The education I would require in order to become a veterinary technician would be six years in total, two years to get my associate’s degree and enroll in a four-year bachelor’s degree program for animal science or pre-veterinary studies. Practical experience in a vet hospital is often part of the curriculum in a associate’s degree program. An externship can also be finished while a student is on their last semester of an associate’s degree program or during the summer. Externs assist vets by taking blood samples, weighing the patient, and sterilizing surgical tools. PIMA Community College, Mesa College, Miami Dade College, Hillsborough Community College, St. George’s University, Michigan State University, and Purdue University all offer the proper training. The skills that are required for this occupation are technical skills (x-rays, cleaning equipment and enter data into computers using spreadsheet programs), physical stamina, detail oriented, empathy and communication. You can gain experience through programs, volunteering at an animal clinic or hospital, shelter, etc. I am very creative, positive, patient, meticulous, caring, understanding, and I love all animals. In San Diego, California the annual salary for veterinary technicians is $32,000. The wage I would expect after years of experience would be $14.50, hourly pay. A veterinary technician associate’s degree costs up to $1,300 for in-state tuition, and a bachelor’s degree typically costs up to $60,000. Benefits for veterinary technicians include health and dental insurance, 2-4 weeks of paid vacation, paid sick leave, opportunities to travel (seminars, networking, etc) and most apply you with retirement. A day in the life of a veterinary technician is getting to work closely with the…