Veterinary technologists and technicians assist veterinarians in diagnosing the ailments of injured and ill animals. They are responsible for administering various tests and are under the direct supervision of certified veterinarians. They may also work in research facilities to ensure animals there are handled and treated humanely. They may also specialize in a single discipline like dentistry or anesthesia but mostly work with small-animal practitioners.
Most veterinary technicians must attend a school or program to help prepare them for the job. And while on-the-job training and experience is also important, some postsecondary schooling could increase your chances of success in the industry. Here are a few examples of Wisconsin vet tech schools that you might consider:
The extent of the veterinary technician program varies depending on where the program is completed. Some schools offer a two-year associate degree in veterinary technology while others are four-year programs. A veterinary technician will typically have a two-year program degree while a veterinary technologist will generally have a four-year degree. Whatever the program, a veterinary technician is required to complete a postsecondary program.
Some skills that might be cultivated in these programs could include:
Additionally, technologists and technicians will be trained how to observe animal behavior, provide nursing or emergency care to injured animals, bathe and groom animals, administer anesthesia to animals, collect laboratory samples, perform tests, take and develop x-rays, prepare animals for surgery, administer medications, vaccines, and treatments, etc.
Most candidates looking to become a licensed technologist or technician in Wisconsin must pass a credentialing exam. A passing score on the VTNE, or Veterinary Technician National Examination is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards is generally required for credentials. Recertification every two years is also mandatory and requires at least 15 hours of continued education.
Technologists looking to work in a research facility can also choose to get certified by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) with the Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) certification and the Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) certification. Although neither are mandatory, certifications can demonstrate expertise to employers.
Listed below are metro areas ranked by the popularity of jobs for Vet Techs relative to the population of the city. Salary data was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov
Metro Area | Jobs | Annual Median Salary |
---|---|---|
Green Bay | 110 | $32,820 |
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis | 560 | $35,990 |
Oshkosh-Neenah | 70 | $33,910 |
Sheboygan | 40 | $33,370 |
Wausau | 50 | $33,430 |
Janesville-Beloit | 60 | $32,930 |
Eau Claire | 30 | $35,030 |
Madison | 380 | $40,200 |
Racine | 60 | $34,410 |
Appleton | 130 | $33,350 |
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