Salaries of Emergency Veterinary Technicians
The annual salary for an emergency veterinary technician ranges between $55,000 and $90,000, and the average annual salary is $70,000. An emergency veterinary technician’s salary is higher than a general veterinary technician because not only does an emergency vet tech job require specialized skills and certifications, but the role sometimes can require irregular hours in a high-pressure environment.
What Does an Emergency Veterinary Technician Do?
An emergency veterinary technician does more than just assist veterinarians in emergencies. Many times, the emergency vet tech is the first person that pets and their family members meet. The emergency vet tech is responsible for performing diagnostic tests and helping the veterinarian assess the pet’s illness or injury.
Additionally, emergency vet techs assist with surgery, and tasks can include everything from surgery prep and taking blood to monitoring vitals and administering sedatives, IV fluids, and shots.
How Can Someone Become an Emergency Veterinary Technician?
While some emergency veterinary technicians will have a bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as animal sciences or nursing), most emergency vet techs have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited veterinary technician program. Depending on state legal requirements, a veterinary emergency tech may need to complete a credential exam to become licensed or certified.
What are Veterinary Emergency Clinic Jobs?
A job at a veterinary emergency clinic will involve providing immediate care to animals in critical situations. Here are some examples of job duties for an emergency veterinary technician:
Trauma stabilization
Emergency veterinary technicians are often involved in stabilizing animals that have experienced trauma, such as car accidents, falls, or attacks by other animals. They may administer first aid, control bleeding, and assess the extent of injuries to prioritize treatment.
Emergency surgeries
In emergency situations, veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in performing urgent surgical procedures to address life-threatening conditions. This may include surgeries to repair internal injuries, remove foreign objects, or treat severe wounds.
Critical care monitoring
Emergency veterinary technicians are responsible for monitoring the vital signs and condition of critically ill or injured animals. They closely observe metrics such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature, making adjustments to treatment as necessary.
Diagnostic imaging
Technicians in emergency veterinary clinics may perform or assist with diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans to assess the extent of injuries or identify underlying medical conditions.
Medication administration
Emergency veterinary technicians administer medications and fluids to stabilize animals and manage pain. They must accurately calculate dosages, monitor responses to treatment, and be prepared to adjust medications as needed.
Triage and patient assessment
In busy emergency clinics, veterinary technicians play a key role in triaging incoming patients based on the severity of their condition. They assess patients quickly, prioritize care based on urgency, and communicate effectively with veterinarians and other team members.
Client communication
Emergency veterinary technicians often interact with pet owners during stressful and emotional situations. They provide updates on their pet’s condition, explain treatment options, and offer support and reassurance during difficult times.
Emergency response
In addition to providing care within the clinic, emergency veterinary technicians may also be involved in responding to animal-related emergencies in the community, such as natural disasters or mass casualty events.
What is the Highest Paid Type of Emergency Veterinary Technician?
Salaries for emergency veterinary technicians can vary based on location, level of experience, additional certifications, and employer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary technologists and technicians in the field of research and development tend to have higher median annual salaries compared to those in other industries. Veterinary surgery technicians, veterinary technologists, animal laboratory technicians, and emergency veterinary technicians are among the highest salaries in the veterinary technician field.
Are you a veterinary technician looking for a new job, or are you interested in learning more about job opportunities within veterinary medicine? Visit us online and find out how Suveto can help you in each stage of your career path, from finding job openings, preparing for the interview, and accepting your dream job.
