Veterinary Technician
What does a Veterinary Technician do?
- Animal Health Technicians are responsible for the welfare of animals in
an animal hospital setting or in an animal control setting.
- Uncertified workers are called Veterinary Assistants.
- Certified workers in an animal hospital setting assist with surgery, and
give treatment and administer medications, immunization, and blood plasma as
prescribed by the Veterinarian.
- They may also perform emergency aid and treatment to animal patients
including suturing skin incisions, administering anesthesia, casting broken
bones, and bandaging wounds.
- They may also take radiographs, perform laboratory duties, dental
extractions, and repair equipment and cages.
- Responsibilities also include feeding, watering, bathing, grooming, and
exercising animals as well as sweeping and cleaning animal quarters.
- Tasks include: This information lists tasks that may or may not be a
regular part of the job. Some workers may also perform
receptionist/secretarial duties. These workers may sometimes be referred to
as Veterinary Technicians or Veterinary Nurses.
Salary and Employment Outlook:
EDD Labor
Market Information
Career Info Net
Typical Employers:
Animal Health Technicians are employed by veterinary hospitals and clinics,
by zoos and wildlife parks, circuses, vivariums, aquariums, stables, kennels and
pet shops. They work in city, county and state government owned animal shelters
and for research laboratories and the military.
Preparation:
Some community colleges offer a two-year program in Animal Health Technology.
However, because of competition there is a waiting list of people who want to
enroll. You can get training and experience in the Military . You can get useful
experience as Farm and Ranch Hands or Animal Trainers .
Educational Program(s):
- Allied Veterinary Services
- Animal Grooming and Training
Related Programs: Animal Sciences, Veterinary Medicine
Web Resources:
EDD Labor
Market Information
Occupational Outlook
Handbook
ONet Online
Career Info Net
Career Center
Career Zone
Veterinary Career Resources
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