Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Veterinary technologists and technicians perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. They prepare vaccines and serums for the prevention of diseases. They also prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts and clean/sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. They mainly assist a veterinarian during surgery.
Are you an animal lover looking to make your career as a “vet tech”?
If you are keen on becoming a veterinary technician, you should take mathematics and sciences (particularly biology) in high school. After completing high school, pursue a four years bachelor's degree in veterinary technology from an accredited program. It allows you to enter the workforce sooner to learn entry-level job duties. One can further do masters in veterinary technology.
Responsibilities as a veterinary technologist are more advanced. Depending on the state or country requirements, both technologists and technicians must become registered, licensed, or certified. The veterinary technician course covers subjects on animal behaviour, animal pharmacology and veterinary hospital management.
Animal technician jobs are found in medical settings, directly under a licensed veterinarian, in the research departments of universities or pharma companies or a company that is breeding animals. Veterinary technologists vs technologists' salaries are higher as compared to other management positions.
For success as a veterinary technician, practise empathy, learn relevant technology and keep your passion intact as there’s nothing more rewarding than doing what you love!
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.V.Sc Veterinary Medicine
- B.V.Sc & AH Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry
Tasks
- Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
- Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
- Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
- Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
- Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.
- Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.
- Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.
- Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment or instruments, as needed.
- Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers.
- Prepare animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas.
Progression Routes
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