Pet Technician Job Description

Veterinary Technicians

The knowledge and skills of veterinary technicians are used to care for animals. A veterinary technician works with supervising veterinarians to provide preventative care, diagnose injuries and illnesses and perform medical procedures on animals. Some veterinary technicians work with large animals.

The job of a veterinary technician requires a lot of collaboration with veterinarians, but they can work independently. A veterinary technician prepares animal for surgery by shaving and sterilizing the surgical site, administering sedatives and performing other pre-operative procedures. During surgery, veterinary technicians assist.

Basic medical procedures can be performed at home by veterinary technicians. A veterinary technician is responsible for answering questions about general pet care. A veterinary technician helps with every exam because it is difficult to do a thorough examination a wiggling animal.

The veterinary technician may have to hold the animal in a certain position, record vital signs or give a hand to the vet. A patient with a blocked urinary tract can come in on the verge of death and then walk out the front door. The technician is an important part of the care of the patients.

You will use the math you learned in high school as a veterinary technician, even if you don't need it after high school. It can take some fancy thinking to get a blood draw on a patient with 30 teeth, 20 claws and an attitude that says "oh no you don't" Every day, patience comes into play.

Veterinary Technicians: A Survey

Each state has their own laws regarding the procedures veterinary technicians are allowed to perform. Common responsibilities of vet techs may vary from state to state. A vet tech with years of experience may be able to perform more complex procedures than a veterinary technician who is fresh out of a training program.

Some employers have their own rules regarding the tasks and procedures that their veterinary technicians can perform. If you have certain personality traits, you will be a good veterinary technician. Good communication skills are important for you to have when working with a variety of pet owners and medical staff.

You should be able to multi-task and be detail oriented. The work of a veterinary technician can be exhausting. You may need to work long hours as a vet tech.

A Veterinary Technician: Communication with Owners and Patients

A veterinary technician is responsible for performing routine checks on animals to make sure they are well cared for. They are responsible for communicating with pet owners to determine if their pet experienced changes in activity or diet, checking animal's weight, heartbeat and other vitals to record in patient files, and assisting other veterinary personnel in taking blood samples or administering medications. A veterinary technician is a person who works in a veterinary hospital or a veterinary clinic to provide medical services to animals.

They work closely with other veterinary technicians, veterinarians and front desk staff to make sure pets are well. They perform x-rays, perform scans, update patient records, administer vaccinations, and speak with pet owners about how to best care for their animals. They may be responsible for sending reminders to owners when pet check-ups are needed.

A two-year degree is the minimum education for a veterinary technician. Basic nursing care for animals, veterinary pathology, biochemistry, anesthesia and surgical nursing are some of the courses that are included. Training usually involves working in a clinical setting and learning various skills in a laboratory.

A veterinary technician should have experience working in a variety of settings that focus on the care of animals. Someone who just completed their education should have worked in clinical and laboratory settings. Volunteer work in animal shelters is beneficial.

A veterinary technician with more experience can communicate medical information to clients, veterinarians and coworkers, and can handle animals in all temperaments. A veterinary technician starts their day by reviewing their appointment schedule. They review their patients medical histories to make sure they know about any previous health conditions or medications.

Veterinary Technicians in Private Practice and Research Facilities

In private clinics, animal hospitals, and research facilities, veterinary technicians help vets diagnose and treat animals. The job includes testing blood, urine, stool, and other samples, administering vaccines and other medications under a vet's direction, and any other task necessary to help vets with the care and treatment of animals. Similar to what laboratory technicians and nurses do for doctors, veterinary technicians serve veterinarians.

The veterinary technicians help with the treatment of animals by taking medical background from their owners and helping to administer treatments or medications. They also test for other diseases. Depending on where a veterinary technician works, specific responsibilities may vary.

People working in small private practices that serve family pets will spend more time with the owners and help with treatments. People working in research laboratories might spend more time in a laboratory setting performing tests. A bachelor's degree is not required for veterinary technicians to become certified in their state.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that demand for veterinary technicians will increase in the near future due to an increase in the number of households with pets. The 20 percent job growth projected for the decade ending in 2026 is three times as great as the 7 percent growth projected for all occupations. BLS says that jobs should be available for those with high degree and credentials.

Work is usually full-time and hours depend on the type of practice, clinic, or laboratory where the veterinary technician is employed. Some practices have weekend and evening hours, so technicians will usually work some evening and weekend shifts. Other practices or laboratories may only be open during business hours.