The biomedical research
facility is one of the primary settings in which a laboratory animal
technician works. Some of the technician’s
typical duties include administering medications to lab animals orally
or topically, preparing samples for laboratory examinations and recording
information about an animal’s genealogy, diet, weight, medications,
food intake and clinical signs of pain and distress. Some laboratory
animal technicians, also called veterinary technologists, vaccinate
newly admitted animals and occasionally are required to euthanize
seriously ill, injured or unwanted animals.
Technicians handle ordering
supplies and instruments and performing minor equipment maintenance.
In addition, they assist medical personnel during animal surgery.
They may provide routine preoperative and postoperative care, perform
standardized laboratory tests on animal specimens and report findings.
Other surgical duties can include catheterizing, starting intravenous
injections and administering anesthesia and drugs. Laboratory animal
technicians also maintain the lab operating room by following established
standards of sanitation, including sterilizing laboratory and surgical
equipment.
At research facilities, veterinary technologists typically
work under the guidance of veterinarians, research physicians and
other laboratory technicians. Some also find job opportunities in
wildlife medicine, the military, livestock management and pharmaceutical
sales.
Education/Training
There are primarily two levels of education and training for entry
into a career as a laboratory animal technician: a two-year program
for veterinary technicians and a four-year program for veterinary
technologists. Most entry-level veterinary technicians hold a two-year
degree — usually an associate’s degree from an accredited
community college program in veterinary technology. These programs
teach courses in clinical and laboratory settings using live animals,
and there are more than 100 throughout the United States. Distance-learning
programs also are available. About 15 colleges offer longer veterinary
technology programs, which culminate in a four-year bachelor’s
degree in veterinary technology. These four-year colleges, in addition
to some vocational schools, also offer two-year programs in laboratory
animal science. The cost of these programs varies from school to
school. You should contact the school of your choice, which will
be able to provide information on tuition and financial aid.
Individuals
interested in careers as veterinary technologists and technicians
should take as many high school science, biology and math courses
as possible. Science courses taken beyond high school, in an associate
or bachelor’s degree program, should emphasize
practical skills in a clinical or laboratory setting.
Technologists
and technicians usually begin work as trainees in routine positions
under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Entry-level workers
whose training or educational background encompasses extensive
hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory equipment, including
diagnostic and medical equipment, usually require shorter periods
of on-the-job training. As technologists and technicians gain experience,
they assume more responsibility and perform more assignments under
only general veterinary supervision. Some of these individuals
eventually can become supervisors.
Certification
Employers in this career area recommend the American Association
for Laboratory Animal Science certification for those seeking employment
in a research facility. AALAS offers certification for three levels
of technician competence, with a focus on three principal areas:
animal husbandry, facility management and animal health and welfare.
Individuals who wish to become certified must satisfy a combination
of education and experience requirements prior to taking an exam.
Required work experience must be related directly to the maintenance,
health and well-being of laboratory animals and must be gained
in a laboratory animal facility as defined by AALAS. Candidates
who meet the necessary criteria can begin pursuing the desired
certification on the basis of their qualifications. The lowest
level of certification is assistant laboratory animal technician,
the second level is laboratory animal technician and the highest
level is laboratory animal technologist.
Currently, there is a strong
demand for graduates from veterinary technology programs. In 2004
the Department of Labor listed veterinary technicians as one of the
20 fastest-growing careers in health care occupations. Veterinary
technicians can find employment in veterinary practices, biomedical
research, education, zoo/wildlife medicine, industry, military, livestock-health
management, pharmaceutical sales and business ownership. The employment
opportunities seemingly are endless and at the present time are plentiful.
The demand for fully trained, competent animal care technicians in
the field of laboratory animal science only will increase as the
need for more medical and scientific advances continues to grow.
Salary
The median hourly earnings for veterinary technicians were $13.89
as of May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.44 and
$16.87, the bottom 10 percent earned fewer than $9.86 and the top
10 percent earned more than $19.83. These figures have been adjusted for inflation.
Related Links http://www.aalas.org
The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science is a large
organization representing veterinarians, scientists, animal technicians,
educators and the allied trade groups associated with laboratory
animal medicine. AALAS improves the care and use of laboratory animals
through education and information exchange. Information about its
certification program can be found on the Web site.
http://www.aavmc.org
The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges’ site
offers detailed career information about the veterinary profession.
It covers everything from the various roles of veterinarians to becoming
a vet technician.
http://www.navta.net
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America represents
and promotes the profession of veterinary technology. NAVTA’s
online career center offers job-seekers and employers some of the
best available career resources. There are also links to networking,
training and career development services on the site.
Laboratory Animal Technician
Salary Range: up to $40,000/year Minimum Education: Certificate
