Working with animals might be fun at first, but it is definitely not a walk in the park especially when performed on a daily basis. Therefore, the tasks of being a veterinary technician demand skillful training, dedication, as well as an innate love for animals.  A lot of veterinary technicians who get into this kind of job are animal-lovers who prefer working in an interactive environment with animals.

The tasks of a veterinary technician are varied and are mostly based on their training and expertise. However, there are certain obligations that all veterinary technicians should perform, most of which take place within the veterinarian’s office or in the laboratory, under the supervision of a veterinarian. A veterinary technician who works in the laboratory will be assigned to:

Vet Tech Tasks

1.       take samples of patients’ blood;

2.       perform laboratory examinations such as urinalysis, blood counts, etc.;

3.       analyze the results from the tests performed;

4.       assist the veterinarian during dental procedures; and

5.       produce accurate diagnosis according to the evaluation of the patients’ test results.

Aside from completing the tasks in the laboratory, a veterinary technician should also be adept in doing administrative work inside the veterinarian’s office. When working within the office set-up, a veterinary technician is expected to keep an organized and updated record of the patients’ cases, nurse the patients, and perform radiology duties such as exposing and developing x rays.

Depending on the skill level, training and education that a veterinary technician posses, he may also carry out other complicated and specialized tasks that entry-level veterinary technicians might not have the competency to perform. An expert veterinary technician may also be assigned to act as a communication bridge between the patients’ owners and the veterinarian. Sometimes, a skilled veterinary technician should also be flexible enough to take care of both small and big animals.

Although the tasks sound exciting, a veterinary technician also faces major challenges while performing his job, oftentimes risking his physical and emotional health. Because the duties of a veterinary technician involve facilitating the work flow of veterinary procedures, a veterinary technician might have to lift and clean animal cages, or control and pin down animals which are in pain or are agitated during a procedure. Veterinary technicians could also encounter emotional challenges, especially when they witness animal abuse or euthanization of animals. According to a data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the work-related stress and illnesses that veterinary technicians experience is relatively higher than those from other professions. However, these challenges are just parts and parcel of working as a veterinary technician, and hence, should be treated with professional demeanor.

An animal-lover who is interested to venture in a veterinary technician career path may deem it encouraging to note that the demand for more veterinary technicians is rising abruptly. Nowadays, veterinary care is greatly sought by pet owners more, mainly due to the growing animal-awareness in the country. Because of this, the veterinary care industry calls for skilled and trained veterinary technicians who can assist them in carrying out clinical and laboratory procedures.

Individuals who are interested to get a job as a veterinary technician will have to comply with the essential requirements first before they can be accepted in veterinary care institutions. Formal education for veterinary technicians will take around two-years and earn the student an Associates degree. The course work involved will cover relevant information on veterinary technology, animal anatomy, physiology, animal parasitology, and office management. Normally, the training involves practical tasks in a clinical or laboratory to help mold candidate into a competent companion to the veterinarian. After all the academic units are completed, he can now take a certifying examination and start working as a veterinary technician once he passed and acquired his license.