How to Become an Animal Technician

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an Animal Technician

What does an Animal Technician do?

AN Animal Technician provides daily care for research animals of various species. Cleans and disinfects cages and equipment. Being an Animal Technician monitors the health and well being of the animals, maintains logs of animal diet, behavior, vital signs and other data. Follows standard operating procedures and all biosafety and animal welfare regulations. Additionally, Animal Technician may perform procedures to collect samples. May transport animals to and from laboratories. Requires a high school diploma. May require Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) or other certification. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Animal Technician works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be an Animal Technician typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

People's Opinions on Animal Technician responsibilities

An animal health technician may work in an animal hospital, private veterinary office, boarding kennel, or animal shelter.

12/22/2019: Winston Salem, NC

The technician relays such information to a veterinarian, who can determine an appropriate treatment plan.

12/15/2019: Benton Harbor, MI

An animal technician provides care to animals with the supervision of a veterinarian.

01/02/2020: Youngstown, OH

Animal technicians work in animal facilities in universities, medical and vet colleges, pharmaceutical companies, laboratory animal breeders or contract research facilities.

01/14/2020: Little Rock, AR

Animal technicians look after animals in laboratories.

02/06/2020: Corpus Christi, TX
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become an Animal Technician

Best tips for those who want to become an Animal Technician

Here are some tips to become an Animal Technician.

Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Animal Technician

Best colleges and universities for Animal Technician

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College
  • Rollins College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be an Animal Technician

Is being an Animal Technician Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

If the answer is yes then Macclesfield College is the perfect place for you to come and spend some time in our Animal department as a PTHP Animal Care Technician.

02/29/2020: Bloomington, IN

The post will involve attending the college both morning and evening on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays for a total of 2 hours per day to feed and care for our onsite animals, which include.

12/26/2019: Benton Harbor, MI

Central Grasslands Research Extension Center is located in south central North Dakota in the Missouri Coteau.  The Center has 10 full-time research scientists and staff studying areas including Range Science, Forage Agronomy and Animal Science.

01/21/2020: Appleton, WI

The Assistant Animal Facility Technicians are required to feed, clean, and provide basic animal husbandry to both small (rats/mice) and large (sheep/cattle) animals as well as assisting science and facility technicians with preparation and maintenance of the animal holding facilities.

12/28/2019: Pine Bluff, AR

Looking for a position that exposes you to and gives you a further understanding of compliance, ethics, animal husbandry/handling, research, and science.

12/12/2019: New London, CT
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being an Animal Technician

What skills do you need to be an Animal Technician?

Supporting level roles often require a broad range of skills to ensure jobs can be executed accurately and efficiently.  Some of the more relevant day-to-day skills for this role include: Data Collection, Medical Record Keeping, Cleaning/Sanitation, Research Animal Care.  Success in this function is highly dependant upon these skills, as well as others specific to each individual company.

People's Opinions on Animal Technician skills

Animal Technician Must-Have Resume Skills and Keywords.

12/10/2019: Boulder, CO

Veterinary technicians have the opportunity to develop advanced skills by handling a variety of species, administering medications, and operating medical devices.

12/14/2019: New Suffolk, NY

The number one skill is an aptitude for, and interest in, animal care.

02/21/2020: New York, NY

Ability be adaptable and work at high level of integrity; must enjoy working with animals and comfortable handling them.

01/19/2020: Portsmouth, NH

Demonstrated ability to monitor infrastructure and equipment, identify failures, undertake minor repairs and/or coordinate repairs and animal relocation as required.

12/29/2019: Anderson, IN
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Step 6: View average salary for Animal Technician

How much does an Animal Technician make?

The average salary range for an Animal Technician is from $46,840 to $52,770. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for an Animal Technician
$46,840 to $52,770

Average salary for Animal Technician jobs

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Step 7: Find relevant Animal Technician jobs, and apply.

Looking for Animal Technician jobs?

Here are some Animal Technician jobs in the United States.

Search Animal Technician Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Animal Technician