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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
Job Seekers 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.
Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of This California Occupational Guide
is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.
If you are searching for a job, go to:
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