how to become a zoo vet tech

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2022) shows that jobs in veterinary technology will increase 20 percent between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations at 5 percent. Coursework often includes classes on animal behavior and physiology, parasitology, virology, ecology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistical software. 5 Awesome Jobs for Vet Techs - Vocational Training A signature of a qualified co-worker or veterinarian is necessary and thereby verifies the students skill to work as a zoo vet tech. However, certification and license is required to work as a veterinary technician. Vet techs, including zoo vet techs, may be required to work nights or weekends depending on the schedules of the zoo veterinarians. Supervises a section or department of the institution; provides training and scheduling for keepers. Zoo vet techs assist veterinarians with routine, diagnostic, and emergency procedures. Zoo veterinary technicians specialize in assisting with the practice of such medicine. Duties may include diet preparation, small animal care, teaching educational programs, leading group tours, and staffing special events. 501(c)3. Zoo vet techs usually need to complete at least a two-year degree in veterinary technology, but to become specially certified in zoological medicine they need more extensive training and must pass a certification exam. The veterinary technician is among the healthcare careers that are growing at a phenomenal pace. Education: To become a qualified Zoo Vet Tech, you must first complete a high school diploma or GED. Following an illness, veterinary technicians in zoos are responsible for making sure the animals heal correctly. 10 Unique Ideas, Vet Schools In California (A Quick Guide To All California Veterinary Schools). Well, its a really fancy way of saying that Sarah uses poop to solve some of the mysteries of animal health at the National Zoo and other zoos around the worldshes a bona fide Poop Sleuth! According to the website The Balance Careers, zoo vet techs assist zoo veterinarians in caring for the health of tiny and enormous animals. For instance, zoos employ accountants, human resource specialists, merchandisers, food service staff, carpenters, electricians, gardeners, and many others. Outdoor exhibit areas are open. Zoo veterinarians need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and a license. If you can work in an exotic animal practice it will be more beneficial (this will give you experience treating animals, even if its just cats and dogs), Apply for a 3-year residency, one that is on the ACZM approval list, Proficiency in electronic medical record-keeping, The ability to pass the ACZM board examination, Becoming well versed in the understanding of epidemiology and how it relates to humans and animals, Communication skills for making presentations, and case rounds with colleagues, Familiarize yourself with the biological, nutritional and behavioral characteristics of zoological animals; you will be able to understand how they live their lives and how best to treat them medically. Day-to-Day Duties for Vet Techs Observe animals' conditions Bathe animals Whats an endocrinologist, you ask? Since zoos care for endangered species, having training in ultrasonography which the Merck Manual defines as the use of high-frequency sound (ultrasound) waves to produce images of internal organs and other tissues is a valuable skill to ensure that animal populations can survive and thrive in the future. Zoo veterinarians must have a wealth of knowledge in animal health and disease, as well as experience in animal handling and caring for a wide variety of zoo animals. Learning about the earning potential of a zoo vet compared to the requirements to become one can help you decide if it's the right career path for you. Those considering this career pursuit should thus compare prospective salaries against the cost of living in a certain geographic market to determine what purchasing power they would ultimately have. At the University of California, Davis, students can complete a PhD in animal behavior through the Animal Behavior Graduate Group, an interdepartmental program. 10 Unique Vet Tech Careers - EduMed Let's get started. For instance, according to the Indeed search of July 2017, there were 286 results for animal nutrition techs nationwide. Does A W Affect Your GPA on VMCAS When Applying to Veterinary School? What is a vet tech? Meet Sarah Putman, an endocrinologist at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. You will also need to complete the Veterinary Technician National Exam and obtain licensing in your state. It is physically draining because you will need to work for extended hours and on weekends and holidays, carry large zoo animals and exert a great deal of effort in doing all your medical duties. Instead of working with zookeepers, they need to calm parents of sick animals and help them provide better care to their pets. The AAZV (American Association of Zoo Veterinarians) has over 200 members. What kind of extracurricular experience do I need? However, the number of zoo veterinarians in the United States is unknown. Whether you are already employed as a veterinary technician or a vet tech student, we have a membership category for you. After you complete the required specialization courses, you will need to sit for your states specialty exam. So, you want to be a zoo vet? In a medical capacity, zoo technicians are like nurses. Must become skilled at post-mortem examinations on all zoo animals, Advanced knowledge of comparative anatomy and physiology is a must, All zoo will require the zoo vet to participate in conservation research as well, Must be able to work outdoors in the rain and mud if necessary. First, you have to get your high school diploma. Zoo veterinarians, as noted in the table below, earn a considerably higher salary than technicians customarily do. Like this veterinarian below who is treating a hippopotamus. A good understanding of science and math concepts will help students continue to master those subjects in subsequent years. