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

Mar 17, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Veterinary surgical technicians play an important role in assisting veterinarians during surgical procedures. They are responsible for preparing the animals for surgery, setting up and maintaining the operating room, and monitoring the animals' vital signs during the operation. Veterinary surgical technicians must be highly trained and knowledgeable in both animal anatomy and surgical techniques in order to safely and efficiently assist the veterinarian.

Furthermore, they must be proficient in understanding and reading radiographs, ultrasound images, and other diagnostic tests. The job of a veterinary surgical technician requires great patience, caring nature, and a passion for helping animals. Without their assistance during surgical procedures, successful outcomes would not be possible.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma. Most veterinary surgical technician positions require at least a high school diploma. High school courses in biology, chemistry and mathematics are helpful in preparing students for a career as a veterinary surgical technician.
Complete a Veterinary Technology Program. Most employers prefer to hire veterinary surgical technicians who have completed a veterinary technology program at an accredited college. These programs usually take two years to complete and generally include courses in pharmacology, laboratory techniques, medical terminology, and animal anatomy and physiology.
Gain Experience. Veterinary surgical technicians typically gain experience through an internship or apprenticeship with a veterinarian. During this period, they learn the techniques and skills necessary to perform their duties as a veterinary surgical technician.
Obtain Certification. Veterinary surgical technicians can become certified by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). To qualify for certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as anesthesia and pharmacology, surgical principles and techniques, and animal anatomy and physiology.
Maintain Certification. Veterinary surgical technicians must renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education courses.

Veterinary surgical technicians are vital members of a veterinary team, responsible for providing reliable and competent surgical care for animals. A successful veterinary surgical technician must possess a number of key skills, such as the ability to recognize and anticipate the needs of the patient and surgeon before, during, and after surgery. They must also be adept at anticipating the needs of the veterinary team and providing accurate and timely paperwork related to the procedure.

As a result, they must have a deep understanding of surgical instruments and procedures, as well as knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Furthermore, they need to be able to work well in high-stress environments and be comfortable in a wide variety of situations. By having these attributes and skills, veterinary surgical technicians are able to provide quality care for animals, leading to improved animal health outcomes.

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Job Description

Provide direct patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures.
Assists the veterinarians with patient preparations and treatments.
Monitor and maintain patient health during and after surgery.
Prepare surgical equipment, instruments, and medication prior to surgery.
Assist in the preparation of surgical packs and supplies.
Maintain accurate records of surgical procedures and treatments.
Administer anesthesia to patients as directed by the veterinarian.
Monitor patient vital signs during surgery and administer medications as needed.
Ensure a sterile environment during surgery and maintain cleanliness of surgical suite and instruments.
Assist in the recovery of patients post-surgery.
Educate clients on pre- and post-operative care for their pets.
Provide emotional support to clients and their pets during procedures.
Take radiographs and follow up with results as needed.
Work with other staff members to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of surgical anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of aseptic technique and proper sterile technique
Ability to prepare and maintain surgical equipment
Understanding of the principles of surgery and medications used
Ability to assist in the preparation, monitoring, and post-operative care of animals
Ability to recognize and respond to emergency situations
Ability to monitor vital signs in animals under anesthesia
Ability to properly restrain animals for surgery
Understanding of pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care
Knowledge of common disease processes and their treatments
Ability to maintain accurate records and reports
Excellent communication skills with clients, veterinary staff, and other personnel
Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail

Veterinary surgical technicians play a crucial role in the successful completion of surgical procedures in veterinary medicine. A successful veterinary surgical technician must possess a wide range of skills and knowledge, from understanding surgical instruments and protocols to providing comfort and support to the animal during the procedure. The most essential skill for a veterinary surgical technician is an understanding of anatomy.

Knowing the location and structure of different organs, muscles, and bones is essential in order to safely and accurately perform the surgical procedure. Furthermore, good communication skills are key to successful communication between the veterinarian, animal, and technician. Understanding how to communicate with the veterinarian and communicate with the animal can help ensure that the procedure is performed correctly and with minimal discomfort.

