact the American Veterinary Medical Association, listed at the end of this chapter, for more information on testing procedures and personal requirements.
Laboratory animal technologists and technicians may receive voluntary certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALS). Laboratory animal technologists must have six years of training, four of which may be college-level courses in the life sciences, and at least two years of laboratory experience. Laboratory animal technicians must have three years of laboratory experience. They may substitute two years of education in college-level life sciences for two years of lab experience. Contact the AALS, listed at the end of this chapter, for more information on the requirements for certification.
Veterinary technicians work primarily in veterinary offices or animal care facilities throughout the nation. These facilities are much like hospitals: They are clean and comfortable and have a waiting room, a reception room, treatment rooms, examination rooms, a surgery room, and a pharmacy. Working conditions are sometimes noisy, and all veterinary personnel run the risk of being bitten and kicked by nervous animals. Most veterinarians and veterinary technicians work a regular 40-hour week, but some offices are on-call 24 hours a day or have home visitation services, which makes working hours more irregular. Those working in rural areas may work at small offices and have a mobile care service that takes them frequently to farms and other livestock facilities.
Laboratory animal technologists and technicians also work in clean and well-maintained research facilities. They work a regular 40-hour week and are rarely required to conduct field research. Laboratory facilities are also located throughout the nation but tend to be clustered in agricultural regions such as the South and Midwest.
EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS AND MAJOR EMPLOYERS
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment for veterinary technicians and laboratory animal technologists and technicians is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through the years to come as the population and economy expands. The number of domestic dogs and cats has increased significantly during the last 10 years, and more veterinarians and technicians are needed to care for these pets. Also, as concern for animal welfare increases, so will the need for certified personnel in laboratories.
The vast majority of veterinary technicians work in the private animal medical industry, but some work for federal and state agricultural agencies and at college and university research facilities. This distribution is also similar for laboratory animal technicians and technologists, except slightly more work in government and university research facilities.
SALARY STATISTICS
According to a 1990 survey by the Veterinary Hospital Manager's Association, the starting salary for all veterinary technicians ranged between $11,700 and $19,000. Pay for technicians with more than two years of experience ranged between $16,000 and $27,000. Starting salaries for laboratory animal technologists with a four-year college degree are typically higher. Benefit packages, such as health insurance, sick and vacation days, and retirement programs, vary widely, but larger employers are usually able to provide more generous benefits. Technicians and technologists working for government or universities can expect similar starting salaries but higher average salaries after a few years of experience.
SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION
- American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) 70 Timber Creek Dr. Cordova, TN 93018
- American Veterinary Medical Association 1931 North Meacham Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60173
- Opportunities in Animal and Pet Care (1993). By Mary Price Lee and Richard S. Lee and published by VGM Career Horizons, the NTC Publishing Group.
