How to Be Veterinary Lab Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 1, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Veterinary laboratory technicians are an important part of the veterinary care team. They are responsible for collecting and analyzing samples from animals to help diagnose and treat diseases. By collecting and analyzing biological samples, such as blood, urine, and tissue, veterinary laboratory technicians provide vital information about a patients health.

The results of these tests can help veterinarians determine the best course of action for treating a patient and can alert them to the presence of potential health risks. veterinary lab technicians can use their findings to detect certain diseases in animals before they become more serious or even life-threatening. As a result, they play an important role in helping to improve the health and well-being of animals.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Veterinary lab technicians need at least a high school diploma or GED in order to find employment.
Consider enrolling in an animal-related program. While not required, it may be beneficial to enroll in a program related to animals. This can include a veterinary technology degree, a veterinary assistant program or a pre-veterinary program.
Get some hands-on experience. Many employers also look for hands-on experience. This can include internships, volunteer work or paid positions in veterinary clinics or animal hospitals.
Become certified. Obtaining certification can be beneficial for those seeking employment. The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) offers certification for those who have completed an animal-related program or have sufficient experience.
Consider taking additional courses. If a veterinary lab technician wishes to specialize in a particular field, such as pathology or toxicology, they may need to complete additional courses.
Seek employment. After completing the necessary education and/or certification, individuals can begin seeking employment as a veterinary lab technician.

Being a competent veterinary lab technician requires a combination of technical skills, scientific knowledge, and interpersonal skills. Attaining the necessary qualifications involves completing a college-level program in veterinary technology, which is typically a two-year program. During this time, individuals will learn how to collect samples, process them in a laboratory setting, and analyze the results in order to provide vital information to veterinarians.

They will also gain knowledge on how to safely handle laboratory animals and administer treatments, as well as learn how to recognize signs of illness or injury. they must develop the interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with both animals and their owners. When all of these skills are combined, a skilled and competent veterinary lab technician can provide invaluable support to veterinary teams and help ensure the health and wellbeing of animals.

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Job Description

Perform diagnostic tests such as blood work, urinalysis, fecal exams, and skin scrapings to diagnose illnesses and health conditions.
Collect and analyze specimens for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms to identify potential health threats.
Administer vaccines and medications as directed by the veterinarian.
Monitor and observe animal behavior to identify signs of illness or distress.
Assist in medical procedures such as radiography, ultrasounds, and dental cleanings.
Prepare and maintain medical equipment and instruments.
Maintain accurate patient records and prepare laboratory reports as needed.
Perform routine laboratory maintenance and cleaning duties.
Provide technical assistance to veterinarians and other staff members as needed.
Educate clients on proper animal care and preventive health practices.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of veterinary anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of veterinary laboratory techniques
Ability to accurately perform tests and interpret results
Ability to safely handle and care for animals
Ability to use computers and laboratory equipment
Understanding of sterile techniques and procedures
Knowledge of disinfection and sterilization processes
Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols
Ability to perform laboratory calculations
Ability to maintain accurate records
Ability to communicate effectively with clients, fellow technicians and veterinarians
Knowledge of laboratory regulations and quality control standards

Being a veterinary lab technician requires a variety of skills and knowledge in order to be successful. One of the most important skills for a veterinary lab technician to have is the ability to effectively identify and interpret laboratory data. This includes being able to apply diagnostic tests, interpret them correctly, and accurately document their findings.

Knowing how to accurately test and diagnose medical conditions in animals is imperative in order to make sure that they receive the proper treatments. Another important skill that a veterinary lab technician must have is the ability to properly collect, handle, and process specimens. This includes knowing how to safely and effectively collect blood, urine, and other tissue samples from animals.

Properly preparing samples for testing and sending out samples for analysis is also essential for a successful veterinary lab technician. having knowledge of laboratory safety practices is necessary to ensure that technicians are able to properly protect themselves and the animals they are working with. Finally, having excellent communication skills is key for a veterinary lab technician as they must be able to effectively communicate with veterinarians, clients, and other staff members in order to ensure the best possible care for each animal.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What qualifications or experience do you have that makes you a good fit for this Veterinary Lab Technician role?
What challenges have you faced in your previous roles as a Veterinary Lab Technician?
Describe a typical day in your role as a Veterinary Lab Technician.
How do you ensure accurate data collection and reporting?
How do you handle working with difficult specimens?
How would you respond if you were asked to perform a task outside of your job description?
Describe a time when you demonstrated excellent customer service.
What safety protocols do you follow when working with laboratory animals?
How do you stay up to date with advancements in laboratory technology?
What do you think are the most important skills for success as a Veterinary Lab Technician?

Common Tools in Industry

Microscope. Used to view cells and other small particles under magnification (eg: to observe bacteria and parasites).
Autoclave Sterilizer. Used to sterilize laboratory equipment and instruments (eg: to ensure sterile conditions for lab work).
Centrifuge. Used to separate substances of different densities (eg: to separate blood components).
Pipettes. Used to measure and transfer small amounts of liquid (eg: to measure out doses of medication).
Blood Chemistry Analyzer. Used to measure the concentrations of various chemicals in the blood (eg: to check for anemia or other diseases).
Blood Cell Counter. Used to count and classify different types of blood cells (eg: to diagnose anemia or other diseases).
Balances and Scales. Used to measure the weight of samples (eg: weigh out medications).
Refractometer. Used to measure the concentration of solutions (eg: to measure electrolyte concentration in the blood).
pH Meter. Used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution (eg: measure the pH of urine).
Burner. Used to heat substances (eg: to evaporate a sample for testing).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
Academy of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AVLD)
American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP)
Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AVLDI)
International Association for Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis (IAVLD)
Association of Veterinary Hematology and Clinical Chemistry (AVHCC)
International Association for Animal Health (IAAH)
Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics (SVME)

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Common Important Terms

Anatomy. The study of the structure and organization of living organisms.
Physiology. The study of the functioning of living organisms and their parts.
Pathology. The study of the causes and effects of diseases.
Pharmacology. The study of drugs and their effects on living organisms.
Microbiology. The study of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Clinical Pathology. The study of diseases through laboratory testing and analysis.
Parasitology. The study of parasites, their life cycles, interactions with their hosts, and control.
Immunology. The study of the immune system, its components, and its functions.
Hematology. The study of blood cells and their components.
Toxicology. The study of the effects of toxins on living organisms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Veterinary Lab Technician? A1: A Veterinary Lab Technician is a professional who assists veterinarians in diagnosing and treating animals by performing laboratory tests. They use specialized equipment and techniques to analyze animal tissue and body fluids. Q2: What qualifications do you need to become a Veterinary Lab Technician? A2: To become a Veterinary Lab Technician, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, plus an associate's degree in veterinary technology from an accredited program. You must also pass a certification exam from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. Q3: What duties do Veterinary Lab Technicians perform? A3: Veterinary Lab Technicians perform a variety of tasks, including preparing samples for analysis, running laboratory tests, analyzing results, and keeping detailed records of data. They may also be responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies. Q4: How much do Veterinary Lab Technicians earn? A4: Veterinary Lab Technicians typically earn an average salary of $37,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Q5: What qualities make a successful Veterinary Lab Technician? A5: To be successful as a Veterinary Lab Technician, you must have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and be comfortable working with animals. You must also have an understanding of laboratory protocols and safety procedures.