Download Veterinary Technicians

Brief 480
Chronicle Guidance Publications
Veterinary Technicians
Occupational Brief Title Codes:
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D.O.T.: 079.361-014
G.O.E.: 02.03.03
S.O.C.: 29-2056
O*NETTM: 29-2056.00, 31-9096.00
N.A.I.C.S.: 541940, 541710, 325412
H.O.C.: ISR
Work Classification Based Related
D.O.T. Occupations:
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Medical Assistants
Medical Record Technicians
Optometric Assistants
Physician Assistants
Interests Based Related
G.O.E. Occupations:
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Poultry Veterinarians
Veterinarians
Veterinary Livestock Inspectors
Zoo Veterinarians
Skills Based Related
O*NET Occupations:
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Agricultural Technicians
Nonfarm Animal Caretakers
Paramedics
Surgical Technologists
Noteworthy Quote:
“The trained veterinary technician has
the educational background to work with
the veterinarian and healthcare team in
order to provide the best medical care
possible for animals. With the diversity
and challenge of this profession, people
can find their niche and strive to excel in
their area of expertise, always keeping the
animals’ well being, and the people who
care for them, at heart.”
–Denise Mikita, MS, CVT, Executive
Director, Colorado Association of
Certified Veterinary Technicians
(CACVT), Denver, CO
Veterinary technicians (`vet-er-i-nary tech`ni-cians) work with licensed veterinarians to provide health care and medical treatment to animals. They perform routine
tasks in the laboratory and clinic, they record the animals’ information, assist in
diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures, and provide specialized nursing care.
Veterinary technicians are a great help to veterinarians. Trained technicians have
the skills necessary to provide many types of patient care and perform many laboratory procedures. Veterinary technicians are also in demand in biomedical research,
diagnostic laboratories, teaching facilities, zoos, humane societies, and animal shelters.
They may be employed as herd health managers on farms, or be assigned to the
canine corps in the military. Other opportunities also exist in wildlife medicine, as well
as pharmaceutical and veterinary supplies sales.
Work Performed
Veterinary technicians and technologists perform routine laboratory and clinical
procedures under the supervision of a veterinarian. 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
exact 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, fish,
tarantulas, 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, and occasionally sugar
gliders, birds, ferrets, or other exotic animals. 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 their temperature, pulse, and respiration. They may 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 or 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 (IV), administer
oxygen, or insert a urinary catheter (a small tube inserted into the urinary bladder) 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.
In caring for animals, technicians use a variety of medical equipment, including
otoscopes (to look into ears), stethoscopes, and diagnostic equipment. They use
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machines to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and
body temperature. They set up and operate radiological equipment to take and develop x-rays. They may use ultra-sound
equipment to create images of internal organs and structures.
Veterinary technicians also perform laboratory tasks such
as taking cultures and preparing slides. They collect and
prepare blood and tissue samples, and perform laboratory
tests such as urine and fecal analysis, blood counts, and blood
chemistry analysis. These tests help assess the patient’s
health and monitor the success of any treatment(s).
When preparing for surgery, veterinary technicians
prepare and sterilize surgical packs, instruments, and other
materials for the veterinarian to use during surgery, such as
gastroscopes, arthroscopes, surgical lasers, and CT devices. Technicians also provide routine postoperative care.
They may administer prescribed pre-anesthetic and
anesthetic agents to the patient. They shave and scrub the
skin, and prepare the surface with an antiseptic solution.
During surgery, technicians operate the anesthetic
machine, and monitor the pulse and respiratory rate and
rhythm of the anesthetized patient. They advise the veterinarian if abnormal changes are observed. After surgery,
they place the animal in a recovery cage and look after the
patient during recovery. They observe the animal for any
behavioral changes or adverse signs and report them to the
veterinarian. They provide care and comfort to the animal.
Many veterinary technicians manage a pharmacy,
which has medicines and vaccines. They dispense prescribed medications and maintain supplies of medicine,
instruments, and related items. They clean and sterilize
instruments and materials, and maintain the hospital
equipment and machines.
In small clinics and hospitals technicians may answer
the phone, make appointments, and maintain records and
files on the animals. Some technicians discuss with pet
owners the fees and method of payment for care, treatment, and surgery. Experienced veterinary technicians may
discuss the care and condition of the animals with their
owners. They may train new personnel and supervise other
technicians. Some technicians with an interest in management also serve as the manager for the veterinary clinic.
Veterinary technicians in rural regions often go with
veterinarians on farm calls and assist them in treating farm
animals. They may drive for the veterinarian, maintain
records on a computer, and communicate on a two-way
radio, cellular phone, or telephone.
Veterinary technicians working in humane societies,
animal shelters, and zoos perform many of the same
clinical duties as those in private practices. Technicians
working in zoological institutions, however, work with a
greater variety of animals from butterflies and hissing
cockroaches to sharks and dolphins to elephants and lions.
