A veterinary technologist or technician assists veterinarians by caring for animals, running diagnostic tests, and keeping detailed medical records. You can start this hands-on career with a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
Veterinary technologists and technicians work directly with animals and veterinarians in clinics, hospitals, and research settings. You'll identify what animals need by observing their behavior and physical condition, then assist vets during examinations and procedures. You'll also document medical histories and test results, handle laboratory work like blood tests and X-rays, inspect medical equipment to keep it working properly, and perform physical tasks like restraining animals or cleaning facilities. Your days blend patient care with careful record-keeping and technical skills.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $47,380 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 14,300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent as your starting point. From there, you'll typically complete on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced veterinarians and technicians. Some employers offer formal training programs or apprenticeships that teach you animal handling, medical procedures, laboratory techniques, and record-keeping systems. The role sits at a medium preparation level, meaning you'll need focused training but not a four-year degree. Talk with your counselor about local training opportunities and employer requirements in your area.
Veterinary technician roles are accessible through direct hire and training programs. If you're exploring this path, Pathly can map the veterinary technologist and technician path that fits you with your counselor to map out the specific training options and employers near you.
Many veterinary technologist and technicians must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You're drawn to hands-on work with animals and systems. You listen carefully, think critically about animal behavior and health, and communicate clearly with both vets and pet owners.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.
Get a personalized, step-by-step plan to reach this career, with the training, coursework, and credentials tracked in one place. Link your school or IEC and your counselor in the loop.
Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).