Becoming an Emergency Vet Tech: What You Need to Know

Have you ever thought about becoming an emergency vet tech? Are you interested in learning more about how to achieve this goal or what to expect from it? Does this sound like a job that would be a good fit for you?

Read through the information below to get a better idea of what an emergency vet tech is, what this position requires, and how you might be able to get a job in this field as well. Don’t be afraid to reach out to local training programs or even ask your emergency vet for recommendations as well.

What Do Emergency Vet Techs Do?

Emergency vet techs are typically some of the first people pets and their human family members encounter when going to the emergency vet. The emergency vet tech performs the diagnostic tests required to figure out what’s going on with a pet during a crisis, and also handles the administration of sedatives, IV fluids, and shots while the pet is at the facility.

Emergency vet techs are usually also required to assist vets during surgical procedures by preparing the patient, cleaning and sterilizing the equipment, taking blood, monitoring vitals, and checking the pet’s health records. During a surgical procedure, vet techs at an emergency vet office may also need to interact with the human family members of the pets in question.

What are the Educational Requirements of an Emergency Vet Tech?

In terms of educational requirements, there are two options available for people who are wanting to pursue this profession: an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. It is possible to get a job as an emergency vet tech with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as nursing or animal sciences, but it is more common to get a bachelor’s degree in a vet tech program instead.

What are the Work Experience Requirements of an Emergency Vet Tech?

Having similar work experience, whether in emergency care or in a different area, is a very valuable asset to have when applying to be an emergency vet tech. However, having past experience isn’t always a make or break requirement for this position. The reason is because, when it comes to emergency care, you’ll be learning throughout your entire career.

It can be very common to be hired on as an emergency vet tech with little to no experience in the emergency field because the training in this sector is on-going. Everything will depend on the practice you’re applying to, but no matter where you go, training will always be a big factor of the position. No matter how much previous experience you have.

What are Some Other Skills an Emergency Vet Tech Needs to Succeed?

Interpersonal skills are some of the most important for any emergency vet tech to have. This is a high-stress environment for the techs as well as the pets and the human family members. Families often lose pets at emergency vets, so vet techs should be able to comfort families in a kind and helpful way.

Vet techs should also be able to remain calm under stress and should be able to handle seeing very seriously injured, sick, or dying animals. Emergency vet techs also need to be able to respond quickly and efficiently to requests from vets during surgical procedures.

Is it Hard to Find a Job as an Emergency Vet Tech?

This depends on where you live. In some locations, there is a high demand for emergency vet techs, which means there are plenty of jobs and they can be fairly easy to come by. On the other hand, there are some locations where the jobs are mostly already filled, so finding open availability can be tricky.

If you’re interested in becoming an emergency vet tech, do your research and figure out which locations near you may be hiring in a few years. Determine how much need there is for emergency vet techs in your town or city and whether or not you’ll need to consider relocating for your career.

Apply to be an Emergency Vet Tech at Emergency Veterinary Care Centers

Becoming an emergency vet tech is not a simple task, but it isn’t impossible, either. If you are able to go to college or join a training program for this field, you should be able to reach your goal of working as an emergency vet tech and helping save the lives of animals during emergency situations.

Take your time researching local schools and training options before you decide on the one that works best for your needs. With the right education, you’ll be well on your way to working in a field that is both satisfying and rewarding.

At Emergency Veterinary Care Centers, we’re looking for emergency vet techs for all 3 of our locations in Highland, Westville and Mishawaka, IN. If you’re someone who loves animals and are looking for an amazing opportunity to advance your career, apply to join our team today. We’re as dedicated about your career as you are. Learn more about the position here and apply today.