Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

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Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Careers / Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Summary Description


	Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Animal Health Technician

2.	Animal Technician

3.	Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

4.	Clinical Laboratory Scientist

5.	Clinical Researcher

6.	Emergency Veterinary Technician

7.	Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician

8.	Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)

9.	Medical Technologist

10.	Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

11.	Surgery Technician (Surgery Tech)

12.	Veterinary Assistant

13.	Veterinary Laboratory Technician (Veterinary Lab Tech)

14.	Veterinary Nurse

15.	Veterinary Surgery Technician

16.	Veterinary Surgery Technologist

17.	Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech)

18.	Veterinary X-Ray Operator

19.	X Ray Operator

Job Tasks

	Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery. Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments.

	Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books. Maintain medical facility records.

	Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted. Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities. Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.

	Restrain animals during exams or procedures. Position patients for treatment or examination.

	Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures. Treat medical emergencies.

	Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms. Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.

	Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems. Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.

	Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians. Prepare medications or medical solutions. Administer non-intravenous medications. Immunize patients.

	Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials. Sterilize medical equipment or instruments. Clean medical equipment or facilities.

	Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination. Collect biological specimens from patients. Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.

	Prepare animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas. Prepare patients physically for medical procedures.

	Discuss medical health of pets with clients, such as post-operative status. Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.

	Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers. Prepare medications or medical solutions.

	Take animals into treatment areas and assist with physical examinations by performing such duties as obtaining temperature, pulse, and respiration data. Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.

	Maintain laboratory, research, or treatment records, as well as inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies. Maintain medical facility records.

	Take and develop diagnostic radiographs, using x-ray equipment. Process x-rays or other medical images. Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.

	Prepare treatment rooms for surgery. Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.

	Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment or instruments, as needed. Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.

	Perform dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth. Treat dental problems or diseases.

	Clean kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, examination rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease. Clean medical equipment or facilities.

	Schedule appointments and procedures for animals. Schedule patient procedures or appointments.

	Provide information or counseling regarding issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, or nutrition. Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.

	Dress and suture wounds and apply splints or other protective devices. Apply bandages, dressings, or splints.

	Maintain instruments, equipment, or machinery to ensure proper working condition. Maintain medical equipment or instruments.

	Give enemas and perform catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages. Administer basic health care or medical treatments.

	Provide assistance with animal euthanasia and the disposal of remains. Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.

	Supervise or train veterinary students or other staff members. Train medical providers. Supervise patient care personnel.

	Monitor medical supplies and place orders when inventory is low. Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment. Order medical supplies or equipment.

	Perform a variety of office, clerical, or accounting duties, such as reception, billing, bookkeeping, or selling products. Merchandise healthcare products or services. Perform clerical work in medical settings. Process medical billing information.

	Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush or cut animals' hair. Assist patients with hygiene or daily living activities.

	Conduct specialized procedures, such as animal branding or tattooing or hoof trimming.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
	Veterinary technologists and technicians perform medical tests under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to assist in diagnosing the injuries and illnesses of animals.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
	Veterinary technologists and technicians work in private clinics, laboratories, and animal hospitals. Their jobs may be physically or emotionally demanding. Many work evenings, weekends, or holidays.

	Read More >>

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