Veterinary hospitals employ three types of caretakers: Veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, and animal attendant. Veterinary technicians, also known as animal health technicians, are the most skilled. They keep records, take specimens, perform laboratory tests, prepare animals and instruments for surgery, take and develop radiographs, dress wounds, and assist veterinarians with examinations and surgery. However, they do not diagnose ailments, prescribe medication, or perform surgery. 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 technology may be right for you.

Forty-two States require veterinary technicians to be licensed; this is the only animal caretaker position requiring licensure. Licensure requirements in most States include graduation from an accredited animal technology program. Today, there are over 70 college programs for veterinary technicians accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association. Courses include animal pharmacology, veterinary physiology and anatomy, animal care and management, radiography, anesthetic nursing and monitoring, parasitology, animal husbandry, chemistry, biology, applied mathematics, communications, and the humanities. In States without education requirement for veterinary technicians, veterinarians may employ applicants with a strong science background and train them on the job; however, most veterinarians prefer graduates of formal academic programs.

• 2 year Associates Degree
• 4+ year Bachelors Degree

Employment of animal caretakers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005 as the population and economy expand. The number of dogs and cats has increased significantly over the last 10 years, and is expected to continue to increase. The best prospects should be for graduates of training programs in veterinary technology. Many employers complain of a shortage of formally trained veterinary technicians. Job opportunities for certified laboratory animal technicians and technologists are also good. As concern for animal welfare increases, so will the need for certified personnel in laboratories. 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 and food safety inspection.

Other occupations working with animals include agricultural and biological scientists, veterinarians, retail sales workers in pet stores, game keepers, game-farm helpers, poultry breeders, ranchers, and artificial-breeding technician.

$24,323

• Argosy University/Twin Cities
• Colby Community College
• Jefferson College
• Maple Woods Community College

• American Medical Technologists
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Kansas Veterinary Medical Association
• Missouri Veterinary Medical Association
• National Environmental Health Association
• North American Veterinary Technician Association