Nature of the Work
Owners of pets and other animals today expect superior veterinary care. To provide this service, veterinarians use the skills of veterinary technicians. The veterinary technician performs many of the same duties for a veterinarian that a nurse would for a physician.
Veterinary Technicians are licensed veterinary-care providers who work as part of a team to provide medical care to animals under the direction and supervision of a licensed Veterinarian. Veterinary technicians typically conduct clinical work in private practices or animal hospitals. In a clinical setting, the veterinary technician may perform laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood counts, assist with dental care, prepare tissue samples, insert IV catheters, take blood samples, and monitor animals under anesthesia. Veterinary Technicians also assist veterinarians with a variety of other diagnostic tests and surgical procedures. Veterinary technicians record patients' case histories, obtain radiographic images, and provide specialized nursing care. In addition, experienced veterinary technicians may discuss a pet's condition with its owners and train new clinic personnel. Veterinary technicians usually care for small pets such as cats and dogs, however; they may also perform a variety of duties with a wide range of other animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, ferrets, rats, rabbits, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and more.
Some veterinary technicians work in biomedical research facilities under the guidance of veterinarians or physicians. With biomedical research animals, the veterinary technician may administer medications, prepare samples for laboratory examinations, or record information on an animal's genealogy, diet, weight, medications, food intake, and clinical signs of pain and distress. Some may sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment and provide routine postoperative care. Occasionally, veterinary technicians in private clinical practice and/or research facility may have to assist with humane esthesia of animals that are seriously ill or, severely injured, or geriatric animals at the end stage of life expectancy.