Alternative Career Paths for Veterinary Technicians: Exploring New Horizons

Roo Team

January 10, 2025

Veterinary Technicians are the unsung heroes of animal healthcare. But let’s face it — being overworked and underpaid can make the other parts of your life outside work difficult. Many vet techs are looking for alternative career paths that offer better pay, work-life balance, or just something new. The good news? Your skills are in demand far beyond the clinic walls. Let’s dive into some exciting career options where you can leverage your expertise, make more money, and maybe even have a little fun along the way!

Beyond clinical practice: alternative career paths

Research & laboratory work

If you’re a science nerd who loves animals but not people (we get it), research and laboratory roles might be your calling. Research Technicians work in private labs or academic institutions conducting studies on everything from animal behavior to drug development. Imagine spending your day running diagnostic tests, analyzing data, and contributing to groundbreaking discoveries — all without having to make small talk with clients.

Salary range: $40,000 – $65,000 annually (depending on experience and certifications).

How to get started: Most positions require an associate’s degree in veterinary technology and some experience with lab work. Consider earning certifications like the Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) credential through AALAS.

Educational roles

Love sharing your knowledge? Teaching could be a rewarding pivot. Vet Techs can teach at veterinary technology programs or assist in public education initiatives like community workshops or outreach programs. Bonus: these roles often come with better hours and benefits than clinical work.

Salary range: On an average, $71,735 annually.

How to get started: You’ll likely need a few years of clinical experience and possibly a bachelor’s degree or teaching certification. Check out local colleges or online programs for opportunities to transition into academia.

Corporate opportunities

Vet Techs can thrive as pharmaceutical sales reps, pet insurance consultants, or even working for pet food companies as technical advisors. These jobs let you use your medical knowledge in a business setting, and — spoiler alert — they pay better too!

Salary range: On an average, $45,144 annually (and sometimes even higher with commissions).

How to get started: Strong communication skills are key here. Brush up on sales techniques or business acumen by taking courses online or attending industry conferences. Networking at events like veterinary trade shows can also open doors.

Wildlife rehabilitation

Dreaming of working with animals that don’t fit in kennels? Wildlife rehab combines clinical skills with conservation efforts. You could be treating injured owls one day and baby raccoons the next! However, this field is competitive and often requires additional certifications.

Salary range: $40,000 – $60,000 annually.

How to get started: Look into certifications like those offered by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC). Volunteering at wildlife centers can also help you break into this niche field.

Practice Manager

Practice management is often a natural career transition for Vet Techs seeking to move beyond clinical duties while staying in the veterinary field. As a Practice Manager, Vet Techs can leverage their medical knowledge while developing business management, customer support, and marketing skills. The role involves overseeing daily operations, managing staff, handling budgets, and maintaining inventory.

With an average annual salary of $82,725, this position offers financial growth potential and requires strong leadership abilities. Vet Techs interested in this path can build their qualifications by pursuing certification as a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), making them more competitive for management positions in larger practices.

Skills that transfer like magic

Your Vet Tech skills are more versatile than you think! Here’s how they map to alternative careers:

Animal handling expertise → Perfect for research labs or wildlife rehab.
Laboratory & diagnostic skills → A must-have for research roles.
Knowledge of anatomy & physiology → Highly valued in pharmaceutical companies.
Strong communication skills → Essential for corporate sales or teaching.
Client education experience → Great for public outreach or pet insurance consulting.

Professional development tips

Want to level up? Here’s how you can prepare for these alternative careers:

Obtain specialized certifications (e.g., LAT for lab work or IWRC for wildlife rehab).
Join professional organizations like NAVTA to network with peers and mentors.
Attend industry conferences to stay updated on trends and meet potential employers.
Build experience through internships or part-time gigs in your target field.

Pro tip: Roo offers free Continuing Education events that can help you gain new skills without spending a dime! Check out our CE Events Page for upcoming opportunities.

Making the transition: a step-by-step guide

Ready to take the leap? Here’s how you can start transitioning into an alternative career:

Identify which career path excites you most — whether it’s teaching, corporate roles, or wildlife rehab.
Research the qualifications needed for that role (e.g., certifications, degrees) and go out and get them!
Network with professionals already working in that field — LinkedIn is your friend!
Take small steps like volunteering or shadowing someone in your desired role.
Update your resume to highlight transferable skills relevant to the new career path.

Why consider Roo?

Another alternative career path is relief work. The good news here is that you don’t need any additional skills or qualifications — you just keep doing what you’re great at whenever you want. You could use relief work part-time to take on additional shifts and simply boost your income or become a full-time relief professional to earn higher hourly rates with total autonomy over your career and work-life balance.

Join Today and Start Earning More

Speaking of transitions — have you thought about joining Roo as an employee? Many of our Business Development and Account Management reps are former vet techs who wanted better pay and work-life balance. Plus, we have a lot of fun too! You’ll enjoy perks like:

Competitive salaries starting at $60,000+ annually
Unlimited vacation days (yes, really)
Stipends for healthcare, pet healthcare, and professional development
Fully remote work — ditch the commute!

Check out our Careers Page if this sounds like your next adventure.

FAQs about alternative careers

What are the highest-paying alternative careers for vet techs?

Corporate roles like pharmaceutical sales ($55K – $85K) and practice management positions ($40K – $65K) typically offer top-dollar salaries.

How do I break into these roles?

Start by identifying transferable skills from your vet tech experience. Obtain relevant certifications if needed, and network within the industry.

How can I gain experience in a new field before fully transitioning?

Gaining experience in a new field is often a stepping stone to making a successful career pivot. Start by:

Volunteering or shadowing professionals in your target industry (e.g., wildlife rehab centers or research labs).
Taking part-time roles or internships to build relevant skills.
Attending networking events or conferences where you can meet industry insiders in those fields.

What certifications can help me transition to a higher-paying role?

Certifications can significantly boost your chances of landing specialized roles:

Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT): Ideal for transitioning into research or lab work.
Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS): Specializations in areas like anesthesia, dentistry, or emergency care can lead to higher salaries.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Certification: Offered by organizations like IWRC for those interested in wildlife care.

Are these jobs in demand?

Absolutely! Research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and educational institutions are always looking for skilled professionals. With so many exciting options available, there’s no reason to feel stuck in a low-paying clinic job forever. Use this guide as your roadmap to explore new horizons, and remember, your skills are worth more than you think!

Sources:

Allen, P., & Clark, J. L. (2023). Comprehensive guide to Vet Tech. Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

‍Northwood Technical College. (2023). Veterinary Technician career outlook.

‍Santa Rosa Junior College. (n.d.). Veterinary Technician FAQ. Agriculture/Natural Resources Department.

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