Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

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.

Job Task

• Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, and feces, such as urinalyses and blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
• Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment and instruments, as needed.
• Take and develop diagnostic radiographs, using x-ray equipment.
• Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush and cut animals' hair.
• Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
• Clean kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, examination rooms, and animal loading/unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
• Conduct specialized procedures such as animal branding or tattooing, and hoof trimming.
• Dress and suture wounds, and apply splints and other protective devices.
• Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers.
• Give enemas and perform catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, and gavages.
• Observe the behavior and condition of animals, and monitor their clinical symptoms.
• Perform a variety of office, clerical, and accounting duties, such as reception, billing, bookkeeping, and/or selling products.
• Perform dental work such as cleaning, polishing, and extracting teeth.
• Prepare animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas.
• Prepare treatment rooms for surgery.
• Provide assistance with animal euthanasia and the disposal of remains.
• Provide information and counseling regarding issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, and nutrition.
• Take animals into treatment areas, and assist with physical examinations by performing such duties as obtaining temperature, pulse, and respiration data.
• Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
• Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.
• Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials.
• Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.
• Maintain instruments, equipment, and machinery to ensure proper working condition.
• Maintain laboratory, research, and treatment records, as well as inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, and supplies.

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