An associate degree in veterinary science nurtures a healthy career

If you love animals and have a drive to help those in need, veterinary technician or technologist career might be just what the animal doctor ordered. Veterinary technicians enjoy a healthy career outlook, and an associate degree in veterinary science or animal care is typically sufficient to qualify for the career.

What Do Veterinary Technicians and Technologists Do?

Veterinary technicians and technologists assist licensed veterinarians as they care for sick or injured animals and provide basic routine care and vaccinations. Specific duties for both groups include:

• Performing medical tests
• Administering medications and treatments
• Taking specimen samples
• Educating pet owners about basic care or treatment

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Assistance (BLS), veterinary technicians and technologists tend to perform the same duties, though technicians tend to hold associate degrees in veterinary science while technologists pursue bachelor's degrees. The advanced training veterinary technologists receive allows them to work in laboratories and advanced research environments in addition to the private practice clinics to which most technicians are limited.

Career and Salary Information for Veterinary Technicians

Both veterinary technologists and technicians enjoy promising career prospects. According to the BLS, positions for veterinary technicians and technologists are expected to grow by an impressive 36 percent between 2008 and 2018. The reason for the boom is simple: people are more willing than ever to invest money in basic care and treatments for their furry, feathered, or scaled friends.

The BLS reports that veterinary technicians and technologists earned mean annual wages of $30,580 in 2009. Salaries tend to improve with experience and ongoing education, though students hoping to earn significantly more can build upon their associate degrees in veterinary science and earn advanced veterinary degrees, eventually becoming licensed veterinarians.

How to Become a Veterinary Technician or Technologist

According to the BLS, an associate degree in veterinary science is often sufficient training, though those who want to work in laboratory environments should consider using an associate degree in veterinary science as a stepping stone to a 4-year bachelor's degree. Whichever program you pursue, note that all accredited programs should include hands-on clinical training, even those offering online associate degrees in veterinary science.

Earn an Online Associate Degree in Veterinary Science

Many students are surprised to learn they can pursue an online associate degree in veterinary science. It's important to note, however, that accredited veterinary science degrees typically require some hands-on training in addition to online instruction. This requirement can typically be met in a participating local vet office or animal hospital.

License Requirements for Veterinary Technicians

If you hope to become a veterinary technician or technologist, you'll need to become licensed. The BLS reports that while all states regulate veterinary technicians differently, all require license candidates to pass an exam after earning a degree in veterinary science. As most states use the National Veterinary Technician Exam, scores are typically transferrable from one state to the next. Those who hope to work in research facilities should consider certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.

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