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Do You Have What it Takes to Take Care of Animals?

By Gina Pogol
Learning & Life Columnist

Slaughterhouses are a necessary evil of American life. This job involves killing or butchering animals in food processing plants. Most of these jobs are held by women with no post-high school education. Of these jobs, the worst are found in the poultry industry. Workers perform their tasks in smelly, bacteria-laden conditions. The pace is brutal, the pressure to do more, faster, is relentless, and bathroom breaks are frowned on. One in four poultry workers gets sick or injured from the job--and all this fun pays about $18,000 a year.

A Better Way to Work with Animals

Animal processing jobs do offer some preparation for much more fulfilling careers. Anyone used to dealing with frightened animals can combine their experience with a little education to get a job helping animals in a clean, uplifting environment. An associate's degree in veterinary technology or assisting is great preparation for a satisfying career that pays 30% to 100% more than slaughterhouse work.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits veterinary technician programs throughout the nation, including distance learning programs. Clinical experience is also required. This supervised experience is referred to as an externship, practicum, or preceptorship, and is crucial to successfully completing an accredited program.

Graduates of vet tech programs can specialize according to their interests. For example, an outgoing, assertive person could do supply sales, while someone quiet and meticulous may be perfect for lab work. Opportunities exist in research facilities, colleges, zoos and wildlife areas, the military, food safety inspection, laboratories, veterinary supply sales, drug and feed companies, and humane societies and animal control facilities. No matter your background, you can have a satisfying career making animals' lives better.

Sources:

• AlterNet Rights and Liberties, "The Ten Worst Jobs in America"
• The Wall Street Journal, "We Ask: What are Some of the Best and Worst Jobs?"
• US Department of Labor, "Food processing occupations"

About the Author
Gina Pogol has a terrific job as a writer and editor for an online media company. After working at several horrible jobs, she earned an associate's degree in Computer Programming, a certificate in Paralegal Studies, and a BS in Financial Management.

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