Veterinarian technicians
are the backbone of many vet practices. These dedicated animal lovers perform a myriad of jobs under the title of vet tech. Typically, veterinarian technicians assist the veterinarian in all aspects of animal care. Duties range from clinical care of animals to laboratory work. Maintaining kennels and regular feeding schedules are also included in vet tech duties. In addition, many vet techs assist with regular surgeries and immunizations.
Significance
Education requirements for veterinarian technicians include a two to four year degree at an American Veterinarian Medical Association accredited college or university. Entry level positions allow technicians with two-year associate degrees. All states require qualification exams for vet techs. These positions require continual training and re-education in the latest in animal care practices. Retraining and rectification is a constant goal.
Considerations
Veterinarian technicians don't work in vet offices exclusively. Many work in research facilities, helping to care for research animals daily as well as observing and recording their activities or responses. These research vet techs work under the guidance and supervision of scientists or doctors. All vet techs strive to provide every animal under their care humane care. Veterinarian technicians also work at zoos and aquariums, performing the daily care activities required in these large animal-care based facilities. These vet tech jobs are coveted by technicians and as a result are hard to find.
Function
Vet techs perform duties very similar to a nurse. While a veterinarian supervises their work, vet techs are often the first to see animals that come into the practice for care. In a clinical setting, vet techs will take patient histories and background information and collect specimens for diagnosis of problems. Vet techs perform X-rays on animals as well as perform lab work such as evaluating urine, blood, and tissue samples. Techs are literally the "nurses" of the animal medical field.
Features
The job features of a veterinarian technician are innumerable. Many perform routine clerical duties on a daily basis that include scheduling appointments and documenting medical records. Recording licenses, sending out lab specimen reports and filling out death certificates are also aspects of the job. Veterinarian technicians also oversee the stocking of supplies and medications for the vet practice.
Techs also provide care for the animals in the convalescent area of the vet's office. These animals are often in for specialized care such as IV treatments or surgeries that require the constant supervision by trained specialists. These specialists are the vet techs. They administer medications, clean cages, provide food and constantly evaluate the changing needs of their four-legged patients.
Vet techs also assist veterinarians with surgery such as spaying, neutering and dental work. Setting up and preparing the animals for surgery is another common duty. Performing physical examinations on patients is common, as is assisting with birthing and euthanasia. Vet techs help with literally every part of the veterinarian practice.
Misconceptions
Vet techs are animal lovers. As a result, this job can be an emotional one. Seeing animals in pain or under duress can be difficult. Vet techs are the recipients of frequent bites and scratches from distressed animals. It's a difficult but very rewarding job. Vet techs also frequently deal directly with pet owners. This contact requires good communication skills as well as compassion when dealing with owners with sick or dying animals.
Tags: Veterinarian technicians, animal care, animal lovers, care animals, technicians also, techs perform