Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week is October 10-16. This is one of my favorite weeks because I get to show the technicians I know how much I appreciate them.
What exactly does a veterinary technician do? Well, many people think of them as a nurse for animals. That’s a good start, but it doesn’t even begin to describe the jobs that most technicians perform every day.
Let’s look at a typical day in the life of one of our technicians. (Keep in mind, of course, that no day in the ER is typical!) Here is a partial list of tasks they would be expected to complete by the end of their shift:
Assist with anesthesia and surgery
Take x-rays
Obtain blood, urine, and stool samples
Perform laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood work
Place intravenous catheters
Prepare and administer IV fluids and other medications
Council owners on disease processes, medication administration, and home care
Provide tender loving care
As you can see, being a veterinary technician is a lot of work!
What type of training do veterinary technicians need?
There are many types of programs out there. Some offer a choice of associate’s (2 year) degree or bachelor’s (4 year) degree. On-line programs are gaining popularity as well.
Here are some websites to visit if you want to learn more:
To all you techs out there, keep up the good work. We couldn’t survive without you!
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