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has lists of job and internship opportunities available at zoos around the country, so you can get experience at a place near you. Moorpark College - America's Teaching Zoo Each year, Moorpark College receives over 150 applications for the 50 to 60 spaces in its hands-on exotic animal training management (EATM) program in partnership with America's Teaching Zoo in Moorpark, California. Certification requirements include completion of an AVMA-accredited training program and internship. There are places like the Smithsonians National Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and countless others where recent veterinary graduates can complete a residency. Keep in mind that you can achieve your dream of becoming a zoo veterinarian with hard and determination! In addition, as zoos are working hard to protect endangered animals, vet techs may be required to work with rare animal breeds that are not as well understood or as predictable. Successful exam passage allows one to become certified as a zoological veterinary technician. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) lists current job openings for zoo vet techs which include the following responsibilities: As a zoo veterinary technician, physical strength, overall health, and well-being are essential. Vet techs at the zoo can expect to earn $40,000/year depending on experience and geographical location. Additional requirements include the following: Veterinary technicians meeting these significant requirements are eligible to take the zoological medicine certification exam that is administered once each year to receive the official VTS-Zoo designation. Serves as liaison with government wildlife agencies and other conservation organizations. You can get experience with domestic animals by volunteering at animal hospitals and clinics; horse farms or stables; and kennel or boarding facilities. As zoos may also serve as homes for endangered species, zoo vet techs may need to assist with other procedures uncommon in other environments where vet techs work. What Do Zoo Technicians Do? This institutionoffers a range of compelling residential, hands-on, interdisciplinaryprogramsin conservation biology forundergraduateandgraduatestudents and professionals at the facility on the grounds of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. These professionals design treatment plans for sick animals, assist with diagnoses and participate in surgical procedures. Interested in becoming a corporate sponsor of AZVT. Mainly because a zoo vet is under the umbrella of exotic animal medicine. Although the exact salary is hard to determine, vet nutrition techs can make as much as non-specialized vet techs (if not more). If you answered yes to both of these questions, a career as a zoological veterinary technician is waiting for you! However, vet techs may be exposed to extremes in temperature, humidity, and moisture when tending to zoo animals since they are housed in artificial habitats designed to ensure their health and well-being. As the curator of Great Cats and Andean Bears at the Zoo, part of Craig Saffoes job is to be a matchmaker for lions, tigers, and bears. Playing cupid for carnivores is no easy taskand its certainly not for the faint of heart! Communication skills are extremely important in order to be able to work as a team effectively. Becoming a zoo veterinarian is similar to learning how to become an exotic animal vet. Working as a zoo vet tech offers opportunities to treat unique animals and conduct research in service of animal health. There are many different paths you can take with a zoo veterinary degree. Learn more BECOME A MEMBER While the Vet Technician job is directed at providing the Veterinarian with the necessary assistance, the job is different from that of Zoo Assistants. How many years does it take to become a veterinarian, 37 Questions to Ask a Veterinarian While Job Shadowing, What To Do If You Are Rejected From Vet School: Practical Steps and Alternatives. Jenny Gordon, a zoo vet tech at Connecticuts Beardsley Zoo, says shes been able to promote the life of many animals that are and have been near extinction. There are many employers that need experts in this field including zoological parks, aquariums and research facilities. Not only that, but since a zoo veterinarian is working with such large animals, they are often working with an entire team of veterinary assistants and techs. Ideally, a zoo veterinarian will begin memorizing all of the different species while they are in veterinary school. degree that can be attained at veterinary colleges accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Zoo veterinary medicine represents a specialized field within veterinarian medicine. Maintaining the