If you are passionate about veterinary medicine, then one of the questions on your mind could be, “Can I become a veterinarian from a vet tech?” Becoming a vet tech is a stepping stone to starting a career as a veterinarian.
Becoming a vet tech before getting into vet school can be a grate stepping stone, but if your end goal from the start is to become a vet it might not be worth you time. When you become a vet technician before becoming a veterinarian, you will learn and appreciate the need for teamwork in the field. As a result, you will become a better veterinarian – but still is’t not necessary. In short: Consideration is the amount of time you would want to study. The educational requirements for the two career options are different.
Benefits of becoming a Veterinarian Technician before becoming a vet.
When you become a vet tech, you will learn more about terminology and procedures that can cause confusion for new students in veterinary medicine. The knowledge will make your first years in college easier and help you get better grades as you study to become a veterinarian. Another benefit of pursuing a vet technician course first is that it is shorter, and you will start earning before students that pursue a veterinarian course.
Statistics have also shown that job opportunities for vet techs are growing at a higher rate as compared to vets. Therefore, the chances of getting a job as a veterinarian technician are higher. The exposure that people get as veterinarian technician allows them to focus on real principles in the field.
Vets and vet technicians work as a team to get their work done. When you become a vet technician before becoming a veterinarian, you will learn and appreciate the need for teamwork in the field. As a result, you will become a better veterinarian. You will also gain practical skills that are essential when dealing with veterinary emergencies.
Considerations when choosing a career in Veterinary Medicine.
There are several factors that need consideration before you make a decision about the career path that you can follow in veterinary medicine. You have to consider similar matters when figuring out whether to become a veterinarian or a vet technician as the two careers have different levels of responsibility.
For example, you need to consider the amount of income that you want to earn in your career. Statistics have shown that the salary for veterinarians is higher than vet technicians. The annual average income for vet technicians in 2010 was $29,710, while vets earned about $84, 460. Therefore, if you consider the careers from a financial standpoint, becoming a vet is better in the long run.
Another vital consideration is the amount of time you would want to study. The educational requirements for the two career options are different. To become a vet technician, you need a two-year associate degree and a license from the relevant authorities while a doctoral degree is required to start practicing as a veterinarian.
Reasons why you should consider pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine.
Helping Animals and their humans
Veterinary experts have an opportunity to promote the health and welfare of different animals. Vets and vet technicians have the skills needed to relieve the pain in animals that have experienced trauma and injuries. In some cases, veterinary professionals carry out routine spays and surgeries to prevent the overpopulation of pets.
Veterinary Medicine is an exciting career
Every day is unique in veterinary medicine. You will have an opportunity to examine different types of animals, learning about various types of injuries and medical conditions, and utilizing different tools to diagnose illnesses. As a vet, you cannot tell what you will handle during the day at a clinic.
Higher income potential
Working as a vet gives you an opportunity to earn more income as compared to many other animal careers in the country. The average annual income for veterinarians in the United States ranges between $50,000 and $200,000. Experts with additional specialties and certifications have higher income potential.
Opportunities to Interact with communities
As a vet, you will get appointments, and emergency calls from animal owners, and this will give you an opportunity to meet many members of the community. The interactions allow owners to learn more about various health conditions and how they can take care of their animals.
Solving problems
Veterinary work requires experts to examine every case. Problem-solving is an exciting challenge. The veterinarian has to carry out physical exams, laboratory tests, and the insights of the animal owners to figure out the best treatment.
Becoming a veterinary technician will make it easier for you to become a veterinarian. There are many benefits of starting your veterinary medicine career as a technician, as explained in the section above.