The most crucial part of one’s life is selecting a career, and as an animal lover, your ideal choice could be an animal technologist.
One research by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the field of vet tech and animal technicians, known as vet techs, will increase by 15% from 2022 to 2032, and it might be much faster than the average for all fields.
This growth is due to the rising awareness of pet care and advanced animal veterinary care.
Below are six reasons why you should pursue a career as an animal technologist.
1. Job Stability and Growing Demand
There is a great need for skilled veterinary technologists; hence, the profession is considered stable and secure.
Research shows the global pet care market is anticipated to reach $358. This will raise the required number of professionals to 62 billion by 2027.
The need to protect the welfare of the animals and conduct research is paramount.
Animal Technologist Job Description:
Veterinary technologist works in different areas, such as:
- Research laboratories
- Zoos
- Veterinary practices
Vet clinical technicians perform several duties; these include:
- Overseeing animal health and welfare
- Helping in animal surgery
- And undertaking research work
How to Become an Animal Technologist:
In general, the requirements to opt for the field of veterinary technologist are:
- A degree in veterinary technology
- Animal Sciences or
- A relevant course
Additional training by certain professional bodies, such as the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, can improve your marketability.
Salary Expectations:
Based on the Pay scale, the general income for an animal technologist in the United States is $35,000 to $50,000 yearly based on experience and area.
| Did you know?The employment of veterinary technologists is projected to grow 15% from 2022 to 2032, outpacing many other professions. |
2. Diverse Career Opportunities
As an animal technologist, you can explore various job roles, including working in research institutions, veterinary clinics, zoos, and pharmaceutical companies.
The following table provides a general overview of different opportunities and their salaries.
Table: Career Paths for Animal Technologists
| Career Path | Job Description | Median Salary (USD) |
| Animal technician | Assist veterinarians in diagnosing and treating animals | $36,360 |
| Research Technologist | Conduct experiments and care for laboratory animals in research settings | $41,000 |
| Animal Welfare Officer | Ensure the ethical treatment of animals in research of agricultural settings | $45,000 |
| Zoo Technologist | Care for and manage the well-being of animals in zoos and wildlife parks | $39,000 |
| Animal Nutrition Specialist | Research and develop animal diets and supplements | $49,000 |
Working as a zoo technologist allows you to contribute directly to the conservation of endangered species.
3. Impactful Work and Contribution to Society
As a veterinary technologist, you can also positively impact animals and human beings.
Whether you are in the clinical field or in a research setting, you are part of the progress in animal lives and diseases.
- Animal Technologist Job Impact:
- In veterinary clinics, they help in diagnosing and treating animals, improving their health and well-being.
- In research labs, they play a pivotal role in scientific research, contributing to discoveries in medicine and animal care.
4. Hands-On Experience with Animals
Candidates willing to work directly with animals, as veterinary technologists, have the finest opportunity to do so each day.
Pertaining to the care and handling of animals, whether in a clinic or laboratory, your hands-on training is essential.
Graph: Daily Responsibilities of an Animal Technologist
5. Career Advancement Opportunities
Animal technology has many jobs for candidates who are interested in the field.
After some years of practice and attainment of other certifications, the staff can upgrade to become a specialist or management-level employee.
- Advanced Certifications:
- Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATg): This certification, offered by AALAS, is for those seeking advanced roles in laboratory animal care.
- Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS): Specializes in anesthesia, dentistry, or emergency care.
- Management Roles:
As you gain experience, you may progress to managerial roles, overseeing teams of technologists and technicians.
| Do you know?Certified animal technologists earn 20% more than the non-certified ones. |
6. Fulfillment and Passion-Driven Work
You can get a promotion in your career as in charge of technologists and technicians.
This is an essential part of being a veterinary technologist, and you get this in return for providing the best services to your pets and making them happy and healthy.
Job Satisfaction:
A survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA, revealed that 85% of animal technicians and technologists enjoy their work because they work with animals daily.
Community Impact:
Your work as a veterinary technologist benefits the animals; community interest is implicated with your work, as it assures or promotes the health and safety of the animals.
Collaboration Between Animal Technologists and Veterinarians
In veterinary clinics, animal technologists often work closely with veterinarians to ensure the smooth operation of daily appointments. While veterinarians focus on diagnosing and treating animals, technologists assist in preparing animals for examinations, collecting samples, and providing post-treatment care. Managing veterinarian appointments in a day requires coordination between both professionals, as technologists play a crucial role in streamlining procedures and ensuring that every patient receives the best care.
Conclusion
Becoming an animal technologist means having a good and fulfilling job with the valuable skills to help animals.
The field of animal care is on the rise, as there are various employment opportunities; thus, it is suitable for those who enjoy working with animals.
If you are eager to pursue this profession, you should begin by choosing the educational programs and getting certifications to unlock the way to a successful career.
To learn more about Vet Tech courses and veterinary technologists, explore Vet and Tech.
You can also access online educational resources and take the next step in your veterinary professional development.
Vets should join Vet and Tech for expert-led learning. They host free CE webinars on various topics regularly.
FAQs
How do I make more money as a vet tech?
A veterinarian technician’s pay can rise with specialization. Animal technicians can specialize in veterinary medical specialties, including:
- Emergency and critical care
- Dentistry
- Anesthesia
This specialty should pay more as they frequently call for further education and certification.
What benefits do you get as a vet tech?
Vet technologists frequently receive health insurance, including vision, dental, and medical care plans. In addition, they can be eligible for paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and retirement programs like a pension.
