Become a Veterinary Technician

A Veterinary Technician’s Job

People who own pets and other animals today want state-of-the-art veterinary care. Veterinarians meet this need by using the expertise of veterinary technologists and technicians, who do many of the same tasks for a veterinarian that a nurse would perform for a physician, including routine clinical and laboratory procedures.

While particular job responsibilities vary by employer, often there is little difference between the duties of technicians and of technologists, despite some variation in formal training and education. As a result, most employees in this occupation are referred to as technicians.

What tasks do Veterinary Technicians perform?

Veterinary technicians and technologists generally perform clinical work as part of a private practice overseen by a licensed veterinarian. Often, they run different medical tests and diagnose and treat diseases and medical conditions in animals.

Veterinary technicians perform a lot of laboratory work such as:

• Preparing tissue samples
• Utilizing diagnostic equipment
• Testing blood counts
• Working with test tubes
• Performing urinalysis exams
• Assisting with dental care

As veterinary technicians and technologists frequently deal with pet owners, communication skills are vital. Additionally, technicians and technologists should be able to work well together with others, since teamwork among veterinarians is common. Ability to pay attention to details and organizational ability are also critical.

As they gain experience, technicians and technologists assume more responsibility and can perform more tasks under only general veterinary supervision. In fact, some may eventually become supervisors themselves.

Training & Education

Most entry-level veterinary technicians possess a 2-year associate degree in veterinary technology from a community college program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), in which courses are taught using live animals in laboratory and clinical settings.