Veterinary Theriogenologist

 Veterinary theriogenologists are specialists with advanced training in reproductive medical techniques. They may work in clinical practice, research, private industry, or academia. Board certification as a veterinary theriogenologist requires at least 3 additional years of experience after completion of a basic Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Animal Health Inspector

 Animal health inspectors oversee animal production facilities (including dairies, hatcheries, and feedlots) to ensure that humane standards and legal regulations are enforced. Health inspectors travel extensively to complete their duties.

Agricultural Extension Agent

 Agricultural extension agents present information to local livestock producers and advise them on a variety of management decisions. These agents must be familiar with a wide variety of animal operations including those involved in dairy, beef, poultry, and swine production.

Equine Extension Agent

 Equine extension agents advise individuals in the horse industry (including breeders) on management decisions and advances in equine care. Equine agents must be familiar with various types of horses, popular equine performance sports, and equine management strategies.

Zoo Veterinary Technican

Zoo veterinary technicians are specially trained and certified to assist zoo veterinarians with exams and procedures.

Duties

Zoo veterinary technicians assist veterinarians with exams and procedures performed on a wide variety of zoo animals. Routine tasks may include assisting with general exams, collecting samples, running diagnostic lab tests, preparing surgical sites, changing bandages, inserting catheters, taking radiographs, administering fluids, filling prescriptions, and giving intravenous or intramuscular injections.

Vet techs, including zoo vet techs, may be required to work nights or weekends depending on the schedules of the zoo veterinarians. They must also be aware of the risks inherent in working with exotic animals and take proper safety precautions to minimize the potential for injury from animals that are not fully sedated.

Career Options

Zoo veterinary technicians primarily find employment with zoos, but they may also find jobs at some aquariums and research facilities. Veterinary technicians may also transition to other positions in the animal health industry such as veterinary pharmaceutical sales or other veterinary product sales.

Education & Licensing

There are over 160 accredited veterinary technician programs in the United States that grant two year Associate degrees to their graduates. After completion of one of thesetraining programs, vet techs must also be licensed in their state of residence. State certification involves passing the National Veterinary Technician (NVT) certification exam, though specific requirements may vary from one state to the next.

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) recognizes 11 specialties for veterinary technician specialist (VTS) certification. The currently recognized specialties for veterinary technicians are anesthesia, surgical, internal medicine, dental, emergency & critical care, behavior, zoo, equine, clinical practice,clinical pathology, and nutrition.

The Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians (AVZMT) offers VTS specialty certification to vet techs that have completed at least 10,000 hours (5 years) ofvet tech work experience in the field of zoological medicine. Additional requirements include 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, five in depth case reports, and two letters of recommendation from zoo professionals. There are also a variety of skill checklists that must be completed and documented.

Veterinary technicians meeting these significant requirements are eligible to take the zoological medicine certification exam that is administered once each year. The location and test date change yearly, so it is advisable to check the AVZMT website for the latest information.

Zoos may show preference for hiring candidates who hold specialty certification in the field of zoological medicine, as these individuals have demonstrated significant skill and ability in the field.

Professional Groups

The Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT) was founded in 1981 and has almost 400 professional members worldwide. The group puts on yearly conferences, publishes quarterly newsletters, educates the public, and provides networking opportunities for its members.

Salary

According to the employment site Indeed.com, zoo veterinary technicians earned anaverage salary of $42,000 in 2012. This is a fair bit higher than the $31,030 ($14.92 per hour) mean annual wage for all veterinary technicians reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported that (in the more general job category of veterinary technicians and technologists) the lowest 10 percent of all techs earned less than $20,500, while the highest 10 percent of all techs earned more than $44,030.

Benefits for zoo veterinary technicians may include a number of perks in addition to basic compensation. Health insurance, dental insurance, paid vacation days, a uniform allowance, or discounted admission tickets to the zoo may be a part of the overall compensation package. Of course, as with any position, salary is commensurate with level of experience and level of education. Specialists can command the top end salaries in their areas of expertise.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 69,870 vet techs employed during the last salary survey of 2010, with an estimated 3,800 vet techs expected to become licensed and gain entry to the profession each year. The BLS predicts that the profession will expand at a brisk rate of over 36% from 2008 to 2018, a much faster rate than the average for all professions.

The relatively small supply of new vet techs is not likely to meet the strong demand for their services by employers. The limited supply of new techs entering the field combined with the difficulty of achieving zoological medicine specialty certification should translate to very strong job prospects for certified zoo vet techs.