VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
Generally, the duties of a veterinary technician (sometimes referred to as a lab animal specialist), in a veterinary practice may include any part of the practice that does not involve diagnosis, prescription, surgery, or any activity prohibited by the Veterinary Practice Act of the state in which a technician is employed. Veterinary technicians always work under the watchful eye of a veterinarian. A veterinary technician assisting a practicing veterinarian obtains and records information about cases, assists in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures, and communicates with animal owners. Veterinary technicians also prepare patients, instruments and equipment for surgery, collect specimens, perform certain laboratory procedures and dress wounds. A veterinary technician is knowledgeable in the care and handling of animals, in the basic principles of normal and abnormal life process and in routine laboratory and clinical procedures. The technician is primarily an assistant to veterinarians, biological research workers and other scientists.
HOW DO I BECOME A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
All American Veterinary Medical Association accredited veterinary technology programs cover at least two years of college-level study and grant an Associate of Science degree. Most programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate (GED). Generally, a strong background in high school science is helpful.
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SCHOOL?
In veterinary technician school, you will learn the common domestic species of animals, at least one method for performing each of several common laboratory procedures, the names and uses of ordinary drugs, instruments and equipment, and elementary computer skills.
LIFE AFTER VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SCHOOL
The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certifies three levels of technician competence: Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) and Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). Applicants for certification must meet education and experience requirements to be eligible to take the examination.
Some veterinary technicians assist vets or work in animal hospitals. Others are employed in a number of other facilities including drug or feed manufacturing companies, animal production facilities, zoos, animal science laboratories and meat packing companies. The responsibilities of the technician employed in one of these capacities might include record keeping, animal care and feeding, laboratory procedures, equipment and product maintenance, and product or carcass inspection. Pharmaceutical and chemical companies; food production companies and research laboratories; teaching hospitals, medical schools and universities; federal, state and local government agencies; public health services; as well as, several branches of the armed forces, also employ laboratory animal scientists. The demand for qualified veterinary technicians is growing as the field of veterinary medicine expands.
PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:
North American Veterinary Technician Association
P.O. Box 224
Battle Ground, IN 47920
(765) 742-2216
www.navta.net