Lastly, having the ability to stay calm under pressure and make quick decisions is incredibly important; this is especially true during emergency situations or when something unexpected occurs during the surgery.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a veterinary surgical technician?
How do you handle difficult situations when performing a surgical procedure?
What challenges have you faced while working with a variety of animals?
How do you stay current with advances in veterinary surgical technology?
How do you ensure safety and sanitation protocols are followed in the surgical suite?
What strategies do you employ to help animals recover from surgery quickly and safely?
How do you handle stressful situations when dealing with a pet owner or family?
Describe a time you had to intervene during a complex or delicate surgical procedure.
What techniques do you use to properly restrain an animal before and during surgery?
How do you effectively communicate with veterinarians, pet owners, and other staff members?

Common Tools in Industry

Suture Needles. Used to stitch together incisions made during surgical procedures (eg: curved suture needles).
Surgical Scissors. Used to cut through tissue and other materials during a surgical procedure (eg: Mayo scissors).
Retractors. Used to hold back skin or other tissue during a surgical procedure (eg: Kocher retractors).
Forceps. Used to grasp, hold, and move tissue or other items during a surgical procedure (eg: Allis forceps).
Suction Devices. Used to remove fluids from the surgical field (eg: electric suction device).
Drills. Used to bore through bone or other hard tissue (eg: hand drill).
Anesthetics. Used to induce a state of unconsciousness (eg: injectable anesthetic).
Hemostats. Used to control bleeding during surgery (eg: hemostatic clamps).
Surgical Staplers. Used to close incisions or other wounds (eg: endoscopic stapler).
Electro-surgical Units. Used to cauterize tissue or perform cautery procedures (eg: monopolar electrosurgical unit).

Professional Organizations to Know

American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS)
Veterinary Surgical Technicians (VST)
Association of Veterinary Technicians in Surgery (AVTS)
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians (AVST)
International Veterinary Surgical Technicians Association (IVSTA)
Veterinary Surgical Technicians Association of Canada (VSTAC)
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Association for Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE)
Academy of Surgical Research (ASR)

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Common Important Terms

Anesthesia Technician. An anesthesia technician is a trained medical professional who works with anesthesiologists to ensure that patients are safely sedated during surgical procedures.
Surgical Assistant. A surgical assistant is a member of the operating room team who assists surgeons during surgery by passing instruments, providing additional lighting, and holding retractors.
Surgical Tech. A surgical tech is a medical professional who works in an operating room to set up and maintain the surgical environment, prepare patients for surgery, and assist the surgeon during a procedure.
Surgical Instruments. Surgical instruments are specific tools used during operations to perform various tasks such as cutting tissue, cauterizing blood vessels, and suturing.
Sterile Processing Technician. A sterile processing technician is responsible for disinfecting and sterilizing surgical instruments and supplies before and after surgery.
Operating Room Nursing. Operating room nursing is the practice of providing patient-centered care in the operating room, including preoperative assessment, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative follow-up care.
Operating Room Management. Operating room management is the practice of overseeing and coordinating the activities of the operating room personnel and equipment in order to ensure safe, efficient, and cost effective care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Veterinary Surgical Technician?

Veterinary Surgical Technicians are professionals who assist veterinarians in surgery and other medical procedures by preparing the animal, setting up surgical equipment, and helping the veterinarian during surgery.

What qualifications are required to become a Veterinary Surgical Technician?

To become a Veterinary Surgical Technician, you must have a high school diploma or GED and complete a formal training program. You must also be certified by passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).

What type of duties does a Veterinary Surgical Technician perform?

Duties of a Veterinary Surgical Technician include preparing the animal for surgery, setting up and monitoring anesthesia, sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment, assisting the veterinarian during surgery, and post-operative care.

Where can a Veterinary Surgical Technician find employment?

Veterinary Surgical Technicians can find employment in veterinary hospitals, animal clinics, research laboratories, and other animal healthcare facilities.