How to Be Animal Health Technician (Veterinary) - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 1, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Veterinary Technician is to provide comprehensive and expert care for animals in need. Veterinary Technicians are highly trained animal health professionals who are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in animals. The primary duties of a Veterinary Technician include administering medications, collecting and analyzing laboratory samples, performing routine examinations, monitoring vital signs, and providing nursing care for critically ill animals.

By taking on this role, Veterinary Technicians are able to ensure the well-being of animals and protect them from potential harm. In turn, this allows Veterinarians to focus on more complex medical cases, as the Veterinary Technician is able to handle the more minor medical issues. the Veterinary Technician plays an essential role in the health and safety of animals, making their job a vital one in the animal health field.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. All animal health technicians must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Consider a Degree in Veterinary Technology. A degree in Veterinary Technology is highly recommended for those who want to become Animal Health Technicians, as it will provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to work in the field.
Take the Veterinary Technician National Exam. After completing a degree in Veterinary Technology, graduates must take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). This exam is administered by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and is required for certification.
Obtain Certification by the State. Most states require Animal Health Technicians to obtain certification, which is typically provided through the states Veterinary Medical Board.
Get Licensed. After obtaining certification, individuals must become licensed in the state in which they wish to work. Licensure requirements may vary from state to state.
Take Continuing Education Classes. Animal Health Technicians must take continuing education classes to stay up-to-date with new developments in the field and to maintain their certification and license.

Maintaining competency and staying up-to-date as an animal health technician (veterinary) requires a combination of staying informed on the latest advancements in veterinary medicine, continuing education, and regular practice. To stay informed, technicians should read professional journals, attend conferences and seminars, and network with peers. Continuing education is essential to stay on top of new developments in the field and to learn new procedures and treatments.

Finally, technicians must practice regularly performing physical examinations, administering vaccinations and medications, and other treatments to stay sharp in their skills and knowledge. By keeping up with the latest advancements, taking courses to stay abreast of the latest developments, and practicing regularly, animal health technicians can ensure they stay competent and up-to-date.

You may want to check Animal Health Officer (Veterinary), Research Associate (Veterinary), and Research Scientist (Veterinary) for alternative.

Job Description

Perform physical exams on animals to assess their overall health and condition.
Administer medications, vaccinations, and other treatments as prescribed by a veterinarian.
Perform laboratory tests such as fecal analysis, urinalysis, blood tests, and skin scrapings.
Monitor vital signs such as temperature, pulse, and respiration on hospitalized animals.
Assist in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
Take radiographs and interpret them for abnormalities.
Prepare and maintain medical records for animals.
Clean and maintain animal cages and kennels.
Maintain a safe and clean environment for animals in the clinic or hospital.
Educate clients on proper pet care, nutrition, and parasite control.
Provide emotional support to pet owners when euthanasia is necessary.
Monitor and administer anesthesia during surgical procedures.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of animal diseases and conditions
Knowledge of veterinary medicine and surgery
Ability to apply aseptic techniques
Ability to properly administer medication and injections
Ability to perform basic lab tests and procedures
Ability to monitor patient health and progress
Ability to maintain accurate records
Ability to communicate effectively with clients and other veterinary professionals
Ability to follow safety protocols and regulations
Ability to work with a variety of species
Knowledge of basic animal husbandry
Knowledge of common zoonotic diseases
Knowledge of clinic operations and policies
Knowledge of client education techniques
Ability to use veterinary medical equipment and instruments
Excellent customer service skills

Being a successful Animal Health Technician (Veterinary) requires a variety of skills, but the most important one is being able to accurately diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in animals. Proper diagnosis and treatment can often mean the difference between life and death, so its essential to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in veterinary medicine. To do this, Animal Health Technicians must have a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology, as well as knowledge of any diseases or conditions that affect their patients.

They must also be able to identify abnormal behavior and symptoms and take the necessary steps to address them. Furthermore, Animal Health Technicians must be able to administer medications, perform minor surgeries, monitor vital signs, and work with clients to ensure their pets receive proper care. All these skills require a strong background in sciences such as biology, chemistry, and biochemistry.

