If you love working with animals, a vet tech career might be ideal for you. But the first thing you need to do is know the difference between a vet technician and a vet technologist.

A veterinary technician must have a 2-year degree and usually work in private clinics. Veterinary technologists need to have a 4-year degree and can also work in research-related jobs. In both position, you would work under a licensed veterinarian doing such things as doing lab tests, assisting with animal care and tests, taking blood samples and provide other nursing care for animals. Work in a research facility includes preparing samples for lab examinations, recording information for research, and providing post-op care for animals. Some research like gene therapy is aimed at helping humans.

Vet technicians usually have associate’s degrees from two-year schools. Vet technologists earn a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. Schools that teach vet techs must be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Classes are taught in clinical and laboratory settings using live animals. Most states require vet techs to pass an exam to become certified, registered or licensed. The National Vet Technician exam is the most common exam.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the veterinary industry is expected to grow much faster than other professions in the next few years. There are approximately 80,000 vet technologist and technicians working in the U.S. currently. Most of these jobs are with veterinary services. Because animals always require medical care, vet techs can expect stable employment, even in times of economic recession.

There is a lot of competition for jobs. Candidates with the most experience in and out of the classroom are more likely to get hired. To prepare for a career as a vet tech, there are several things you can and should do along with going to an accredited vet tech school.

– Take as many high school science, biology, and math courses as possible.
– Volunteer in an animal shelter or pet rescue organization.
– Work as a volunteer docent in a zoo, natural history museum or other animal facility.
– Complete an internship in a zoo, shelter or research facility.
– Work on an academic research project independently or as part of your education.
– Work in an externship – a training program that is part of your college studies.

To get an idea of the types of jobs and salaries available to vet techs, take a look at the listings on Vet.com. You will find other valuable information about veterinary careers there as well.