9 Types Of Vet Tech Careers That You May Choose

Are you looking for career opportunities that will lift you up as a vet tech? It is important to note that you have chosen a perfect profession with a promising career. However, many people remain unaware of the broad scope of a vet tech career. As a matter of fact, your progress is in your hands, and you can choose a path to create your success.

The good news is that you can have a bright future as a veterinary technician. There are many specialization options available to you. So, if you want to advance in your career as a veterinary technician, you can choose one of the specializations that we are going to discuss in this article. 

However, it must be noticed that each specialization may require you to acquire some kind of state certification in order to be an authorized technician. We will also tell you about how Vet and Tech can assist you in availing of those certifications. 

Let’s first delve a bit deeper into the types of veterinary technician specializations available for you.

Career Specializations For Vet Techs

Veterinary technicians may also specialize in specific areas of veterinary medicine. In fact, the NAVTA offers many certifications for vet techs looking to advance their careers. Veterinary technicians can become certified in various fields. For example, they can specialize in surgery, anesthesiology, equipment, animal-specific specialties, and more.

If you want to boost your credentials, consider the following specialized careers:

Clinical Technician

Clinical vet technicians are experts in the animal care of various animals. For example, they specialize in canines, felines, livestock, and exotic animals. Besides, vet techs can specialize in specific areas of clinical practice. They collaborate with veterinarians in each of these areas to provide routine care. For example, they administer medication and evaluate animals' health. They also assist during routine exams and maintain the veterinary equipment. They are also in charge of veterinary case management, nursing, and therapy procedures.

Animal Technician

Animal technicians are primarily employed in laboratories and zoos. In these facilities, animals are cared for daily. They keep the animals' habitats and living areas clean and monitor their health. Animal technicians also record and check health indicators. For example, their responsibilities include dietary requirements, behavior, and vital signs.

Hospital Service Technician

Vet techs working in emergency animal hospitals can specialize in emergency medicine and trauma care. Vet techs in this specialty perform emergency medical tasks. For example, they perform tasks like taking X-rays and administering IVs or medications. They also assist veterinarians during emergency procedures. Hospital vet techs also perform administrative duties and work long hours. Late shifts are typical in 24-hour emergency animal hospitals and similar facilities.

Medical Technician

Internal medicine is another specialty that veterinary technicians can pursue. Internal medicine technicians can help veterinarians in various subfields, including cardiology and oncology. Vet techs who specialize in internal medicine must have extensive experience and knowledge. Furthermore, they must be enlightened on how to care for animals in extreme medical situations, such as heartworms, cancer, and other long-term conditions.

Imaging Specialist

Imaging specialist technicians operate diagnostic imaging equipment. They can become certified to use CT scanners, ultrasound machines, MRI machines, PET scanners, and nuclear medical imaging machines. Imaging for animals, like humans, necessitates experience and certification to operate the equipment. Also, these vet techs help veterinarians care for animals requiring imaging procedures. Reading imaging to understand symptoms and diagnoses better may also be their responsibility.

X-ray Technician

Veterinary X-ray technicians are actually radiologic technicians. They operate X-ray and radiologic imaging equipment. These specialists assist veterinarians in evaluating animals, performing X-ray procedures, and reading imaging results. They better understand animal ailments, injuries, and other physical symptoms. Veterinary technicians who specialize in radiology learn about X-ray and radiologic equipment. In addition, they interpret developed images.

Dietary Technician

Veterinary dietary and nutrition technicians assist veterinarians with routine medical procedures. For example, they draw blood and analyze results to provide adequate nutritional guidance. Also, vet techs specializing in animal nutrition guide pet owners on proper nutrition. They assist them in locating products that meet the nutritional requirements of their animals.

Anesthesia Technician

Anesthesiologists techs are veterinary technicians who specialize in anesthesiology. These professionals are highly specialized to ensure that animals undergoing surgical procedures receive adequate and safe care. They supervise the use and administration of anesthesia to patients during surgery. Furthermore, they monitor animals after surgery to ensure complete recovery. They also offer post-operative care and guide pet owners through at-home care.

Surgical Technician

Veterinary surgical technicians assist veterinarians with routine and emergency surgical procedures. They assist in preparing surgical equipment, administering medicine, and monitoring vital signs in animals. They also assist during procedures and instruct animal owners on post-operative care. Besides, these techs assist in maintaining surgical records and organizing documents for owners.

Wrapping Up

Hence, the career options for vet techs are diverse. You can advance your career by pursuing a variety of specializations. To advance your career in the field of veterinary medicine, you can look into various programs and courses on Vet and Tech. Moreover, our educational programs and affiliated associations are excellent resources for anyone looking for relevant programs and organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Equipment Do Veterinarians Use?

Veterinarians often use different equipment. For example, CT scanners, ultrasound machines, MRI machines, X-ray machines, and other equipment.

What Is The Difference Between A Vet Tech And A Vet Nurse?

Both veterinary technicians and veterinary nurses assist the veterinarians. But, there are differences between the two in terms of educational requirements and job specifications.

What Are The Different Types Of Veterinarians?

Veterinarians are typically classified into five major groups. These are companion animal veterinarians, veterinary specialists, exotic animal veterinarians, laboratory veterinarians, and lastly, livestock, food, and large animal veterinarians.