A Veterinary Technician is knowledgeable in the care and handling of animals, in basic principles of normal and abnormal physiology, and in routine laboratory and clinical procedures. The Technician is primarily an assistant to veterinarians, biological research workers and other scientists. Examples of duties which might be performed while assisting a practicing veterinarian include:

• Obtaining and recording information about cases
• Preparing patients, instruments, and equipment for surgery
• Collecting specimens and performing certain laboratory procedures
• Dressing wounds
• Assisting in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures
• Exposing and developing diagnostic radiographs
• Communicating with animal owners, supervise and train clinic personnel

In general, the duties of a Veterinary Technician in a veterinary practice may include any part of the practice which does not involve diagnosis, prescription, surgery, or any activities prohibited by the Veterinary Practice Act of the state in which a technician is employed. All functions of a Veterinary Technician are performed under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Patience, compassion, and a willingness to be part of the animal health care team are important assets for a Veterinary Technician.

Career Opportunities

Most Veterinary Technicians are employed in private veterinary hospitals caring for the companion animal and/or large animal species. However, the widespread acceptance of the Veterinary Technician and the knowledge of how to utilize their acquired skills has lead to an increase in employment opportunities. A few of these opportunities include:

• Biomedical Research
• Regulatory Veterinary Medicine
• Pharmaceutical Sales
• Diagnostic Laboratories
• The Military
• Zoo / Wildlife Medicine
• Exotic Species Practices
• Education- Teaching Students in Veterinary Technology
• Humane Societies
• Veterinary Supplies Sales
• Livestock Health Managers for Large Farms or Ranches
• Veterinary Practice Managers
• Specialty Practices
• Government- USDA