Function

Vet techs provide basic medical care to animals, such as prepping them for surgery, monitoring their temperature and operating X-ray machines. Veterinarians preform surgery on animals, fix broken bones and prescribe medicine, among other things.

Time Frame

Vet techs usually spend two years in college and must pass a national license exam. Veterinarians require around eight years of college education and must also pass a national exam in order to practice, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Geography

Vet technicians work with private practice veterinarians, or in animal hospitals or shelters. Veterinarians can either run their own practice, work in animal hospitals or shelters, or conduct research in labs.

Salary

Vet techs earn about $28,000 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Veterinarians earn $66,590 a year, on average, according to Stateuniversity.com.

Potential

Both vet technicians and veterinarians have excellent job outlooks. Vet tech jobs are expected to increase by 36 percent by 2016, while veterinarian jobs are expected to grow 35 percent by 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Source:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Vet Techs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Veterinarians

State University: Veterinarian Job Description