Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

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Also known as:
Certified Veterinary Technician, Licensed Veterinary Technician, LVT, Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Lab Tech, Veterinary Laboratory Technician, Veterinary Surgery Technician, Veterinary Surgery Technologist, Veterinary Technologist, Veterinary X-Ray Operator

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ABOUT VETERINARY TECHNOLOGIST OR TECHNICIAN CAREERS

Video transcript

Veterinary technologists and technicians are the unsung heroes of the animal world. These animal healthcare workers assist veterinarians, biomedical researchers and other scientists. Also called "vet techs," they handle a wide variety of tasks.

The vet tech often performs the initial examination, taking samples and running tests in the lab. They assist in surgery, monitoring the patient's heart and respiratory rates as well as handing instruments and other items to the surgeon. The vet tech even acts as dental hygienist, evaluating animals' teeth and cleaning them with specialized equipment.

The work can involve lifting heavy animals. It can also be stressful, requiring great patience and empathy. Sick animals can be messy and difficult to handle. Sadly, some can't be helped. It usually falls to the vet tech to end an animal's suffering through euthanasia.

While some employers offer training on the job, most prefer to hire technologists and technicians who have completed college study, generally an associate's degree, in a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The job outlook is good for this occupation, though it is a highly competitive field. And while these patients can't say "thank you," they can still show their appreciation.

SNAPSHOT

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.

Leadership	HIGH
Critical decision making	HIGH
Level of responsibilities	HIGH
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines	HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict	LOW

Competition for this position	LOW
Communication with others	LOW
Work closely with team members, clients etc.	HIGH
Comfort of the work setting	HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions	LOW
Exposure to job hazards	LOW
Physical demands	MED

Daily tasks

Supervise or train veterinary students or other staff members.

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

Dress and suture wounds and apply splints or other protective devices.

Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.

Monitor medical supplies and place orders when inventory is low.

Schedule appointments and procedures for animals.

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

Perform a variety of office, clerical, or accounting duties, such as reception, billing, bookkeeping, or selling products.

Prepare animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas.

Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.

Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Assisting and Caring for Others	Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

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

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

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.

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

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

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE

Medicine and Dentistry	Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Biology	Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Chemistry	Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

TOP SKILLS

Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.