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Veterinary technicians are people who possess the ability to stay emotionally strong when working with animals.
This implies that he/she acts calmly and professionally when working with seriously ill animals.
A veterinary technician profession is a perfect choice for the future job which gives satisfaction and fulfillment.
Nevertheless, the negative thing is that there will be the unpleasant sides of this job, as well.
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Article Table of Contents
- 1 Veterinary Technician Job Description
- 2 Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Kentucky
- 3 Educational Requirements for Veterinary Technicians in Kentucky
- 4 Veterinary Technician Examination and License
- 5 Job Prospects in Kentucky
- 6 Veterinary Technicians’ Average Annual Salary in Kentucky
- 7 Veterinary Technician’s Duties
Veterinary Technician Job Description
Veterinary technicians are alongside veterinarians and other veterinary staff in a veterinary clinic, hospital, animal shelters or rescue centers and they have to do several roles.
The chances of finding employment in veterinary practices are great as the number of animal hospitals rises and veterinarians and their staff become more than necessary.
A veterinary technician has to possess great communication skills when talking with animal owners and advising them on how to take care of their pets and when cooperating with the physician about the treatment and examination of the animal.
Attention to detail when recording information and performing diagnostic tests or doing lab work is of crucial importance.
Finally, a good veterinary technician needs to possess problem-solving skills.
Becoming a Veterinary Technician in Kentucky
Kentucky law requires future veterinary technicians to attend a school with a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities.
The veterinary technology programs accredited by the AVMA in Kentucky are:
The education lasts two to three years and upon graduation, the student will earn an Associate’s type of Degree in Veterinary Technology.
The future students can apply online, but only if they fulfill all the conditions set by the chosen school, such as a high school diploma, a GED, an interview, an essay, ACT or SAT scores, COMPASS test, math, and English assessments, and work experience. Tetanus immunization is a must.
The maximum number of students per year is determined and every school has a website with all the information about the application process.
Another requirement set by many schools is a C average or better in high school and general education courses before starting the science-based ones.
Educational Requirements for Veterinary Technicians in Kentucky
The programs are designed to prepare veterinary technicians for all the possible situations that might occur in veterinary premises during their workday.
They will have lessons in classrooms and a laboratory part of education to gain experience in that field.
In the final semester, they will be on an externship in a clinic to show their knowledge on the spot.
The tuition differs from school to school, but it is reasonable in Kentucky.
The out of state tuition can be high, but Kentucky has reciprocal agreements with its neighboring states meaning that their students will not pay so high prices.
When it comes to financial aid it is available to Kentucky veterinary technician students and the applications begin on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid website.
The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority also offers great info about aids and scholarships, especially regarding assistance to higher education for anyone serving the country in the military.
By visiting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, you can find ways of gaining financial aid as a dependent or family member of a veteran.
Veterinary Technician Examination and License
After you graduate, you will not be able to start working immediately.
What you will have to do is to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination which is obligatory to become a registered veterinary technician in Kentucky.
The exam is three hours long and it consists of 150 questions related to veterinary science.
You can register through the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners.
Once gained, the license does not last forever.
You are supposed to keep your license current by finishing six hours of continuing education annually.
Job Prospects in Kentucky
As a licensed veterinary technician, you can seek part-time or full-time employment at a veterinary clinic, animal shelter or zoo, laboratories or rescue centers.
Kentucky has an increasing number of animal hospitals recently, meaning that the demand for a new veterinary technician is rising.
Veterinarians tend to hire somebody with significant knowledge, skills and experience, and a licensed technician has numerous chances of getting a job quickly and without too many difficulties.
Veterinary technicians earn a decent salary and pay is greater at institutions and research facilities, which should be taken into consideration when choosing an ideal place to work.
Potential veterinary technician employers and their offers in Kentucky can be found on the following websites:
- Kentucky Veterinary Technician Association
- Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association
- National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
- Veterinary Career Network
- Vet Tech Life,
- Vetcetera,
- Veterans Employment Center
Veterinary Technicians’ Average Annual Salary in Kentucky
The annual salary of a veterinary technician depends on both social and individual factors, as they determine the average salary of any profession.
The annual income of the residents of the city where the facility is located, the development of the region, the level of education, working hours, experience and the value of duties that a veterinary technician performs highly affect the pay rate.
It varies among the cities around Kentucky, starting from the lowest one in Hopkinsville estimated at $ 32 852, reaching up to $35 696 in Covington.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bowling Green,KY | $32,896 |
| Covington,KY | $35,696 |
| Frankfort,KY | $33,345 |
| Hopkinsville,KY | $32,852 |
| Lexington,KY | $34,374 |
| Louisville,KY | $34,422 |
| Owensboro,KY | $34,137 |
| Richmond,KY | $34,027 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | 70 | $32,350 | $15.55 | $42,810 | $27,820 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | 30 | $32,390 | $15.57 | $41,720 | $25,970 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 540 | $37,690 | $18.12 | $47,830 | $29,100 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 570 | $37,000 | $17.79 | $46,700 | $28,840 |
| Owensboro, KY | 30 | $33,790 | $16.25 | $38,700 | $29,510 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Veterinary Technician’s Duties
Even though many people are working in an animal hospital, veterinary technicians are those who need to encounter a variety of situations that involve caring for and treating animals, observing their condition and behavior, giving anesthesia and monitoring their responses.
A veterinary technician in Kentucky is involved in veterinarian work by assisting and helping him/her during the surgery or examination.
The variety of tasks they are allowed to perform makes him/her a valuable member of an animal health care team.
Their responsibilities are versatile and make their job an exciting and stressful experience.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technicians by State