Pet lovers who want their animals to remain healthy and disease free will seek the services of a veterinarian to make sure their pets are doing well. Those who do not have pets and are unfamiliar with what vets do might ask the question “what is a veterinary technician?” Like doctors, veterinarians require assistance to give quality care to their feathered or furry patients.
The veterinary technician job duties could be described as sort of a pet nurse. Under the supervision of a veterinarian, the veterinary technician assists the veterinarian by obtaining lab specimens, performing laboratory tests, taking blood, giving medications, starting and monitoring IV medications, calculating medication dosages, and developing treatment plans for pets. Technicians also assist with surgical procedures.
A general veterinary technician job description might include duties such as getting animals ready for examinations, obtaining laboratory specimens, assisting with treatment of sick animals, and giving pet owners instructions about aftercare.
Since veterinarians usually specialized in small animal or large animal care, veterinary technician job responsibilities will vary with the type of veterinary practice. For example, a veterinary technician employed by a vet that treats large animals such as those on the farm, might be involved in assisting with assessing animals during pregnancy, delivering baby animals, and helping with artificial insemination. Therefore a good amount of the work might be done outside of the office.
Veterinary technicians also work with animals in other settings. This includes amusement parks where there may be animal exhibits, and zoos. In these environments the employee might be involved in general care of animals, such as bathing, feeding, giving medication under the direction of a vet, and exercising the animals. Another setting where vet technicians would work is in college laboratories or teaching hospitals where animals are kept for educational purposes. Under the direction of researchers, technicians in this setting would feed animals, keep cages clean, and assist with research involving animals. They would also coordinate laboratory activities for students in pre-veterinary studies, or veterinary technology programs.
Technicians with substantial experience are responsible for supervising entry-level technicians, and veterinary assistants. In the absence of an office manager, they may also provide direction to clerical staff or receptionists who are often the first to greet pet owners and gather initial information about an animal’s condition.
The training for veterinarian technicians may consist of two to four years of training with aspiring technicians earning an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in a four year program. Courses related to animal science, animal diseases, pharmacology, and the care and treatment of animals in the clinical setting are part of the curriculum, along with general education courses, such as math, which is necessary for calculating medication dosages.
Personal attributes needed by technicians include good oral and written communication skills and the ability to relate to pet owners, love for animals and confidence in handling all types of animals, and willingness to work long hours, including weekends.
Additionally, most states require technicians to become certified or licensed at the state or national level before they can work in the field.
For more information:
http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/105467.html
http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/veterinarycareers/f/FAQ_cvt.htm
What is a Veterinary Assistant?
Veterinary Assistant is an excellent occupation for anyone who is looking for a stable career. It is in a field of high demand because so many animals exist. Animals need regular treatment such as checkups, vaccinations, medications, and diagnosis. Veterinary Assistant is the perfect career for any person who has a love for animals and a patient personality. The training is not very extensive and the hours are wonderful. Some of the personality traits that a person must have to become an assistant are patience, nurturing tendencies, superior communication skills, and an ability to absorb information and learn quickly.
Veterinary Assistant Job Description
A veterinary assistant is a person who assists the veterinarian with caring for the animals. This person may cover various tasks within the office. Veterinary assistant responsibilities include working in the front office, the clinical area, or a combination of the two. The veterinary assistant is a person who can perform any task the veterinarian asks him or her to perform. He or she is the vet’s right hand man or woman. This person is very important as he or she helps operations to go smoothly on a daily basis.
Veterinary Assistant Job Duties
An assistant who works primarily in the front office would be responsible for clerical duties as well as appointment scheduling. When a customer calls in with a problem with his or her animal, the assistant’s job is to calm the customer down and explain what he or she can do to help the pet. If the customer is not capable of helping his or her pet from home, the next step is to schedule an appointment. The assistant would look into the vet’s appointment book and schedule a convenient time for the customer to bring his or her animal in.
A veterinary assistant may also be called upon to perform in the laboratory. He or she might have to draw blood from the animals, take x-ray pictures, or perform other various tests for the veterinarian. This person will assist with any tasks that the doctor asks for in the lab.
Another one of the duties of a veterinary assistant one may have to assume is postoperative care for the animals. This involves such tasks as administering medication to animals. The assistant may also have to clean out the animal cages and disinfect the area. Feeding, bathing, and grooming might be also included as some of the various veterinary assistant duties.
Becoming a Veterinary Assistant
Becoming a veterinary assistant involves proper training coupled with work experience. The average certification for this type of job takes two years to complete. With a two year degree an individual is able to perform all the necessary tasks assigned to an assistant. Training involves courses in biology, chemistry, technology, and humanities. The student may also take courses that are more specific if he or she desires. These courses include topics such as animal husbandry, medical techniques, animal diseases, radiology, hematology, anesthesia, and physiology.
Normally before an individual is hired for a veterinary assistant position, he or she would have to begin with a less significant position. Starting with something like a veterinary attendant job will make it easier for the person to make money and gain experience while properly learning the trade. A veterinarian attendant is an excellent position for a person who is in school taking courses to become an assistant. Attendant duties include kennel work, bathing, and secretary duties. They are very similar to the duties of a veterinary assistant, which is why most people choose that path to follow.
Veterinary Assistant Salary and Hours
A veterinary assistant can make a healthy salary. Starting out, the pay rate is approximately $11 per hour. The assistant will make anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 per year. The top hourly rate for a veterinary assistant is around $16.
Typically, a veterinarian’s hours are during the day. However, an assistant may have to remain on call 24 hours a day. Animals will get sick during odd hours of the night and their owners need questions answered on the spot. A new assistant could get lucky with daytime hours. However, a person interested in this field should prepare to work at unusual times.
Additional Resources:
http://www.btc.ctc.edu/DegreesCertificates/programs/PRG-ProgramMain.asp?Program=90
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-an-veterinary-assistant-do.htm