Is it better to be a vet tech or vet assistant?

A vet tech’s salary tends to be higher than a vet assistant’s salary. In May 2017, vet techs made a median salary of $34,710, while vet assistants earned a lower median salary of $27,570; the top half of these veterinary professionals made more than these figures, while the bottom half earned less.

What exactly does a vet tech do?

Veterinary technologists and technicians are responsible for the careful and humane handling of laboratory animals. Veterinary technologists and technicians, supervised by licensed veterinarians, do medical tests that help diagnose animals’ injuries and illnesses.

Do vet assistants put animals down?

Currently around 10 states allow vet techs to perform euthanasia with (Direct) or without (Indirect) the veterinarian present. Nine states indicate the technician may perform it as long as the veterinarian is on site and able to assist should the need arise.

Is becoming a vet assistant hard?

The job is sometimes stressful and physically demanding. Animals become ill and need care at all hours of the day or night, so vet assistants often work holidays, nights and weekends. Assistants sometimes have to move large animals and hold them still for treatments.

What does a vet tech assistant do?

Veterinary assistants care for animals under the supervision of a veterinarian or veterinary technician. They’re responsible for feeding, bathing, and exercising the animals, and they restrain them during examinations and treatment.

How do you become a veterinary assistant?

Veterinarian school typically takes 4 years to complete after a 4-year undergraduate degree, while a 4-year bachelor’s degree is typically required for veterinary technologists. Veterinary technicians typically need a 2-year associate degree. The Veterinary Assistant program can be completed in as few as 9 months.

What are the disadvantages of a vet tech?

Downsides. The clinic can be a stressful work environment. Technicians must be able to deal with upset owners, aggressive or uncooperative animals, euthanasia, and seeing severe injuries caused by trauma or neglect. Stress is one of the biggest factors cited by techs that decide to leave the profession.

What is the difference between a vet tech and an assistant?

A vet assistant is typically a general worker who assists both the vet tech and the veterinarian in their work fields. The vet assistant assumes clinical and clerical responsibilities in healthcare facilities. Unlike vet techs, vet assistants’ work does not cover most of the technicalities of caring and handling animals.

What are the benefits of becoming a vet tech?

Fulfilling a Passion. If you’re an animal lover,becoming a vet tech allows you to pursue a career you are truly passionate about.

How long does it take to become a vet tech?

In conclusion, after graduating high school having taken veterinary medicine prerequisites, the path to becoming a Vet Tech involves a post-secondary program, a learning curve and a search for employment. On average, this will take between two and four years to complete.

Is a vet tech a good career?

Job Security and Opportunities. There is a strong demand for veterinary technicians . The projected rate of growth for the profession is 30 percent through the year 2022.