An EAMT is trained to triage animal victims and provide animal rescue.
An emergency animal medical technician (EAMT) is a highly skilled professional, trained to triage animal victims and provide animal rescue. EAMTs provide life-saving care and assist in transport to a veterinary hospital. If you have a passionate love for animals, a strong desire to relieve their suffering, and enjoy working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, a career as an EAMT may be an excellent choice. Emergency animal medical technician's salaries vary from state to state dependent on training, academic achievements, experience and the requirements of the position.
Experience, Education and Training
Many emergency animal medical technicians gain experience early in life, caring for domestic and farm animals. They may volunteer in animal rescue shelters or work for a boarding kennel, breeder or pet grooming service. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-accredited junior and community colleges offer two-year programs in the veterinary sciences. Online technical training and colleges offer programs in veterinary technology, lab procedures and animal first aid and care. Graduates earn a diploma and are eligible for certification as an EAMT. Entry-level emergency animal medical technicians are in the lowest 10 percent of wage earners in their classification. MySalary.com figures for 2011 reflect a national entry-level annual median wage of $30,307.
Duties
EAMTs rescue frightened animals dodging traffic and intervene in reported cases of animal neglect or cruelty. Their duties are diverse and varied. They care for domestic pets, farm animals, research species and zoo and circus resident animals. EAMTs work in animal hospitals, clinics, shelters, private veterinary practices, research and boarding facilities and government agencies. Nationwide, EAMTs respond to hundreds of thousands of emergency calls each year. The Arizona Humane Society reported that its emergency animal medical technicians responded to over 18,000 emergency calls for animal cruelty/neglect or animals in need of intervention or rescue in 2009. EAMTs provide on-site emergency care and trauma stabilization. They clean wounds and provide water and intravenous fluids. EAMTs record the animal patient's vital signs, evaluate the animal's overall medical condition and, if necessary, transport the animal to the agency or animal healthcare facility that can best service its immediate needs. EAMTs clean cages, water and feed animals and monitor their health. EAMTs perform laboratory tests such as blood count and urinalysis, collect tissue samples and provide care under the direction of a veterinary supervisor. EAMTs administer prescribed drugs and medications, change dressings, and assist in animal rehabilitation efforts.
Salaries
EAMTs play active roles in spay-and-neuter clinics.
MySalary.com reports that in 2011 the national median annual salary for an emergency animal medical technician is $32,602. Technicians with secondary education and extensive experience who fall in the top 10 percent of earners receive an annual average wage of $39,695. After gaining extensive clinical experience, many EAMTs start their own small business offering boarding, injury rehabilitation, training and basic healthcare services.
Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports in its Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition, reports that employment of veterinary technicians and technologists is projected to increase 36 percent from 2008 to 2018. Anticipated growth in this field will be faster than the national average for all occupations. Pet owners view their pets as a part of their family. They desire professional, superior and compassionate care. To meet this growing demand, EAMTs will be needed in all regions of the United States.
Tags: animal medical, emergency animal, emergency animal medical, animal medical technician, animal medical technicians, animal rescue, medical technician