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Animal Health
Technologists Needed for our Four-Legged Friends
After
Hurricane Katrina flooded New Orleans in 2005, thousands of lost,
frightened and injured animals needed care. One newspaper reported that
a local animal health technologist was flying to Louisiana to help care
for these homeless pets. She volunteered her time because she loved
animals and she saw a need.
That's just one example of how animal health
technologists make a difference.
Animal health technologists assist veterinarians and scientists by
performing more routine tasks. This lets the veterinarian or scientist
spend their time on specialized activities.
Other terms for animal health technologists include animal health
technicians, laboratory animal technicians, veterinarian assistants,
veterinary technicians and veterinary technologists. In some locations,
the work might differ somewhat depending on the title, but all care for
animals.
Vet Clinics, Zoos and
Other Opportunities
These technologists work at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals,
animal shelters, zoos and wildlife rehabilitation organizations. They
also work in research labs, government labs, and for the pharmaceutical
industry.
Dennis Lively is the president of the National Association of
Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). He also teaches animal
health technology at the National American University in Rapid City,
South Dakota.
"We find that the veterinary clinic is where the veterinary clinician
will get experience and then maybe move into other areas," he says.
Many animal health techs dream of working in a zoo. Zoos offer a chance
to work with a wide variety of exotic animals. However, there are not a
lot of zoos in the country, so these jobs are popular.
Lively says that zoos tend to hire people who start at the bottom and
work their way up. "I see a future trend where we will see a few more
opportunities in zoos. But it takes dedication to find a zoo and then
move to the area."
Veterinarian or
Animal Health Technologist?
Lively thinks that the veterinarian profession is more attractive to
some people because vets earn more money than animal health
technologists. Vets average $73,000 a year, according to the U.S.
Department of Labor. However, veterinarian training is very
competitive. It takes eight years of study, and graduates often have a
huge student debt.
Animal health technology is a great alternative for people who want to
work in veterinary medicine. Animal health techs train for two to four
years. They earn $25,000 to $30,000 a year in the U.S., according to
Lively.
The need for animal health techs is increasing. David Sedgman is a
doctor of veterinary medicine, and a university chair of an animal
health technology program.
"I don't know if it will be the same in 20 years. But right now, there
is quite a demand for high quality technical care," says Sedgman.
Trends Creating
Demand for Animal Health Techs
Various trends are affecting the career's growth.
First, more people own pets than ever before. Cats are popular pets
because they are easier to care for than dogs. You can leave a cat
alone in an apartment or condo for a weekend and it will entertain
itself.
Diana Guerrero is an author, speaker and animal expert based in
California. She says that 65 percent of American homes have pets. Many
households have more than one pet.
"This means that pet spending is up," explains Guerrero. "Pet industry
figures show that spending has doubled over the past ten years."
Guerrero also points out that veterinarians now treat animals that they
would have euthanized (put down) in the past. Now people view pets as
part of their family. They are willing to pay for long-term care and
preventative care rather than lose their pet.
There is another reason for the increasing demand for animal health
techs. Vets are starting to realize that these technologists make their
practice more efficient. The animals receive more attention, the pet
owners are pleased, and the practice gets better. "That's the trend
we're seeing!" Lively confirms.
Lively adds that animal health techs are even more important in rural
areas. Rural areas have difficulty attracting veterinarians. Many of
them prefer to work in animal clinics in the city. Therefore, busy
rural vets hire technologists because they need the help.
Universities and private laboratories are also increasing the demand
for these technologists. "Not many students come in wanting to work in
research," Sedgman says. "But about a quarter of our students decide to
work in that area by the time they graduate."
Training
Becoming More Complex
Most animal health technologists train for two years or more. Some
states require licensing or certification. In other locations, this is
voluntary but some employers require credentials.
Lively has been a registered technician for 25 years. "It's important
to me that I am recognized by my peers and clients as being a step
above a person who is not credentialed," he says.
The training for animal health technology is becoming more complex.
Standards of animal care are rising. When human health care advances,
animal owners expect the same kind of treatment for their animals.
For example, there are specializations in human medicine. Animal health
technology specializations are also emerging. Animal health techs can
specialize in dentistry, critical care and anesthesia. Internal
medicine will be the next specialty. Specialist technicians get
additional training.
Technological advances also affect training. Today's animal health
techs know how to work with ultrasound and different types of imaging,
for example.
Distance learning offers another new opportunity for people wanting to
become animal health techs. Some universities offer online training in
veterinary technology. The student must work in a veterinary clinic
under supervision so he or she can learn on the job. It takes longer,
but it is a way for an employer to help a valued employee get their
training.
Techs Need More
Than a Love of Animals
Lively says you must love animals to work in this field. However, you
must also be a people person. Animal technologists deal with pet
owners. They teach pet owners about various conditions like heartworm.
They also help the pet owner understand the alternatives and options
that are available.
Before entering the training, it's a good idea to work or volunteer at
a veterinary clinic. A lot of people love animals but are not suited
for working in this field. You also need some ability with mathematics
and chemistry.
"When you're calculationg drug dosages, you have to know the difference
between a 2 percent solution and a 5 percent solution," Sedgman
explains. "You'll kill the animal if you get it wrong."
Sedgman also says veterinarians need technologists who can think for
themselves. Vets can make mistakes. The technologist needs to be able
understand the directions from their veterinarian and double-check the
instructions if they feel that there is a potential problem.
"I tell them as animal health techologists they are paid to worry.
That's their job!" Sedgman concludes.
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Net
Sites
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National Association
of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
Check out the Vet Tech as a Career section
http://www.navta.net
A Career in
Veterinary Technology
The American Veterinary Association offers a good overview of this
career
http://www.avma.org/communications/brochures/careers/technology_brochure.asp
Ark Animals
An animal career expert provides pet care tips and more
http://www.arkanimals.com/index.html
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