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Vets in Kentucky make great money. Here’s how much a vet tech makes in KY.
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Job Description of a Vet Tech
A vet tech is responsible for the care and treatment of animals in a veterinary clinic. They work closely with veterinarians to provide the best possible care for animals. Vet techs are responsible for a variety of tasks, including taking X-rays, cleaning wounds, and administering medication.
Responsibilities
The main responsibility of a veterinary technician is to provide direct patient care under the guidance and supervision of a licensed veterinarian. This can include but is not limited to: taking patient histories, performing physical examinations, collecting samples for diagnostic testing, conducting routine laboratorytests, radiographic and ultrasound imaging, administering medications and vaccinations, weight and nutritional counseling, preparing animals and instruments for surgery, anesthesia monitoring, assisting in dental prophylaxis and much more. In addition to direct patient care, many veterinary technicians also take on managerial roles such as inventory control, client education and communication, staff training and development, marketing and community outreach.
Skills
In order to work as a vet tech, you will need to have excellent communication and customer service skills. You will be working directly with clients and their pets, so it is important that you are able to build rapport and put them at ease. You will also need to be able to handle difficult situations, such as when a pet is sick or has passed away. As a vet tech, you will need to be able to handle small animals, as well as large animals. You should be comfortable working with all types of animals, as well as handling bodily fluids and excrement.
Education and Certification
To become a veterinary technician in Kentucky, candidates must complete a two-year accredited veterinary technology program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Many programs include internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field. After passing the VTNE, candidates must apply for licensure with the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners.
Associate’s Degree
An Associate’s degree in veterinary technology is the most common type of education for vet techs, and is typically offered by community colleges and technical schools. This degree typically takes two years to complete, although some programs may offer a fast-track option that can be completed in as little as 18 months. Upon completion of an accredited Associate’s degree program, students will be eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Certification
The first step to becoming a vet tech is completing a Veterinary Technician Associate’s degree or certificate program at an accredited school. Alternatively, some students choose to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology. Once you have completed your education, you will need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in order to become credentialed as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). In order to sit for the VTNE, you must first apply to and be accepted by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
After passing the VTNE, you will need to apply for state licensure through the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners. The requirements for licensure vary from state to state, so it is important that you check with your state board for specific requirements. Once licensed, you will need to maintain your RVT credential by completing continuing education courses on a regular basis.
Work Environment
Vet techs work in a variety of settings, including animal hospitals, clinics, zoos, research laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies. Most work full time, although hours may vary depending on the employer and the position. Many vet techs work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Some may be required to be on call.
Office
An office environment for a Veterinarian Technician is usually clean and clutter free. Most of the time is spent on the phone or computer. Occasionally, there may be customer or animal visits.
Veterinary Clinic
A veterinary clinic is a medical facility that is used to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases in animals. A typical vet tech in a clinic setting will work alongside veterinarians and other support staff to provide care for the animals. The work environment in a clinic can be fast paced and chaotic at times, but it is also very rewarding. A typical day in the life of a clinic vet tech may involve cleaning and preparing exam rooms, taking X-rays, performing lab tests, handling customer inquiries, and assisting with surgeries.
Salary
The average salary for a Veterinary Technician is $14.28 per hour in Kentucky. This is 4% lower than the national average hourly salary for a Veterinary Technician which is $14.81 per hour.
National
The average salary for a veterinary technician in the United States is $33,280 per year. Salaries range from $21,960 to $48,400 per year.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, the average salary for a vet tech is $33,780.
Job Outlook
As a vet tech, you can expect to make a decent salary in Kentucky. The average vet tech in KY makes around $32,000 per year. However, your exact salary will depend on factors like your experience, employer, and location. The demand for vet techs is expected to grow in the coming years, so now is a great time to start your career!
National
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, as of May 2019, the median annual salary for veterinary technicians was $34,710. The top 10% of earners made more than $50,620 while the bottom 10% made less than $24,230 that year.
Kentucky
The median salary for a vet tech in Kentucky is $29,170, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent of earners make more than $41,780, and the bottom 10 percent make less than $20,560.
