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

Mar 25, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Veterinary laboratory technicians play an important role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals. By performing tests on blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids, they can detect and diagnose a wide range of diseases, parasites, and other conditions. The results of these tests can have a direct cause-and-effect on the diagnosis and treatment of animals, including diagnosis of common ailments like allergies, digestive issues, and infections.

laboratory technicians are able to monitor the progress of treatment and provide valuable feedback to veterinarians. By providing accurate test results, laboratory technicians help veterinarians make informed decisions about patient care, which can ultimately help improve the quality of life for many animals.

Steps How to Become

Earn a high school diploma or GED. Most employers and postsecondary institutions require applicants for Veterinary Laboratory Technician positions to possess a high school diploma or GED.
Enroll in a postsecondary program. Veterinary Laboratory Technician programs are available at community colleges and technical schools. These programs may lead to a certificate or associate degree.
Complete the program. Certificate and associate degree programs in Veterinary Laboratory Technician generally require students to complete a certain number of credits in laboratory-based classes such as veterinary science, animal anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology.
Obtain a license or certification. Some states require Veterinary Laboratory Technicians to obtain a license, while other states may require certification from an organization such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Obtain work experience. Many employers prefer to hire Veterinary Laboratory Technicians who have prior experience in the field. Individuals can gain experience by volunteering at animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and laboratories.
Become familiar with lab equipment and safety protocols. Veterinary Laboratory Technicians must be able to use and maintain lab equipment such as microscopes and centrifuges, and they must also be aware of safety protocols such as proper disposal of hazardous materials.

Veterinary laboratory technicians must stay up-to-date and capable in order to provide the highest quality care for their animal patients. Having current knowledge of veterinary medicine and understanding the latest developments in the field is essential. To remain updated and capable, veterinary laboratory technicians should stay abreast of the latest research and technology related to diagnostic testing, participate in continuing education courses, and read trade publications to learn about advances in the field.

they should take advantage of networking opportunities to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, learn best practices, and share experiences. By staying updated and capable, veterinary laboratory technicians can ensure they are providing the best care possible for their animal patients.

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Job Description

Perform laboratory tests such as urinalysis, hematology, microbiology, blood chemistry, parasitology, and histology.
Collect and analyze tissue samples and record results.
Prepare histology slides of tissue samples.
Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies.
Consult with veterinarians on test results and diagnosis of animal diseases.
Administer vaccinations and other medications to laboratory animals.
Dispose of hazardous waste materials according to safety protocols.
Train and supervise veterinary laboratory assistants.
Monitor animal health and condition for research studies.
Prepare reports and recommendations for veterinarians and research staff.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology of animals
Knowledge of veterinary laboratory procedures and techniques
Ability to accurately perform laboratory tests and interpret results
Ability to identify and use various laboratory equipment
Knowledge of safety and sanitation protocols
Ability to work in a team and independently
Knowledge of medical terminology
Excellent communication skills
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to follow instructions and protocols
Ability to maintain accurate records and analyze data
Excellent organizational and problem solving skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work with diverse species of animals

Veterinary laboratory technicians are an important part of the veterinary team. They perform a variety of tasks related to collecting, processing, and analyzing samples from animals. The most important skill for a veterinary laboratory technician to possess is attention to detail.

This is because accuracy is essential as it ensures that results are accurate and reliable. Without careful attention to detail, even small mistakes can lead to inaccurate results that may have serious consequences for patients. laboratory technicians must be able to work well in a team environment in order to accurately and efficiently perform their duties.

They must also be able to communicate effectively with fellow technicians and veterinarians in order to accurately report results and discuss diagnoses. Finally, the ability to follow instructions and understand complex protocols is essential for veterinary laboratory technicians in order to ensure that samples are collected, processed, and analyzed properly. With these skills, veterinary laboratory technicians can help provide the best possible care for animals.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a laboratory setting?
What experience do you have working with animals?
How would you handle difficult clients or pet owners?
What do you know about veterinary laboratory procedures and protocols?
Are you familiar with different types of lab equipment, such as microscopes and centrifuges?
Describe a time you had to troubleshoot a technical issue with laboratory equipment.
How would you handle a situation where a test result was inconclusive or incorrect?
How do you stay up to date with advancements in veterinary laboratory technology?
What safety protocols do you follow when working in a lab environment?
How do you prioritize tasks when presented with multiple assignments?

Common Tools in Industry

Microscope. Used to view and analyze specimens such as blood, tissue, and other fluids. (e. g. Nikon Eclipse 80i)
Centrifuge. A device used to separate components from a liquid sample. (e. g. Eppendorf Centrifuge 5430R)
pH Meter. Used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. (e. g. Oakton pH 1100)
Flame Photometer. An instrument used to measure the concentrations of certain elements, such as sodium and potassium, in a sample. (e. g. Jenway 4520)
Autoclave. A machine used to sterilize laboratory equipment and supplies. (e. g. Tuttnauer 2540M)
Balances. Used to accurately weigh samples and reagents. (e. g. Ohaus Navigator NV212)
Refractometer. An instrument used to measure the concentration of a solution by measuring its refractive index. (e. g. Atago PAL-1)
Spectrophotometer. An instrument used to measure the intensity of light passing through a sample at different wavelengths. (e. g. Thermo Scientific Genesys 10S UV-Vis)
Pipettes. Used to accurately measure and transfer small volumes of liquids. (e. g. Eppendorf Research Plus Pipette)
Microtomes and Cryostats. Instruments used to slice tissue samples into thin sections for examination under a microscope. (e. g. Leica CM3050 S)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD)
American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP)
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
Academy of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AVLD)
Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (SVCP)
International Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (IAVLD)
Association for Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis (AVLDD)
International Society of Animal Clinical Pathology (ISACP)
Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN)
American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP)

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Common Important Terms

Anatomy. the study of the structure and form of living organisms.
Pathology. the study of the causes and effects of diseases.
Microbiology. the study of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Immunology. the study of the immune system and its processes.
Parasitology. the study of parasites and their effects on their hosts.
Pharmacology. the study of drugs and their effects on the body.
Toxicology. the study of toxins and their effects on the body.
Clinical Pathology. the study of diseases through laboratory tests.
Laboratory Techniques. methods used to analyze, Cultivate, or identify substances in a laboratory.
Cytology. the study of cells and their components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Veterinary Laboratory Technician?

A Veterinary Laboratory Technician is a professional who performs laboratory tests and analysis to help diagnose and treat animals in a veterinary setting.

What types of tests might a Veterinary Laboratory Technician perform?

Veterinary Laboratory Technicians can perform a variety of laboratory tests, such as urinalyses, blood tests, fecal tests, and cultures. They may also prepare specimens for microscopic examination.

What is the educational requirement for becoming a Veterinary Laboratory Technician?

To become a Veterinary Laboratory Technician, you must typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete an accredited program in veterinary technology or laboratory science.

What skills are necessary to be a successful Veterinary Laboratory Technician?

To be successful as a Veterinary Laboratory Technician, you must have strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.