They also occasionally have the opportunity to assist in
field research projects with zoo veterinarians both nationally and internationally. Generally, these field projects
focus on conservation efforts on non-domestic (exotic/
wildlife) species.
Veterinary technicians may also work in research
facilities. In additional to typical technician duties, they
may assist in the design and implementation of research
projects. They also record detailed information on genealogy, diet, weight, medications, food intake, and clinical
signs of pain and distress. While the goal of most veterinary technicians is to promote animal health and agriculture, some contribute to human health as well. These
technicians assist veterinarians as they work with other
scientists in medical related fields, such as gene therapy.
These professionals should not be confused with
veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers. Assistants and caretakers perform unskilled tasks
which require no formal education, such as feeding the
animals and cleaning cages. (For more information, see
our brief on Animal Caretakers.)
Working Conditions
Most animal hospitals, clinics, animal shelters, and
humane societies have a reception area, an office,
examining rooms, treatment and bathing area, a surgery
room(s), a pharmacy, boarding area with cages to hold
animals, and a laboratory. Zoos, educational institutions,
and research facilities also have a similar set-up.
The animals can be noisy at times, and the work can be
physically demanding. Handling large or unruly animals can
be strenuous and dangerous. Technicians must learn proper
animal restraint to avoid getting bitten, scratched, or kicked.
Technicians must deal with distressing sights and unpleasant
odors. Some duties like euthanizing an ill, injured, aged, or
unwanted animal can be emotionally stressful.
Technicians must take measures to avoid catching an
infection or disease from their patients. They must also
take precautions when treating animals with germicides or
insecticides, such as flea dip, to avoid harming themselves
or the animals. They often wear a lab coat or a uniform
when working, as well as gloves, and a mask as needed.
Hours and Earnings
Most full-time veterinary technicians have a scheduled
forty hour workweek. Some work part-time. Technicians
may work early or late shifts. Some facilities provide
around-the-clock care, which means some technicians may
work night shifts, weekends, and holidays. Technicians may
also work overtime or be called in to help with an emergency, animals who are in critical condition (very ill or badly
hurt), or who are ready to give birth.
Earnings vary with the experience and skills of the
technician, the employer, the location of the facility or
practice, and the size of the staff. According to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2007, veterinary technologists and technicians earned an average of $28,920 a
year. Overall, earnings ranged anywhere from less than
$18,000 a year to more than $41,000 a year.
Benefits such as paid vacations, retirement programs,
and insurance depend on the employer. Workers at animal
hospitals, government agencies, and research facilities
tend to have generous benefits. Hospitals and clinics
typically offer discounted medical care for their employees’ animals.
Education and Training
To become a veterinary technician, individuals
complete an accredited two-year program leading to an
associate degree in veterinary technology. A few colleges
offer a four-year bachelor’s degree program in veterinary
technology. These four-year programs, in addition to some
vocational schools, offer two-year programs in laboratory
animal science. Several schools also offer distance
learning programs.
The American Veterinary Medical Association
(AVMA) currently accredits 150 veterinary technology
programs—18 of which offer a four-year degree and 9
offer distance learning options. Entrants to these programs must have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Specific admission requirements vary. Generally, a strong
background in high school science courses is helpful.
Courses such as English, algebra, chemistry, physics, and
biology are usually required. Summer or part-time work
as a veterinary assistant or animal caretaker is also
valuable for practical experience.
Specific courses in an AVMA-accredited program
include ethics and legal issues in veterinary medicine,
principles of veterinary anatomy and physiology, anesthetic nursing and monitoring, medical terminology, and
veterinary office management. Other studies include
animal nutrition and feeding, identification, care and
management, husbandry, dentistry, necropsy (autopsy)
techniques, surgical assisting, pharmacology, hematology,
cytology, parasitology, and radiography.
Classes are taught in clinical and laboratory settings
using live animals. Students get clinical practice and field
experience in a veterinary practice or other animal health
care center. The profession, like other medically related
occupations, changes and improves continuously. Throughout their careers, veterinary technicians must continue to
learn new methods and technologies as they are developed.
Certification and Professional Societies
Every state regulates veterinary technicians differently, but all states require them to pass a credentialing
exam. Licensing, certification, and registration requirements generally include graduation from an accredited
veterinary technician program, clinical work experience,
and satisfactory completion of an examination that can
include oral, written, and practical portions. This process
is regulated by the State Board of Veterinary Examiners,
or other appropriate state agency. Most states, however,
use the Veterinary Technician National Examination
(VTNE) sponsored by the American Association of
Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
For those seeking employment in a research facility,
employers also recommend certification by the American
Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
Certification is offered for three levels of technician
competence: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician
(ALAT); Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT); and
Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). Candidates must
satisfy a combination of education and experience requirements, and pass an examination.
Many additional organizations, such as the National
Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, also offer
continuing education programs, employment services, as well
as networking and other professional services. Other groups
include the Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians, the
Academy of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Technicians, the Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists, the
Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, the Academy of
Veterinary Dental Technicians, the Academy of Veterinary
Behavior Technicians, and the American Association of
Equine Veterinary Technicians.
