VETERINARY TECHNICIAN JOB DUTIES

Veterinary technicians and technologists perform routine laboratory and clinical procedures under the supervision of a veterinarian. Despite some differences in formal education and training, there is often little difference between the tasks performed by technicians and by technologists. As a result, most workers in this occupation are called technicians.

In general, veterinary technicians can do any routine tasks relating to animal care. They may not, however, make diagnoses, perform surgery, or prescribe medicine or treatment for the animals. Their duties depend on the employer and work setting. They may, for instance, do basic tasks or they may have special duties. The work setting also determines the type of animals they work with, which can range anywhere from mice to reptiles, birds, cats, dogs, horses, cattle, elephants, or dolphins.

The majority of veterinary technicians perform clinical work in a private practice, including both animal hospitals and clinics. Those assisting small-animal practitioners usually care for companion animals, such as cats and dogs. If they work for a veterinarian who practices in a rural setting, they may help care for cows, horses, sheep, pigs, and other farm animals.

Veterinary technicians may take medical histories from the owners, and record information about the animals before, during, and after treatment. For each animal, they fill out a record with notes on name, breed, description, weight, appearance, appetite, and diet. They check to see if the animals have had their vaccinations, and check the animals for signs of disease, and for the presence of internal and external parasites.

Veterinary technicians may prepare examination rooms and surgical suites, as well as maintain the kennel area. They often hold an animal while a veterinarian examines and treats it. Technicians administer prescribed medicines, injections, and vaccinations. They apply bandages, splints, and dressings to wounds and other injuries, and provide other specialized nursing care.

Veterinary technicians may give an animal fluids intravenously, administer oxygen, or insert a urinary catheter or endotracheal (breathing) tube. They remove stitches, clean an animal's teeth, and may bathe and groom an animal. Occasionally they are required to euthanize seriously ill or severely injured animals, or unwanted animals in humane societies and animal shelters.

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