Veterinary Technicians & Assistants
Veterinary technicians and assistants provide essential medical support in animal hospitals, clinics, and laboratories by performing diagnostic tests, administering medications, and caring for animals during treatment and recovery. These professionals assist veterinarians with medical procedures, monitor animals under anesthesia, maintain medical records, and ensure clean, safe environments for animal care. They work directly with pets and laboratory animals, combining hands-on animal care with technical medical skills.
🎬Career Video
🤖AI Resilience Assessment
AI Resilience Score
Score 5/6: low AI task exposure, growing job demand provides strong protection from AI displacement
How we calculated this:
16% of tasks can be accelerated by AI
+9% projected (2024-2034)
EPOCH score: 15/25
📋Key Responsibilities
- •Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
- •Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
- •Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
- •Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
- •Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
- •Restrain animals during exams or procedures.
- •Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.
- •Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.
💡Inside This Career
A day for professionals in veterinary support roles revolves around hands-on animal care and medical assistance across diverse settings. Whether working in a bustling veterinary clinic, research facility, or animal hospital, these professionals spend their mornings preparing for the day ahead—setting up examination rooms, checking on overnight patients, and reviewing treatment schedules. Throughout the day, they provide direct animal care including feeding, administering medications, and monitoring patients recovering from procedures. They also assist veterinarians during examinations and surgeries, restraining animals safely, preparing instruments, and ensuring both patients and medical staff have what they need for successful treatments.
The technical aspects of the work vary significantly depending on the setting and specialization level. Some professionals perform laboratory tests, take X-rays, collect samples, and operate specialized medical equipment, while others focus more on fundamental care tasks like cleaning facilities, maintaining accurate medical records, and ensuring animals remain comfortable and stress-free. Client communication forms another crucial component, as these professionals often explain treatment plans to pet owners, provide post-care instructions, and offer emotional support during difficult situations.
Collaboration defines much of the daily workflow, with veterinary support professionals working closely with veterinarians, fellow technicians, and administrative staff to coordinate patient care. The environment can shift rapidly from routine wellness checks to emergency procedures, requiring adaptability and quick thinking. Whether caring for beloved family pets, exotic animals, or laboratory research subjects, each day brings unique challenges and the satisfaction of contributing directly to animal health and welfare.
📈Career Progression
What does this mean?
This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.
📚Education & Training
Requirements
- •Entry Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- •Experience: One to two years
- •On-the-job Training: One to two years
- !License or certification required
Time & Cost
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Find jobs and training programs for veterinary technicians & assistants- Median salary: $40K/year
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💻Technology Skills
⭐Key Abilities
🏷️Also Known As
📑Vet Support Roles
This career includes 2 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.
| Specialization | Median Pay | AI Outlook | O*NET Code | Find Jobs | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,740 | 🟢 | 29-2056.00 | View details | ||
| $36,440 | 🟢 | 31-9096.00 | View details |
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