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

Mar 6, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Veterinary technicians play an essential role in providing quality care for animals, as they are responsible for performing a variety of tasks such as taking vital signs, preparing and administering medications and treatments, collecting lab samples, and performing diagnostic tests. These duties can have a direct effect on the overall health of the animal, as early detection and treatment of diseases can prevent more serious health issues in the future. Additionally, the presence of a veterinary technician helps to create a more comforting environment for the animal, which can have a positive impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. By providing these services, veterinary technicians help to ensure that animals receive the highest standard of care.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. To become a veterinary technician, you must have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Consider taking courses related to biology, chemistry, math, and other sciences.
Complete a Veterinary Technician Program. The next step is to enroll in a veterinary technician program at a college or university. These programs typically take about two years to complete and involve coursework in animal anatomy and physiology, laboratory techniques, and pharmacology.
Take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). After completing the veterinary technician program, you must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). This is a rigorous exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
Obtain State Licensure. Once you have passed the VTNE, you will need to obtain licensure from your state. This process involves submitting an application, passing a background check, and paying a fee.
Begin Working as a Veterinary Technician. After obtaining licensure, you can begin working as a veterinary technician. You may find job opportunities at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, shelters, and research facilities.

As a veterinary technician, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and be capable of performing any task. To remain up-to-date, it is important to attend conferences, seminars, and workshops related to veterinary technology. Furthermore, reading publications such as journals and textbooks can help one to stay informed about the latest trends and topics.

networking with other veterinary technicians by joining professional organizations is an effective way to keep ones skills sharp and stay engaged with the field. Finally, completing continuing education courses will provide one with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to stay competent in their practice. By following these steps, veterinary technicians can ensure they remain proficient in their field and can provide the highest quality of care to their patients.

You may want to check Veterinary Physiologist, Veterinary Parasitologist, and Animal Nutrition Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Administer anesthesia and assist in surgery
Monitor vital signs and administer medications
Collect and analyze laboratory samples
Prepare and administer vaccinations
Take x-rays and perform ultrasounds
Assist with dental procedures
Provide nursing care for hospitalized patients
Assist in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions
Educate clients on pet health, nutrition, and behavior
Maintain patient records, including medical histories and treatment plans

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of veterinary anatomy and physiology
Understanding of medical terminology
Ability to take vital signs and administer medications
Competency in laboratory procedures such as urinalysis, hematology, and parasitology
Experience with surgical preparation and postoperative care
Proficiency in animal restraint for examinations, treatments, and procedures
Knowledge of common diseases and treatments
Ability to recognize signs of illness or injury in animals
Comfort working with a variety of species
Ability to maintain accurate records of treatments
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Knowledge of proper sanitization and disinfection techniques

Being a veterinary technician requires many important skills. The most important skill is the ability to demonstrate a caring and compassionate attitude towards animals. This includes being able to recognize signs of distress in animals, as well as providing comfort and reassurance.

veterinary technicians must also be able to communicate effectively with both people and animals. Knowledge about animal anatomy and physiology is essential in order to provide proper diagnosis and treatments. The ability to accurately record and track patient information is also key.

Finally, being able to work well under pressure and having an eye for detail are important traits for veterinary technicians. All of these skills are necessary for veterinary technicians to provide the best care possible to their patients.

Animal Caretaker, Groomer, and Livestock Veterinarian are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with animals?
What types of veterinary procedures are you most comfortable performing?
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with an animal.
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest veterinary technologies?
What do you know about animal nutrition and diets?
How would you handle a pet that is resisting treatment?
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with a pet owner?
What kind of vaccinations do you feel comfortable administering?
Describe your experience working in a team environment.
Are you familiar with the use of medical equipment such as IV pumps and anesthesia machines?

Common Tools in Industry

Surgical Scrub Brush. Used to clean and prep areas of a patient before surgery (e. g. sterilizing the skin).
Syringe. Used to draw up and administer medications and fluids (e. g. drawing up an antibiotic).
Otoscope. Used to examine the ears of animals (e. g. checking for infection).
Forceps. Used to hold, grip, and extract items from wounds or incisions (e. g. removing foreign objects).
Surgical Scissors. Used to cut through tissue during surgery (e. g. making an incision).
Stethoscope. Used to monitor heart rate, respiration rate, and other body functions (e. g. listening to a heartbeat).
Suture Kit. Used to close wounds (e. g. stitching up a cut).
Microscope. Used to examine small tissue samples (e. g. checking for parasites).
Thermometer. Used to measure body temperature (e. g. checking for a fever).
Blood Pressure Cuff. Used to measure blood pressure (e. g. monitoring a patient's pressure during surgery).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia (AVTAA)
American Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT)
International Veterinary Information Service (IVIS)
National Veterinary Technician Association (NVTA)
American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF)
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS)

We also have Shelter Veterinarian, Animal Control Officer, and Receptionist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Animal Health Technician. An animal health technician works in a veterinary practice or laboratory to provide medical care for animals. They assist veterinarians in diagnosing and treating animals, and are responsible for taking vital signs, administering medications, and preparing lab specimens.
Veterinary Assistant. A veterinary assistant provides support to veterinarians and other veterinary staff by performing a wide range of duties such as cleaning and sanitizing instruments and equipment, preparing patients for examination, taking patient histories, and assisting with treatments.
Animal Care Technician. An animal care technician works in an animal shelter or research facility to provide care for animals. They feed, exercise, and monitor animals health, bathe them, groom them, and provide medical treatments as directed by a veterinarian.
Veterinary Nurse. A veterinary nurse is a licensed practitioner who provides nursing care for animals in veterinary hospitals or clinics. They take vital signs, administer medications and treatments, assist veterinarians in surgery, and provide advice to pet owners.
Veterinary Technologist. A veterinary technologist is a professional with specialized training in veterinary technology who works in a veterinary practice or laboratory. They perform complex laboratory tests, collect specimens, and provide treatment and care to animals.
Veterinary Technology Glossary. A glossary is a reference tool that defines the terms used in veterinary technology. It contains definitions of medical terms, abbreviations, acronyms, and other industry-specific words.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of degree is required to become a Veterinary Technician?

Veterinary Technicians typically need to complete an associates degree in Veterinary Technology from an accredited program.

How much experience do Veterinary Technicians typically have?

Most Veterinary Technicians have between 1-4 years of experience in the field.

What are some of the duties of a Veterinary Technician?

Veterinary Technicians typically assist veterinarians with diagnosing and treating animals, administering medications, collecting laboratory specimens, performing laboratory tests, and providing nursing care to sick and injured animals.

What is the average salary for a Veterinary Technician?

The average salary for a Veterinary Technician is approximately $33,400 per year.

What certifications do Veterinary Technicians need?

Veterinary Technicians need to be certified by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in order to practice and they must also keep up with continuing education requirements.