Veterinary technologists and techniciansOwners of pets and other animals today expect state-of-the-art veterinary care. To provide this service, veterinarians use the skills of veterinary technologists and technicians, who perform many of the same duties for a veterinarian that a nurse would for a physician, including routine laboratory and clinical procedures. Although specific job duties vary by employer, there often is little difference between the tasks done by technicians and by technologists, despite some differences in formal education and training. As a result, most workers in this occupation are called technicians. Veterinary technologists and technicians typically conduct clinical work in a private practice under the supervision of a veterinarian—often performing various medical tests along with treating and diagnosing medical conditions and diseases in animals. For example, they may perform laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood counts, assist with dental prophylaxis, prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, or assist veterinarians in a variety of tests and analyses in which they often utilize various items of medical equipment, such as test tubes and diagnostic equipment. While most of these duties are performed in a laboratory setting, many tasks are not. For example, some veterinary technicians obtain and record patient case histories, expose and develop x-rays, and provide specialized nursing care. Additionally, experienced veterinary technicians may discuss a pet�s condition with its owners and train new clinic personnel. Veterinary technologists and technicians assisting small-animal practitioners usually care for companion animals, such as cats and dogs, but can perform a variety of duties with mice, rats, sheep, pigs, cattle, monkeys, birds, fish, and frogs. Very few veterinary technologists work in mixed animal practices where they care for both small companion animals and larger, nondomestic animals. In addition to working in private clinics and animal hospitals, veterinary technologists and technicians also may work in research facilities. There, they may administer medications orally or topically, prepare samples for laboratory examinations, and record information on genealogy, diet, weight, medications, food intake, and clinical signs of pain and distress. Some may be required to sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment and provide routine postoperative care. At research facilities, veterinary technologists typically work under the guidance of veterinarians, physicians, and other laboratory technicians. Some veterinary technologists vaccinate newly admitted animals and occasionally are required to euthanize seriously ill, severely injured, or unwanted animals. While the goal of most veterinary technologists and technicians goal is to promote animal health, some contribute to human health as well. Veterinary technologists occasionally assist veterinarians as they work with other scientists in medical-related fields such as gene therapy and cloning. Some find opportunities in biomedical research, wildlife medicine, the military, livestock management, or pharmaceutical sales. Related news articles Indiana Couple Cares for Neglected Horses - 16 Oct 2006 TheHorse.com,They now have about 25 volunteers who help them carry out their mission. Kelsey Cook of Frankfort is studying to be a large-animal veterinary technician. ... Veterinary technician scholarships presented - Oct 2, 2006 American Veterinary Medical Association,...with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, have announced the 2006 winners of the AKC/Hartz Veterinary Technician Scholarship Program. ... National Veterinary Technician Week: Capstone of the NAVTA 25th ... - Oct 11, 2006 Yahoo! News (press release)The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), http://www.navta.net , is celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW ... National Veterinary Technician Week - Sep 29, 2006 Goodnewsforpets.com (press release),The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW) October 15 - 21, 2006. ... AKC and Hartz Announce Winners of Veterinary Technician ... - Sep 29, 2006 Goodnewsforpets.com (press release),...the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), are pleased to announce the winners of the AKC/Hartz Veterinary Technician Scholarship. ... What role does a Veterinary Technician play on the pet health care ... - Sep 29, 2006 Goodnewsforpets.com (press release),Veterinary technicians are often the first member of the health care team you see during your visit to the veterinarian. Trained ... National Veterinary Technician Week: Capstone of the NAVTA 25th ... - Oct 11, 2006 Earthtimes.orgA veterinary technician's primary responsibilities in a clinic involve animal nursing, administering medications, assisting in surgery, taking radiographs ... Purrfect career for pet lovers - Oct 5, 2006 Arizona Republic,To meet that need, High-Tech Institute Inc. in central Phoenix recently added a veterinary technician program. "Pets are valued ... Democrats Have Intensity, but GOP Has Its Machine - Oct 14, 2006 New York Times,...“I feel like there’s some hope to get more Democrats elected this time,�? said Virginia Crossett, 53, a Democrat and veterinary technician in Louisville ... Author inspires students' stories - Oct 13, 2006 Arizona Republic,...has been involved with animals throughout her career, spending five years with the Phoenix Zoo medical team as a certified veterinary technician and then ... School offers program for veterinary techs - Oct 10, 2006 AZ Central.com,Classes are 3 1/2-hour sessions, five days a week. Amy Harthun of Apache Junction wants to make a career as a veterinary technician. ... NAVTA turns 25 - Sep 15, 2006 American Veterinary Medical Association,...critical care, anesthesia, and dentistry," said Dr. Janet D. Donlin, assistant executive vice president of the AVMA, who started out as a veterinary technician ... Veterinarians Turning to Alternative Treatments - Oct 10, 2006 TheHorse.com,Wendy Haagerup, a veterinary technician at Calm Animal Clinic, is an equine sport therapist and graduate of the British Columbia College of Equine Therapy. ... What's New - Sep 29, 2006 Goodnewsforpets.com (press release),Director of NAVTA. NAVTA promotes key events to celebrate pet wellness and the role of the veterinary technician. Promoting competent ... (PRN) - TNS Hits 9,000 White Label ATMs; 10,000 Expected by End of ... - Oct 11, 2006 Bolsamania.com,Midwest Wireless ... [+. PRN) - National Veterinary Technician Week: Capstone of the NAVTA 25th Anniversary Year ... [+. PRN) - Zap2it ... AAEP to Educate Veterinarians and Horse Owners at Annual ... - Oct 6, 2006 TheHorse.com,For more information or to register, visit the AAEP's horse-health Web site, www.myHorseMatters.com. Veterinary Technician Program. ... Pet owners are discovering massage to help their ailing pets - Oct 2, 2006 Sun-Sentinel.com,...massage. A former veterinary technician, Donnelly now teaches classes in pet massage. "I work in tandem with the veterinary community. ... More information on Veterinary technologists and technicians from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Veterinary technologists and technicians occupation Number of Veterinary technologists and technicians in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Veterinary technologists and technicians Working conditions for Veterinary technologists and technicians Significant points for Veterinary technologists and technicians Training requirements for Veterinary technologists and technicians Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |