Did you ever wonder exactly what a veterinary technician does? Well, in addition to assisting veterinarians in maintaining animal health, they are a key team member in keeping a veterinary practice running smoothly and efficiently. Do you know what a typical workday in the life of a veterinary technician entails? While their responsibilities may vary from hospital to hospital, a technician's duties include, but are not limited to:
- Providing client education
- Holding animals during treatment
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Performing laboratory tests on blood, urine and feces
- Performing treatments on patients
- Maintaining records of animals' reactions to treatments
- Sterilizing surgical instruments and other equipment
- Shaving and preparing animals before surgery
- Administering medications and anesthesia
- Assisting the doctor in surgery
- Monitoring patients while under anesthesia
- Performing dental cleanings
- Monitoring and ordering hospital inventory
Veterinary technicians in every state, including Virginia, must fulfill specific requirements before becoming licensed. Virginia veterinary technicians are required to successfully complete a two-year Veterinary Technology associates degree program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Programs typically include traditional classroom instruction as well as clinical labs where students gain supervised experience treating animals.
At the Birdneck Animal Hospital our veterinary technician in Kelley. She has been with the Birdneck Animal Hospital since 1999 and has been a licensed veterinary technician since 2006. Kelly says, "I fell in love with veterinary medicine since the minute I took on the position at Birdneck Animal Hospital. It is very emotionally rewarding to go home at the end of each night and feel like you have helped to bring comfort in the life of a sick or injured pet."
Additionally, we have Lisa, who has been with the Birdneck Animal Hospital since 2006. Lisa is currently enrolled in Veterinary technician school and is scheduled to take her national board exams in March 2012. Lisa comments, "While the veterinary technician program at Blue Ridge Community College is tough, the personal rewards I have gained while acquiring a greater understanding of veterinary medicine far surpass the difficult challenge. I look forward to taking the board exams in March and graduating in May, and starting my new career as a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) here at the Birdneck Animal Hospital."