Veterinary technicians work in large animal livestock practices, assisting the vets in delivering technical aspects of herd health work.
This profile highlights the skills and knowledge associated with the role. However, jobs will have varying responsibilities depending on level of the role and the size or type of the business.
Vet technicians usually focus on farm animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs or poultry, as they support vets in keeping farm animals healthy and productive. It’s a varied role and suits individuals with a passion for animal husbandry.
The responsibilities involved in this role include foot-trimming, vaccinations, TB testing and assisting vets. As part of your role, you will visit a wide range of locations from large intensive farms to smallholdings. You may find that a lot of your work is with young stock, carrying out activities such as disbudding, growth monitoring, data recording, and vaccinating.
You will need have a good level of competency in functional mathematics. You will also build an understanding of scientific concepts such as genetics and anatomy to administer treatments or take samples.
Veterinary technicians also work with the veterinary team to improve fertility, lameness and mastitis. Responsibilities could include mobility scoring and foot trimming, mastitis sample collection, pregnancy scanning and artificial insemination. Additionally, you might assist in preparing animals for surgical procedures, either on the farm or at the veterinary practice.
Working alongside vets and farm workers, you will need to work effectively as part of this animal health team and be confident carrying out your own tasks independently.
The role of a veterinary technician can be a challenging one. You may need to work shifts or long hours in poor weather. You will need to have the resilience to cope with working with very sick animals that may end up being euthanised. You should also be fully aware of the dangers posed by working with large, unpredictable animals and be prepared for some jobs requiring a degree of physical strength.
It’s important to note that, in the UK, this role is distinct from that of veterinary nurse and has a different set of skills and competencies.
As a Veterinary technician your responsibilities might include:
To work as a veterinary technician, you should:
The role would suit someone with a keen interest in animal husbandry and passion for improving the health and welfare across the range of farmed animals.
Prior experience of working with large domestic animals can definitely help and work experience placements can provide a much valued introduction to the role.
The salary for a veterinary technician is in the region of £17,000-£28,000.
This figure is for a full-time permanent position, depending on the level of experience, business type and location.
Within the agriculture and horticulture sectors there are often many associated benefits that are not reflected in the headline salary. These can include accommodation being provided or subsidised, travel pay, profit shares, vehicle use and production/performance bonuses.
Vet technicians can further develop their knowledge and skills through further training courses or develop specialisms in various aspects of livestock husbandry.
You might even find yourself applying for related roles with other organisations, including the British Army once you have the correct qualifications.
You do not need a degree or further education qualification to become a trainee veterinary technician, however GCSEs in maths, English and science are typically required.
Some employers may also expect you to have animal care and laboratory skills, though you could gain these through a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in:
Apprenticeships
Applicants for this role could complete the Level 5 Vet Technician (livestock) Apprenticeship two-year course.
There are often no specific entry requirements, but all apprentices must achieve maths and English at Level 2 prior to achievement. Vet Technician candidates are likely to have some husbandry skills and livestock knowledge and may have worked in a vet practice at a more junior level.
Short courses and online study
Harper Adams University Diploma Veterinary Technician Higher Apprenticeship
Employers and recruiters who hire for this role include:
The employers and recruiters listed below hire for roles like this one. If you would like your business to be listed here, please click the button underneath the logos shown here.
https://www.bishoptonvets.co.uk/careers
https://www.paragonvet.com/about-us/vacancies-at-paragon
https://www.synergyfarmhealth.com/vet-services/about-synergy-farm-health/vacancies-2/
https://jobs.army.mod.uk/roles/royal-army-veterinary-corps/veterinary-technician/
https://torchfarmandequine.co.uk/torch-farm-vets/about-torch-farm-vets/careers/
For more information on career inspiration and lots of varied job profiles visit The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture’s website
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