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If you have a passion for domesticated or wild animals or both, a career in Zoology or Animal Science and Veterinary Tech should be right up your alley! The animal kingdom provides numerous opportunities. Narrowing down your focus to a specific area can enhance your career prospects and perhaps maximize your career return on investment (ROI).
Let’s get into the details and discover what it takes to become a professional in either discipline!
All About Zoology and Animal Science
In essence, Zoology and Animal Science programs generally focus on the scientific study of wild and domestic animals, including their behavior, physical structure and functions, taxonomy, evolution and distribution. Zoologists and animal scientists also help address the environmental impact of human activities on the animals and their habitat.
Featuring basic knowledge of the animal kingdom, Associate in Zoology or Animal Science degree holders enjoy career path options, such as entry-level wildlife biologist and conservation specialist for endangered species, zoo or aquarium curators and wildlife rehabilitators.
Education and Career Options for Animal Science and Zoology
By completing an Animal Science bachelor’s degree program, students will have gained expertise in Animal Biology and the ecosystem. By pursuing a doctorate, they can become ecologists, environmental consultants, or research scientists. With a Ph.D. in Zoology or Animal Science, graduates can become General Biology professors in high school or specialized courses in colleges and universities.
Entry-level positions in Zoology and Animal Science pay around $44,000 a year. Higher-level positions pay up to $104,700 annually. Employment of professionals is expected to grow 3% from 2002 to 2032. It translates to around 1,500 positions every year.
A Zoology or Animal Science Career Is For You If:
- You like working with animals, and you have a genuine interest in understanding their physiology and ecology.
- You like to contribute to the welfare and conservation of wildlife and to advocate for ethical treatment practices on animals in various industries.
- You are interested in a career that places you in various environments, such as the outdoors, laboratories and classrooms.
A Zoology or Animal Science Career Is Not A Great Fit if:
- You prefer working mainly in a non-biology field and with humans.
- You need a career that provides immediate financial stability, considering that higher-paying positions in this field will require further education or experience.
- You don’t like the idea of working outdoors (e.g., staying for long periods in remote locations) and dealing with the uncertainties associated with wildlife studies.
All About the Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technology involves medical methodologies and procedures for the care of animals. Their services include diagnostic procedures, clinical laboratory tests, medication administration, surgical assistance, and animal handling and restraint.
Veterinary techs are also trained to perform administrative veterinary roles, including receptionist work, recordkeeping and documentation, inventory management, client communication, and regulatory compliance.
Education and Career Options for Veterinary Technician
With an Associate in Veterinary Technology program, students gain a solid foundation of medical and healthcare services to animals, including pets, animals in the zoo, and those in shelters. With a Veterinary Tech degree, you won’t just be working in vet clinics, zoos, primate centers, and related establishments.
You’ll also have the opportunity to venture into the fields of research, veterinary product manufacturing and sales, regulatory medicine, and many others.
Associate degree holders can sit for the VTNE or Veterinary Technician National Exam and obtain a passing score to be credentialed. Most US States require Veterinary Technicians to be registered, credentialed, certified or licensed.
The roles of Veterinary Technicians and technologists are essentially similar to the roles of nurses working for physicians. Veterinary Techs work under the supervision and guidance of veterinarians.
A Veterinary Technicians must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree to take the next step: becoming a Veterinary Technologist. Remember, however, that Veterinary Tech degree programs aren’t typically considered pre-professional tracks to become veterinarians, who are licensed medical professionals holding a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DMV) degree.
The Labor Statistics data show that entry-level positions for veterinary techs pay around $29,000 a year. Those with years of experience and taking on higher positions earn at least $54,700 annually.
The national median salary in this career is $38,240 per year.
The potential employment growth for Veterinary Techs from 2022 to 2032 is expected at 21%,
A Veterinary Technician Career Is For You If:
- You like to work and communicate with animals as well as their owners.
- You prefer a short, two-year basic education to sit for licensing and practice.
- You can handle animal medical emergencies and ensure their health and well-being.
A Veterinary Technician Career Is Not A Great Fit if:
- You prefer to provide medical and healthcare services to human patients.
- You need extensive decision-making authority, considering that Veterinary Technicians and technologists work under a licensed veterinarian’s supervision.
- You find it uncomfortable, panic, or become too emotional being around injured, sick or deceased animals.
Comparison Table: Zoology/Animal Science vs. Veterinary Tech
| Zoology/Animal Science | Veterinary Tech | |
| Starting salaries | $44,000 per year | $29,000 per year |
| Average salaries | $72,610 per year | $40,770 per year |
| Job Responsibilities | * Wildlife management * Animal conservation * Livestock management and consulting * Animal nutritionist * Animal geneticists * Veterinary research * Research technician * Teaching | Veterinary Technician National Exam for credentials in most states (administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards)Depending on the State, professionals need to be registered, certified, and licensed. |
| Certifications/Licensing | No existing national certification for zoologists, but specific fields in Zoology (e.g., marine biology) may have certification requirements. | Veterinary Technician National Exam for credentials in most states (administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards)Depending on the State, professionals need to be registered, certified and licensed. |
| Projected Employment Growth (2022-2032) | 3% | 21% |
| Largest Employer(s) | Government (non-educational sector) | Veterinary services |
| Highest Paying Employer(s) | Architecture and engineering companies | Medicine and pharmaceutical manufacturers |
Can Zoology and Animal Science Professionals Perform Veterinary Tech Duties?
Although the Veterinary Tech career is considered a subset of the Zoology and Animal Science field, it doesn’t mean that zoologists can perform the specific duties of Veterinary Technologists and technicians for the following reasons:
- Zoology programs often lack the specific training and education necessary for clinical and veterinary procedures.
- Veterinary Tech professionals have undergone rigorous hands-on training and experience (such as internships and laboratory experiments) to carry out specific veterinary procedures effectively.
- Zoology/Animal Science degree holders will require registration, credentials, and licenses, which will allow them to conduct Veterinary Technologist/technician procedures. This means that they will require additional training and certification in the field of Veterinary Technology.
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