VETERINARY TECHNICIANS (ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIANS) Number 402 Interest Area 3 1998
THE JOB
Animal health care is becoming increasingly complex, requiring more VETERINARY TECHNICIANS qualified to give technical assistance in veterinary practices, biological laboratories, animal research, food inspection, and other areas. As a result, regulations adopted by the Board of Examiners of Veterinary Medicine allow more extensive use of registered technicians.
Technicians assist veterinarians, biological workers, and other scientists by performing more routine tasks, freeing them for specialized, complex tasks. They also work in companies that produce drugs and feeds, animal production facilities, zoos, meat packing companies, animal shelters, animal control facilities, and spaying and neutering clinics.
Veterinary Technicians who assist veterinarians perform duties in the medical, surgical, and therapeutic treatment of animals. Under the direction of veterinarians, they assist with physical examinations that help determine the nature of the illness or injury. They administer medications, immunizations, anesthesia and blood plasma to the animals as prescribed by the veterinarian. Technicians take and record temperature, pulse and respiration. They collect and label specimens for culture or microscopic examination. They dress and suture wounds, apply splints and other protective devices, and clean and extract teeth. They also give enemas and perform catheterization, earflushes, intravenous feedings, and gavage (the introduction of food into the stomach by means of a tube). On some jobs, Veterinary Technicians operate electro-cardiographic and radiographic equipment and also expose and develop diagnostic radiographs. In surgery, they assist veterinarians by providing correct equipment and instruments and by assuring that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition. Technicians must also maintain treatment records and inventory of all pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies. They may give emergency resuscitation or do other life saving procedures. In laboratories, they work under the direction of veterinarians, scientists, or senior technologists either in the handling of animals for experimental biological research or in the development and testing of new drugs and medical devices. Observation of the behavior and condition of the animals being studied is an important part of the job. They also assist in terminating unwanted cats, dogs, and other animals who are in city and county animal control facilities.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work environments vary with the job. Technicians in research laboratories and animal hospitals work almost entirely indoors, using modern equipment. Those who work in zoos, animal shelters and animal control facilities may work indoors as well as outdoors. Occupational hazards exist, but accidents are rare because workers are trained extensively in the use of protective devices to handle animals, materials and equipment.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 6,090 Estimated number of workers in 2005 8,290 Projected Growth 1993-2005 36% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 2,030
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
About 2,700 technicians are registered with the Veterinarian Medical Board. The widespread popularity of pets should spur job growth. In addition, as public health organizations, research institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers and universities expand their research activities, more openings will be available.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
In 1996, the average wage in California for Veterinary Technicians and Technologists was $10.86 per hour. For veterinary assistants, it was $8.50 per hour.
Many animal care facilities operate on a 24-hour schedule. Therefore, technicians must work on rotating or split shifts, weekends, and holidays. Overtime work is not uncommon. Benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, paid group and health insurance and retirement plans are fairly common. Government agencies and major employers often provide clearly defined promotions/pay.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
The Veterinary Medical Board currently classifies registered technicians as Registered Veterinary Technicians. Although registration is not mandatory to work in California, it can improve job opportunities and career development. Additionally, only registered technicians are allowed to perform procedures such as induce anesthesia, suture wounds and do certain other procedures.
There are several routes by which an applicant may be eligible to qualify for the Veterinary Technician registration exam. Graduation from an approved school is the primary route. A certificate program that usually takes a year to complete is offered by some private schools and community colleges. A two-year degree program is also available in many community colleges. Training programs include both academic and clinical instruction.
A list of accredited schools throughout the State with programs in animal health technology is available from the Registered Veterinary Technician Committee.
Applicants with a BS degree in veterinary science, or in a closely related field must also complete a minimum of 12 months of practical experience under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Another eligibility category allows applicants to qualify for registration through practical on-the-job training (OJT) combined with specific classroom training. The practical OJT consists of thirty six months working under the direct supervision of a State-licensed veterinarian. Coursework consists of twenty semester (thirty quarter) units or 300 hours of instruction.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and show proof of training to be admitted to the registration exam. The exam is scheduled twice a year and requires an application and certificate fee. The certificate of registration must be renewed annually.
Personal characteristics necessary for success in the job include a keen interest in animals, the ability to communicate well, and aptitudes to learn and independently apply techniques and methods of examination and treatment of animals.
ADVANCEMENT
Trainee technicians can expect a change in pay and status with additional education and experience. Registered technicians can advance to supervisory positions at larger private establishments and in civil service. Technicians in research laboratories may become research scientist assistants.
FINDING THE JOB
Jobseekers should apply directly to research centers, veterinarians, animal hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers and medical schools. Government positions are filled through success in written and oral examinations given by the city and county personnel divisions or the California State Personnel Board. College careers centers get information about job openings directly from employers. Some companies send recruitment officers to campuses who hire students for both part-time and permanent jobs.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Veterinary Medical Board, Registered Veterinary Technician Committee 1420 Howe Avenue, Suite 6 Sacramento, CA 95825-3228 (916) 263-2613
California Veterinary Medical Association 5231 Madison Ave. Sacramento, CA 95841 (916) 344-4985
Southern California Veterinary Medical Association 8338 S. Rosemead Blvd. Pico Rivera, CA 90660 (310) 948-4979
American Veterinary Medical Association 1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100 Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360 (847) 925-8070 Fax (708) 330-2862 www.avma.org
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Dental Assistants No. 27 Veterinarians No. 282 Medical Assistants No. 513
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Veterinary Technician 079.361-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Veterinary Technicians 329510 Veterinary Assistants 798060
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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