chapter 35- (veterinary medicine) techs and workers

veterinary technologists and technicians:
- 2 primary levels of education and training for entry to this occupation. technicians → 2 year program, technologists → 4 year program.
- both techs perform many of the same duties for a veterinarian that a nurse would for a physician. there is very little difference between the tasks carried out between technicians and technologists, despite education differences.
- most technicians work in private clinical practices, while technologists may work in advanced research-related jobs at college/univ. both conduct clinical research in a private practice under the supervision of a vet. they perform tasks such as performing medical tests and lab tests, take blood samples, etc.
- experienced technicians may talk to pet owners about their pets and train new personnel. most of both techs care for small pets in small animal practices. very few work in mixed animal practices with large animals (horse, cattle)
- may also work in research facilities under vet or physician. they still do similar tasks even with different educational levels. they administer medications, prepare lab samples, etc.

- most work in private clinics, labs, and animal hospitals. may work in zoos and shelters. sometimes the work is unpleasant and demanding, especially when working with animals who are hostile. techs have a higher rate of injury and illness than the national average.
- 90% work in veterinary services

EDUCATIONAL AND LEGAL REQS
- 2 levels of education and training for entry. 2 year program → vet techs, 4 year program → vet technologists. typically, both must pass a credentialing exam and become registered, licensed, or certified, depending on the state.
- entry level vet technicians have a 2 year associate’s degree from an AVMA accredited community college program in vet technology.
- there are 213 vet technology programs in 48 states, 25 are bachelor’s degree 4 year programs. graduation allows students to take the credentialing exam in any state in the country.
- most techs usually begin work as trainees under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. those with extensive hands-on experience may require a shorter period of on-the-job training.

- states vary, but all of them require completion of credentialing exam following coursework. VTNE (veterinary technician national examination) is usually used. passing will ensure that techs have sufficient knowledge to work in a vet clinic or hospital.
- AALAS (American association for laboratory animal science) is usually recommended for those seeking employment in a research facility. it offer cert for three levels of technician competence. focus is in three areas (animal husbandry, facility management, and animal health/welfare).

- 15% growth due to pet owners becoming more willing to pay for advanced vet care. vet perform specialized tasks, therefore it is becoming popular to hire techs in clinics and animal hospitals to perform general care and lab work. vet technicians and technologists > vet assistants.

animal care and service workers:
- most workers are trained on the job, but employers prefer to hire with experience with animals and a HS diploma.
- zookeepers and marine mammal trainers usually require a bachelor’s degree

- feed, groom, bathe, exercise pets and other nonfarm animals. may also clean, disinfect, and repair animal cages, they provide companionship and observe behavioral changes that could indicate illness or injury.

TYPES:
- nonfarm animal caretakers: work with cats and dogs in animal shelters. attend to the basic needs of animals. more experienced will have more responsibilities, such as vaccination and euthanization under the direction of a vet. may also have administrative duties.
- animal trainers: train animals for riding, security, performance, obedience, or assisting people with disabilities. most work with dogs and horses, but marine mammals too. animals can be taught familiarity with human contact and human voice.
- groomers: specialize in maintaining pet’s appearance (cutting, trimming, styling pets’ fur, clipping nails, cleaning ears, bathing, etc.) they may operate their own business, work in a salon or run their own mobile grooming service. mobile services are becoming popular because it is convenient for pet owners and allows the pet to stay in a familiar environment.
- in stables, grooms are responsible for feeding, grooming, and exercising horses.
- keepers (in zoos) care for animals in zoos and monitor animal health.
- kennel attendants: care for pets while owners are working or traveling. they may clean, do dog runs, feed, play with animals.
- pet sitters: work in private homes to look after animals while their owner is away. they go to the owner's house which allows the pet to stay in familiar surroundings.

- require little to no training and have flexible work schedules, which makes it suitable for people seeking a first job or part-time work. work in all types of environments and may also experience emotional distress working with animals.
- 1/4 were self-employed.
- 32% worked in personal services, 26% were self-employed. 22% worked in agriculture or forestry, 11% worked in animal production or aquaculture. others worked in zoos, stables, shelters, etc.

EDUCATIONAL AND LEGAL REQS
- on the job training is the most common way animal care and service workers learn their works. employers generally prefer to hire those with experience w/ animals
- many animal care facilities also require a high school diploma as well.
- most workers begin performing small and basic tasks, and work their way up to positions that require more responsibility and experience. some workers are trained prior.
- pet groomers learn their trade by training under the guidance of an experienced groomer. they can also attend one of 50 state-licensed grooming schools.
- dog and horse trainers typically qualify by taking courses at a community college or private training schools.
- most zoos require keeps to have a bachelor’s degree in biology, animal sci, etc.
- marine mammal trainers usually need a bachelor’s degree in marine bio, animal sci, bio, etc.

- license is not required to be employed.
- cert is not required but is available in many service occupations and may help workers establish credentials and enhance their skills.
- dog trainers can be certified by a professional association or one of many private vocational/state approved trade schools. National Dog Groomers Association of American offers cert for master status as a groomer. applicants must demonstrate their practical skill and pass 2 exams.
- national association of professional pet sitters offers a home-study certification for those who wish to become pet care professionals.
- marine mammal trainers must also be good swimmers, cert in using SCUBA (self contained underwater breathing apparatus).

- 33% growth due to the companion pet population increasing and baby boomer population, who are expected to increasingly purchase services for animal care.
- demand for marine mammal trainers is expected to grow slowly.
- demand for animal care and service workers in animal shelters is expected to grow as communities increasingly recognize the connection between animal abuse and abuse toward humans.
- marine mammal trainers, horse trainers, and zookeepers will face very strong competition because there are few positions in these occupations.
- cost of riding and owning a horse is too high for most, so employment of horse trainers is not expected to grow as fast as those who train companion pets.