Veterinary Technician

[Amys Animals]

So I have been thinking A LOT about what I want to go to school for and about my career and life.  I am 21 and haven’t started college yet…I think it’s about time…I am probably going to start next year in the spring…

I wanted to go to school for marine biology but it turns out there aren’t many jobs in that field.  I’ve decided I will go the route I originally had planned.  My whole life I wanted to be a veterinarian but I think since I am 21 and getting a late start maybe just being a vet tech would be fine for me.  I have not done much research on vet tech’s.  I don’t know how much they get paid or anything.  I am just going with my heart on this one.  Being a vet tech will I be able to make a decent living?  Could I make it on my own with a dog and two rabbits?  Right now I don’t pay for my dogs expenses only my rabbit stuff. I don’t pay bills either and I don’t pay rent.  I live with my parents so they still FORTUNATELY take care of me, financially, since I don’t have a REAL job.  I make money but not enough to support myself on my own.  Just my bun buns.  =P  Anyways, not my point.  What i am trying to find out is if anyone on here is a vet tech or knows anything about it?  What can you tell me about it?  How long does schooling take to become one?  How much do they get paid?  

Thanks,

Amy

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I would suggest finding some schools that offer the program and talking to the advisers, and in addition popping into your vet clinic and talking to the vet techs there. People love to talk about their careers so they’d be happy to talk to you.
Here a vet tech makes about 30,000$ a year and that’s just below the poverty line. However if there is overtime involved and you live in a two income household that could certainly work. You wouldn’t be rich but you’d be fine. Additionally although even vets pay for vet care -you might be able to get free checkups and pay just cost for procedures, depending on the clinic.
I also know at least here, it’s a very competitive field, so the schools want you to do x amount of hours volunteering and a career study in addition to competitive grades for admission.
I would think it’s a tremendously rewarding career and certainly worth looking into!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Whoops just saw your question on length-here it’s a two year full time program.

[LBJ10]

It’s a two year program. Around here, the starting pay is around $12/hour. What’s that? Like $25,000/year if you work full-time? What you actually do as a vet tech really depends on the office. I know people sometimes get confused between vet tech and vet assistant.

[longhairmike]

starting college late is certainly no longer anything to be ashamed of. you have a bazillion years left
college grads moving right back into their parents’ basements seems to be the status quo now.

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