Horse Jobs – Vet Tech

Often Vet Techs are ambitious students working their way through vet school in the hopes of becoming a veterinarian themselves. They usually work in a more technical atmosphere than the vet assistant and require more training.

Often the animals that a vet tech works with are very sick, this requires compassion as well as the strength needed to support upset owners.

This is a position which benefits from someone with an aptitude for science, critical thinking skills and a complete knowledge of the equine animal inside & out.

A calm demeanor, strength of body and character, and the ability to think on your feet are important characteristics of a good vet tech.

Job Description

Responsible for a multitude of daily tasks around the veterinarian’s office, sometimes their duties are combined with that of the vet assistant and they work closely with the vet.

Responsibilities

• Handling a variety of animal temperaments
• Performing physical examinations
• Taking x-rays
• Conducting laboratory collections & tests
• Inducing & monitoring anesthesia
• Performing dental prophylaxis
• Preparing for & assisting during surgery
• Advising & educating clients

Requirements

Becoming a vet tech requires more than just a love of animals and determination. Schooling, many vet schools will offer certification programs for vet tech students. Many of the programs are 2-years in scope, however some universities offer a 4-year accreditation leading to higher responsibility and higher salary.

Resources

A few places to start if you are interested in a career as a veterinarian technician.

*Links open in a new window

• American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians
• International Veterinary Nurses & Technicians Association
• National Association of Veterinary Technicians
• Veterinary School Directory
• Vet Tech Schools & Programs Online
• Equine Manual for Veterinary Technicians

The Right Job For You?

If this isn’t your dream job, there is a long list of different careers that involve horses. Each one requiring a different skill set, schooling requirement and amount of contact with the animals.

Image from Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital