Veterinarian Technologist

AKA: Vet Technician

Think

Dealing with numerous, differing animal physiologies is challenging and there are many days where “9 to 5” isn’t the norm, but I love the responsibilities I have and knowing I'm a valued team member.

Breanna Issel
Veterinarian Technologist

In A Nutshell

I work directly with farmers, ranchers, and producers to ensure the health of their livestock.

I identify sick animals, collect data, assist with birthing, and keep records for producers and the veterinarian I work with.

I develop feeding, breeding, and handling plans for animals, and share these plans with producers and other livestock handlers.

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Potential Salary Range

$35,400 - 72,800 Annually

Which provinces would this job be in?

Alberta AB
Alberta
British Columbia BC
British Columbia
Manitoba MB
Manitoba
New Brunswick NB
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador NL
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nova Scotia NS
Nova Scotia
Nunavut NU
Nunavut
Northwest Territories NWT
Northwest Territories
Ontario ON
Ontario
Prince Edward Island PEI
Prince Edward Island
Quebec QC
Quebec
Saskwatchewan SK
Saskwatchewan
Yukon Territories YT
Yukon Territories

This job takes me everywhere: from barns, to clinics, to livestock operations, to labs, to pastures. Every day brings me somewhere new and exciting!

 

Workplace

Indoor / Outdoor

Job Requirements & Duties

  • Assist veterinarians in providing care to animal patients
  • Handle livestock safely
  • Provide animal care in clinics, livestock and research settings
  • Monitor animal health and communicate findings to producers
  • Give injections and medications to sick animals
  • Perform procedures like lab tests and imaging
  • Provide emergency first aid to animals if needed
  • Write and update reports about animals
  • Be mindful of biosecurity in barns

Education & Training

  • This position requires a two year diploma or a bachelor’s degree- qualifications depend on the job and who is hiring.
  • A diploma in veterinary technology is required. A degree in a field of study related to animal bioscience, animal science technology, or animal health technology is an added bonus for most employers.
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Job Outlook

    Over the next ten years, it's projected that the labour demand and opportunities in this field will be balanced; therefore, jobs will be available across Canada. 

Related School Subjects

Health Education
Ed. Prof. et Tech.
Science

What words come to mind when thinking about this career?

Animals Livestock Health Medicine

Important Skills

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Problem Solving

Every day, I’m presented with different challenges and animal health concerns. It’s my job to help figure out potential solutions to these problems.

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Interpersonal

As a liason, I need to listen actively, and communicate well so my clients feel a professional connection to me and feel supported by my guidance. 

Resilience

Sometimes customers change their mind midway through a project and sometimes codes are hard to troubleshoot. It’s important to be resilient and get back up again after these challenges!

Decision Making

There are lots of different ways I could help and treat an animal. I have to decide which treatment I think will be the most successful while under pressure and in a timely manner.

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The Best Things About This Job Are…

Work Changes Daily
Flexible Work Environment
Problem Solving
Working with Animals