Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
What is a Veterinary Technologists and Technicians?
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians are skilled professionals who provide support to veterinarians in the care and treatment of animals. They play a crucial role in the veterinary healthcare team, assisting in various medical procedures, performing laboratory tests, and managing day-to-day operations within veterinary clinics and hospitals. These professionals are trained in animal anatomy, physiology, and disease management, enabling them to conduct diagnostic tests, administer medications, and educate pet owners about proper animal care. Veterinary Technologists typically hold a four-year degree in veterinary technology, while Veterinary Technicians usually complete a two-year associate degree. Their work environment can vary, including private clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, and zoos, where they are dedicated to promoting animal health and well-being.
Tasks
- Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
- Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
- Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
- 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.
- Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
Technology Skills
-
Data base user interface and query software
- FileMaker Pro
- Microsoft Access
- Practice management software PMS
-
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
-
Medical software
- Animal Intelligence Software Animal Intelligence
- McAllister Software Systems AVImark
- Veterinary practice management software PMS
-
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
-
Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools Used
- Intubation laryngoscopes
- Animal husbandry equipment
- Animal catching devices
- Medical x ray units for general diagnostic use
- Orthopedic splint systems
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.
Skills
-
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.
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
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.
Abilities
-
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
-
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
-
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
-
Associate's degree
-
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work 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 Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Detailed Work Activities
- Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
- Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.
- Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments.
- Maintain medical facility records.
- Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.
Work Interests
-
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$30180.0 - $59310.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.