Veterinary technologists and technicians take care of pets and other animals. They execute routine laboratory work and clinical procedures. However, job duties of technologists and technicians may vary by employer. There is little difference between the work performed by technologists and technicians.
Job Prospect
The job of veterinary technicians and technologists is to conduct clinical works under close supervision of an expert and licensed veterinarian. Technologists and technicians need to perform a number of medical tests, diagnose, and treat diseases and medical conditions in animals. For instance, they may need to perform laboratory tests such as blood counts and urinalysis, prepare tissue samples, assist with dental prophylaxis, take blood samples, and help veterinarians to conduct various tests and analyses.
Veterinary technicians and technologists perform their duties in a laboratory setting. They attain and record patients' expose and develop X rays, case histories, radiographs, and make available specialized nursing care. Additionally, an experienced veterinary technician may talk about a pet's condition with its owners. Veterinary technicians and technologists help small-animal practitioners to care for animals like dogs and cats. They care for rats, sheep, mice, cattle, pigs, rats, birds, monkeys, frogs, and fish.
Veterinary technologists who are new in their profession serve in mixed animal practices. They care for non-domestic animals and small companion animals. Apart from working in animal hospitals and private clinics, veterinary technologists and technicians may perform work in research facilities. In research facilities, they oversee medications topically or orally, make samples for laboratory exam, and register information on a pet's diet, genealogy, medications, weight, food intake, clinical sign of distress and pain.
Some technicians may sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. They may provide everyday postoperative care. Generally, veterinary technologists perform tasks under the guidance of physicians and veterinarians. Many veterinary technologists inoculate animals that are admitted newly. Sometimes, they may have to euthanize severely injured, unwanted, and seriously ill animals.
The aim of most veterinary technicians and technologists is to promote animal health. Occasionally, veterinary technologists facilitate veterinarians in conducting research projects as they perform tasks with other scientists who are related to medical fields such as cloning and gene therapy. Some technologists find opportunities in wildlife medicine, biomedical research, livestock management, and the military and pharmaceutical sales.
Work Environment
People who have pets at their home get satisfaction from helping and working with them. Nonetheless, some of the tasks can be emotionally and physically demanding, unpleasant, and at times dangerous. Sometimes, veterinary technicians ought to clean lift and cages, restrain animals, and risking exposure to scratches or bites. Veterinary technologists and technicians should take precautions when providing treatments to animals with insecticides or germicides. Sometimes, workplace can be noisy.
Veterinary technicians and technologists, who experience abused, aged, euthanize unwanted, and hopelessly injured animals may feel emotional stress. Professionals who work for animal shelters and humane societies often cope with public some of whom may react with aggression. Therefore, such workers need to behave in a calm and professional manner while they enforce laws and regulations regarding animal care.
In many animal hospitals, animal shelters, and research facilities, veterinary technicians are on duty twenty-four hours a day. Therefore, these technicians need to work in night shifts as well. Many veterinary technologists and technicians work forty hours a week.
Training and Educational Qualification
Primarily, there are two levels of education and training to get into this field. Candidates may choose either of the program including a two-year program to become veterinary technicians and a four-year program to become veterinary technologists. Many entry-level veterinary technicians have completed a two-year associate degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association recognized community college program in veterinary technology.
This course is well built and designed with the intention of providing quality education in the realm of veterinary technology. The course curriculum incorporates theoretical as well as practical exercises. There are about sixteen colleges, which offer veterinary technology programs. It is a four-year bachelor's degree program. Some vocational schools offer a two-year program in laboratory animal science. Candidates who wish to pursue education in distance may take admission in the school that offer distance learning.
Individuals who are interested in careers as veterinary technicians and technologists must take biology, science, and match courses. Technicians and technologists start work as trainee in routine position under the close supervision of an expert veterinarian. Entry-level employee who has completed apprenticeship or extensive practice exercises during schooling may require a shorter period of training.
Licensure
In every state, the laws and regulations for veterinary technologists and technicians are different. However, all states require candidates to have passed a credentialing exam completing coursework. Candidates who have passed the state exam may work in veterinary hospital or clinic. The state exam ensures public that the candidate has extensive knowledge to treat their pets. Candidates are assessed for competency through an exam that includes written, oral, and practical. This exam is conducted by the state Board of Veterinary Examiners.