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Veterinary Technician
A veterinary technician is knowledgeable in the care and handling of animals, in the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in routine laboratory and clinical procedures. The technician is an assistant to veterinarians, biological research workers and other scientists.
| Some of their responsibilities might include: |
| • | Obtaining and recording information about cases |
| • | Preparing patients (animals), instruments and equipment for surgery and dressing wounds |
| • | Collecting specimens and performing certain laboratory procedures |
| • | Assisting in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures |
| • | Exposing and developing diagnostic radiographs |
| • | Communicating with animal owners |
In addition to veterinary practices, veterinary technicians are employed in biological research laboratories, drug or feed manufacturing companies, animal production facilities, zoos and meat packing companies.
| Some of these responsibilities might include: |
| • | Record keeping, animal care and feeding |
| • | Laboratory procedures |
| • | Equipment and product maintenance |
| • | Product or carcass inspection |
These tasks would be performed under the supervision of a scientist or senior technologist.
Job Outlook
The demand for veterinary technicians is growing.
Educational Requirements
All American Veterinary Medical Association accredited programs cover at least two years of college-level study at a community college where graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. Patience, compassion and a willingness to be part of the animal health care team are important assets for a veterinary technician. Veterinary technicians should be able to handle the common domestic species of animals, know at least one method for performing each of several laboratory procedures, be familiar with names and uses of ordinary drugs, instruments and equipment and possess elementary computer skills.
Educational Programs: Pre-Veterinary
Technical Programs
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