Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

What Does a Veterinary Technologists and Technicians Do?

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• 1Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
• 2Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
• 3Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
• 4Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
• 5Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
• 6Restrain animals during exams or procedures.
• 7Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.
• 8Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.

Required Skills

• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Animal Intelligence Software Animal Intelligence
• FileMaker Pro
• McAllister Software Systems AVImark
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word
• Practice management software PMS

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians Salary