Personal Qualifications
Veterinary technicians should have sensitivity and a
concern for animals. Technicians must be firm as well as
gentle. Technicians should have sympathy, patience, and
tact when working with animals and owners. Good judgment and a willingness to work with the animal health care
team are important assets. Veterinary technicians must
follow the veterinarian’s instructions exactly. An aptitude
for medicine, mathematics, record keeping, and report
writing, as well as good communication skills are also
necessary to succeed in this career.
Occupations can be adapted for workers with disabilities. Those interested should contact their school or
employment counselors, their state office of vocational
rehabilitation, or their state department of labor to explore
fully their individual needs and requirements as well as the
requirements of the occupation.
Where Employed
Veterinary technicians hold over 71,000 jobs throughout
the United States. The majority work in veterinary services. Most of the rest work in breeding kennels, animal
shelters, farms, racetracks, riding stables, grooming shops,
and zoos. Some work in research or clinical laboratories, or
for medical, dental, and veterinary schools. They also work
for federal, state, and local government agencies, including
fish and wildlife services. Others work for non-profit
associations, or for companies that make pharmaceuticals,
animal products, and animal feeds.
Employment Outlook
The outlook for veterinary technicians is good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this
field is projected to grow by over 41 percent through the
year 2016—an increase of roughly 29,000 positions. An
additional 22,000 positions are also expected to open due to
replacement needs.
Many people are acquiring animals both as companions
and as protection and security for their homes. This
increase in pet ownership is creating a need for the services of animal health care teams. People today are also
much more aware of the importance of medical care for
their pets. Increasingly, people are taking their animals to a
veterinarian for vaccinations; flea, tick, and heartworm
control; and other treatments on a routine basis. They are
also more willing to pay for advanced care.
Biomedical facilities, diagnostic laboratories, wildlife facilities, humane societies, animal control facilities, emergency
response agencies, drug and food manufacturing companies,
and food safety inspection facilities will provide an increasing
number of jobs for veterinary technicians. Veterinarians are
also increasingly recognizing the value of employing qualified
technicians to help them in their practice. As a result, more
and more animal clinics and hospitals, shelters, kennels, and
humane societies are replacing veterinary assistants with
more highly skilled technicians. Keen competition is expected
for jobs in zoos, however, due to slow growth in zoo capacity,
low turnover among workers, the limited number of positions,
and the fact that the occupation attracts many candidates.
Entry Methods
Individuals interested in this work might find a parttime or summer job with a veterinarian, humane society,
kennel, or other animal care facility. This experience might
include feeding the animals, cleaning cages, and doing other
simple tasks under supervision. Graduates of veterinary
technology programs may get their first job through the
college career services office. Some find permanent
employment through internships. They may also apply
directly to animal hospitals, veterinary offices, and other
facilities that hire veterinary technicians.
Advancement
Advancement depends to a large extent on the individual. Performance of duties, and ability to anticipate the
needs of the veterinarian often result in increased responsibilities and higher earnings. Some technicians eventually
direct a staff of assistants and other workers.
Experienced veterinary technicians may go to work for
research laboratories, teaching institutes, or commercial
industries where the salaries and benefits may be better.
Others may choose to specialize in veterinary emergency
critical care, anesthesia, dental care, behavior, internal
medicine, or practice management.
A few veterinary technicians become veterinarians.
However, students should be aware that the studies for
veterinary technology are not the same as those for the
program of pre-veterinary and veterinary study required to
become a veterinarian.
For Further Research
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science,
9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive, Memphis, TN 38125-8538.
Web site: www.aalas.org
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in
America, 50 S. Pickett Street, Suite 110, Alexandria, VA
22304. Web site: www.navta.net
Acknowledgments
Chronicle Guidance Publications appreciates the
cooperation of the individuals who reviewed the information in this brief.
Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians, Lincoln Park
Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614.
Web site: www.azvt.org
Denise Mikita, MS, CVT, Executive Director, Colorado
Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians,
191 Yuma Street, Denver, CO 80223. Web site:
www.cacvt.com
O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor,
Employment and Training Administration.
H.O.C. codes adapted and reproduced by special permission of the
publisher, Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc., Odessa, FL
33556, from the Dictionary of Holland Occupational Codes-Third
Edition, by Gary D. Gottfredson, Ph.D., and John L. Holland, Ph.D.
Copyright 1982, 1989, 1996 by PAR, Inc.
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Animal Caretakers. Brief 319.
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Animal Trainers. Brief 508.
Artificial Insemination Technicians.
Brief 511.
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Brief 47.
Dog Groomers. Brief 321.
Farriers. Brief 151.
Veterinarians. Brief 83.
Wildlife Biologists. Brief 453.
Zookeepers. Brief 288.
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Occupations discussed or illustrated should be considered valid for all persons regardless of disabilities, age, sex, or race.