hospital and animal holding spaces and inventory clinic supplies; Assisting with the creation of balanced and nutritious feeding plans for animals with a wide variety of dietary requirements, Performing routine pharmacy-related tasks, Participating in gross necropsies and sample preparation as needed, Preparing specimens and performing diagnostic laboratory tests, Training veterinary technician interns/externs or other volunteers on procedures and protocols, Following all safety guidelines and modeling safe work practices to ensure a safe work environment, Performing husbandry tasks such as cleaning, feeding, and maintenance as needed. How Can I Become a Zoo Veterinarian? Nevertheless, some common tasks of zoo vet techs are as follows. While the Vet Technician job is directed at providing the Veterinarian with the necessary assistance, the job is different from that of Zoo Assistants. Complete at least 40 case logs, of which five are detailed case studies. If you choose this specialization, not only will you partake in caring for animals, but you will also have the opportunity to educate people about the many creatures that roam the earth. Regular exposure to heat, humidity, and cold is the norm for zoo vet techs. How to Become a Doctor of Zoological Medicine - Doctorly.org The field of veterinary medicine allows for a range of specializations. Responsible for the botanical collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution's grounds. Becoming a Zoo Veterinarian - I Love Veterinary Veterinary Behavior Veterinary behavior technicians assist veterinarians with behavior modification and management. You can begin at any time by reading all you can about animals and habitats. Finally, if you want to specialize in this field, you will need to complete additional coursework that is approved by the Association of Veterinary Zoological Medical Technicians. . In our article Wildlife Health Career Paths we discussed the different types of wildlife veterinarians, including free-ranging wildlife vets, zoo vets, and wildlife rehabilitation vets. 2017-2023. Animal care includes diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medication, performing surgeries, anesthesia, etc veterinarians also work with the zoos staff to develop animal health care programs and protocols. They are responsible for the health and well-being of animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, dolphins, parrots, and gorillas. If you plan to take this career path, expect that it will be rewarding in every sense primarily because the job allows you to offer assistance in upholding the well-being of animals for the purpose of preservation and education. Within the specialization of zoo veterinary medicine exists the potential for still further specialization. The duties of zoo vet techs can vary depending on where they work and the types of animals they care for. Before you satisfy all academic and credential requirements for a Zoo Vet Tech, you must first have a proper understanding of the job. The advanced education will equip them with skills to work in a specialized field. Start Your Animal Career Here. Given the focus on working with exotic species that often can only be found in zoos, zoo vet techs may experience greater workplace risks compared to veterinarian technicians working in other environments. The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT) is an essential resource for current zoo vet techs or those considering joining this unique professional field. More importantly, you can take many different paths to become a zoo veterinarian. To become a zoo veterinarian,n you will first need to earn a Doctor of Veterinary medicine degree. In addition to having a veterinary degree, zoo veterinarians also need to have strong animal handling skills. Responsible for strategic collection planning. Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians. AZVT - Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians - home Many current zoo vet techs started as small or large animal techs. Vet techs at the zoo can expect to earn $40,000/year depending on experience and geographical location. Typically, this involves a two-year associate degree program. Supervises the staff and facilities that cater to the visiting public including concessions and restrooms. These steps, enumerated in the order they must be completed, appear below: Students must graduate from a veterinary technology program that is approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). What Is a Wildlife Veterinary Technician and How to Become One So if youre passionate about wild animals and want to make a difference in their lives, then becoming a zoo veterinarian may be the perfect career for you. There are over 45 accredited veterinary schools worldwide. They may assist with a variety of standard and emergency procedures such as teeth cleaning, radiology, medication administration, use of IV catheters and the use of anesthesia to prepare animals for surgical interventions. If you are interested in animals but don't wish to pursue a science degree, there are other careers you might be interested in. You can become a zoo veterinarian, but there are also opportunities to work in the animal health industry, research and development, or academia. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions to the discussion. The job of a Zoo Vet Tech is not without downsides. Opportunities for advancement that may ultimately lead to an increase in salary vary by region and existing experience level. Supervises research projects, serves as liaison between the institution and the academic community, and publishes articles in scientific journals. In zoos, for instance, they assume a very important role. You will also be helping to preserve any species that may be at risk of endangerment. Due to the wide range of animals included in zoo vet tech training, the education and training for this role are specialized and rigorous. Read about who does what below. As a zoological veterinary technician, you may also enjoy such benefits as health and dental insurance, paid sick days, paid vacations, zoo/aquarium discounts and a uniform allowance. If you are not specializing in becoming a zoo vet or one of the many other post vet school disciplines, then it will take at least 8 years of school. Still, at the end of the day, these downsides comprise just a small portion of the job. Oversees an institution's entire animal collection and animal management staff. ZipRecruiter further notes that the ten cities with the highest salaries for zoo vet techs are all located in the states of California, Alaska, and Virginia. The opportunities are endless with a zoo veterinary degree, it just takes a little bit of creativity and ingenuity. However, according to statistics obtained from the U.S. Labor Statistics Bureau, the average salary for a veterinary technician specializing in zoo animals is about $42,000 to $44,030 per year. Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians, Completion of at least 40 hours of documented continuing education in the field of zoological medicine, A case log consisting of at least 40 cases. Creates advertising campaigns and other activities to increase public awareness of the institution. There are many benefits acquired by choosing to specialize as a zoological veterinary technician. Step 4: Enroll in a PhD or DVM program (Two to Four Years) As students pursue more advanced education, their learning becomes more in-depth. It's one of the most-asked questions here at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute: How can I work in a zoo? The successful candidate will share our commitment to provide exceptional client service and excellent veterinary care to our loyal clients and their pets. Most Zoo veterinarians do a three-year residency after graduating from veterinary school. So its difficult to say how many zoo veterinarians there are, but it is safe to say that it is a small percentage of the veterinary workforce. Become a Zoo Veterinary Technician - Certification & Salary In Oklahoma, you can purchase a house for $170,00 on average. The Zoo Veterinarian Salary. One of the best ways to get this is by working at a zoo or aquarium during the summer and by completing internships as a zoo vet technician. Oversees the institution's conservation activities, including field projects. Furthermore, given how wild animals may have a wider variety of diseases than domesticated animals, zoo vet techs may need higher levels of vaccination and apply enhanced protective measures to work in zoo environments to protect themselves against zoonotic disease. Zoologists typically earn degrees in zoology, wildlife biology, ecology, or general biology. Upon application, the student will need to submit the following for consideration: Completed application, coursework and grades from undergraduate study, MCAT or GRE scores, depending on the school, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular experience that shows a dedication to the field of veterinary medicine. There are externship opportunities both in the US and outside of the US, and if you are lucky, you may land one while you are in the 4th year of vet school. May also be in charge of "adopt-an-animal" programs to raise funds. You can reach him directly at [emailprotected], Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians, School List 10 Notable Large Animal Vet Tech Schools, 17 Influential Farm Animal Veterinary Professors, 2023 Guide to Online Vet Tech RACE-Approved Continuing Education (CE) Credits, 6 Vet Tech Programs With Courses In Avian Care, 7 Great Northern California Vet Tech Schools. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has lists of job and internship opportunities available at zoos around the country, so you can get experience at a place near you. How to Become a Zoo Vet and How Much Do They Make - How I Got Into Vet For this field, you must be in good health and able to handle such animals as bears, tigers, monkeys, giraffes and even elephants. On the other end of the spectrum are generally less encountered and, without proper training, dangerous creatures such as scorpions, venomous snakes, lions, and bears. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you on this career path: 1. This is a highly competitive field, as the number of practicing zoo vet techs is small. Duties include scheduling docents for on- and off-grounds activities and keeping docents abreast of new developments to relate to the public. Designed by Stephen Gilewski Design. How to Become a Zoo Vet: Step By Step Guide - Inspira Advantage How to Become an Animal Psychologist - Vet Tech Colleges For More Interesting Career Ideas Check Out These Articles Below! Be sure to check outThe Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. These studies must be done within mammal, avian, and reptile/amphibian categories.

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