Animal Health Technicians need to have excellent communication skills so they can explain complex medical issues to clients in an easy-to-understand manner.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in the veterinary field?
What qualifications and certifications do you have as an Animal Health Technician?
How would you handle a situation where an animal was in pain or distress?
What techniques do you use to ensure proper animal handling and restraint?
Describe a time when you had to work with an animal that was difficult to handle.
How do you stay up-to-date on new treatments and techniques?
What methods do you use to maintain accurate records and logs?
What challenges have you faced as an Animal Health Technician?
How do you keep yourself organized while managing multiple tasks simultaneously?
Explain how you would diagnose and treat a common animal ailment.

Common Tools in Industry

Stethoscope. Used to listen to an animal's heart and respiratory system. (Example: Used to listen to a dog's heartbeat and breathing. )
Syringes and Needles. Used to administer medications, draw blood or give vaccinations. (Example: Used to give a cat its rabies vaccination. )
Surgical Scissors. Used to cut through tissue, fur and other materials during surgical procedures. (Example: Used to remove a tumor from a dog's stomach during surgery. )
Forceps. Used to grasp and hold tissue during surgery. (Example: Used to hold a cat's skin together during a spay procedure. )
Scalpel Blades. Used to make fine incisions during surgery. (Example: Used to make a small incision in a rabbit's ear during an ear-tipping procedure. )
Digital Thermometer. Used to measure the temperature of an animal. (Example: Used to measure a horse's temperature to determine if it has a fever. )
Blood Pressure Monitor. Used to measure an animal's blood pressure. (Example: Used to monitor a cat's blood pressure before and after administering anesthesia. )
Ophthalmoscope. Used to examine an animal's eyes. (Example: Used to examine the eyes of a dog to check for signs of glaucoma. )
Otoscope. Used to examine an animal's ears. (Example: Used to examine the ears of a cat for signs of infection. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians (AVECCT)
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB)
International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (IVECCS)
Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE)
Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE)
Veterinary Technician Specialty Certification Boards (VTSCB)
Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA)
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

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Common Important Terms

Clinical Pathology - Clinical pathology is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of disease through laboratory testing. It involves the analysis of samples such as blood, urine, and tissue to provide medical practitioners with the data needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
Veterinary Medicine - Veterinary medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, disorder, and injury in non-human animals.
Parasitology - Parasitology is the study of parasites, their hosts, and the relationship between them. It involves identifying and studying the characteristics of parasites and their interactions with their hosts.
Pharmacology - Pharmacology is the science of drugs and their therapeutic effects. It involves studying how drugs interact with cells, organs, and systems in the body, their metabolic pathways, and their effects on health and disease.
Immunology - Immunology is the study of the immune system, which is the body's defense system against disease and infection. It involves studying how the body recognizes foreign substances and how it responds to them in order to protect itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Animal Health Technician (Veterinary)?

An Animal Health Technician (also known as a Veterinary Technician) is a professional who is trained to provide medical care and support to animals in a variety of settings. They are responsible for monitoring animal health, conducting physical examinations, administering medications, assisting with diagnostics, and providing supportive care to animals.

What qualifications do I need to become an Animal Health Technician (Veterinary)?

To become an Animal Health Technician (Veterinary), you must typically complete a two-year program at an accredited college or university, and pass a certification exam. You may also need to obtain a license or certification in the state in which you will be working.

What is the job outlook for Animal Health Technicians (Veterinary)?

The job outlook for Animal Health Technicians (Veterinary) is positive, with a projected growth rate of 19% from 2018-2028. This is much faster than the average for all occupations.

What type of salary can I expect as an Animal Health Technician (Veterinary)?

The median annual wage for Animal Health Technicians (Veterinary) was $35,320 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,320, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $54,310.

What are the primary duties of an Animal Health Technician (Veterinary)?

The primary duties of an Animal Health Technician (Veterinary) include monitoring animal health, conducting physical examinations, administering medications, assisting with diagnostics, and providing supportive care to animals. They may also provide counseling to pet owners on proper animal care and nutrition.

Web Resources

Animal Health Technician | Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases ind.ucsf.edu
Veterinary Technician II | College of Veterinary Medicine at MSU cvm.msu.edu
Veterinary Technology - NDSU Agriculture and Extension www.ndsu.edu