4 answers
Madisyn
Student
Clearfield, Utah
4
Questions
Asked
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Can I do two careers at once?
Can I become a veterinary technician and an sonographer/ultrasound technician? I wish to work with animals and become a tech in vet med but need something to pay as well and seem to find this career a go idea. Can I be both? If not at the same time, could I still get the career for both at different points, like do one first and then do another?
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2 answers
Sahida Khatun
Software Consultant and Analyst
78
Answers
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Updated
Sahida’s Answer
Option 1: Pursuing Both Careers Simultaneously
Part-Time Work: Work part-time in one field while completing the necessary education or certification for the other. For example:
Work as a veterinary assistant or technician while attending school for sonography.
Once you’re certified in both, you could split your time between animal clinics and human healthcare facilities.
Specialization: You might find a niche in veterinary sonography, where you use ultrasound technology for animals, blending your interests and skills from both fields.
Feasibility Considerations:
Working two jobs may require flexibility, especially since healthcare and veterinary clinics may need coverage during similar hours.
Balancing work hours and personal time is critical to avoid burnout.
Option 2: Sequential Career Path
Start with One Career:
Begin as a veterinary technician (2-year program), which is quicker to enter and aligns directly with your passion for working with animals.
Gain work experience and financial stability while considering the transition to sonography.
Transition to Sonography:
Later, enroll in a diagnostic medical sonography program (typically 2 years for an associate degree).
Many sonography jobs offer better pay, allowing you to fund further studies or invest in veterinary specialization.
Lifelong Learning Approach:
This path lets you explore both fields at different life stages without overwhelming yourself with simultaneous responsibilities.
Key Considerations
Educational Requirements:
Veterinary Technician: Associate’s degree in veterinary technology and passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Sonographer/Ultrasound Technician: Associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography and certification through ARDMS or CCI.
Time Management:
Both careers involve hands-on work and continuing education, so time commitments for training and ongoing certifications should be factored in.
Career Synergy:
If you choose veterinary sonography, your skills as a sonographer would be a valuable asset in the veterinary field, creating a unique specialization.
Job Demand and Salary:
Veterinary technicians typically earn less than sonographers. If financial stability is a concern, starting with sonography might be more practical while volunteering or part-timing in vet clinics.
Conclusion
Yes, you can pursue both careers! If doing both simultaneously seems challenging, focusing on one and transitioning to the other later is a smart and sustainable plan. Your interest in working with animals and your practical need for financial stability can align well with careful career planning. Let me know if you’d like help mapping out the education or certification steps for either career!
Part-Time Work: Work part-time in one field while completing the necessary education or certification for the other. For example:
Work as a veterinary assistant or technician while attending school for sonography.
Once you’re certified in both, you could split your time between animal clinics and human healthcare facilities.
Specialization: You might find a niche in veterinary sonography, where you use ultrasound technology for animals, blending your interests and skills from both fields.
Feasibility Considerations:
Working two jobs may require flexibility, especially since healthcare and veterinary clinics may need coverage during similar hours.
Balancing work hours and personal time is critical to avoid burnout.
Option 2: Sequential Career Path
Start with One Career:
Begin as a veterinary technician (2-year program), which is quicker to enter and aligns directly with your passion for working with animals.
Gain work experience and financial stability while considering the transition to sonography.
Transition to Sonography:
Later, enroll in a diagnostic medical sonography program (typically 2 years for an associate degree).
Many sonography jobs offer better pay, allowing you to fund further studies or invest in veterinary specialization.
Lifelong Learning Approach:
This path lets you explore both fields at different life stages without overwhelming yourself with simultaneous responsibilities.
Key Considerations
Educational Requirements:
Veterinary Technician: Associate’s degree in veterinary technology and passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Sonographer/Ultrasound Technician: Associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography and certification through ARDMS or CCI.
Time Management:
Both careers involve hands-on work and continuing education, so time commitments for training and ongoing certifications should be factored in.
Career Synergy:
If you choose veterinary sonography, your skills as a sonographer would be a valuable asset in the veterinary field, creating a unique specialization.
Job Demand and Salary:
Veterinary technicians typically earn less than sonographers. If financial stability is a concern, starting with sonography might be more practical while volunteering or part-timing in vet clinics.
Conclusion
Yes, you can pursue both careers! If doing both simultaneously seems challenging, focusing on one and transitioning to the other later is a smart and sustainable plan. Your interest in working with animals and your practical need for financial stability can align well with careful career planning. Let me know if you’d like help mapping out the education or certification steps for either career!
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
116
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
Good concern,for sure you can persue a career as a veterinary technician and still proceed in persue sonography,however it would be ideal to take animal sonography as an option.