How Veterinary Technicians Treat Animals in Veterinary Offices
March 17, 2009
•Brian Brooks
•SBC-St-Peters
• 0 Comments
Are you an animal lover? Well if you want to pursue a career that provides care for animals every day, then a career as a veterinary technologist might be right for you. Today’s veterinary care system is impeccable. To provide this state-of-the-art care veterinarians depend upon veterinary technologists and technicians to complete daily tasks.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics veterinary technologists and technicians commonly perform clinical tasks. These tasks are usually performed under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. For example, they may perform laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood counts, assist with dental prophylaxis, prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, or assist veterinarians in a variety of tests and analyses in which they often use various items of medical equipment, such as test tubes and diagnostic equipment.
Veterinary technologists and technicians also perform four administrative tasks to ensure a veterinary office runs smoothly. Some common non-clinical responsibilities include:
- Updating patient files
- Scheduling appointments
- Developing x-rays
- Educating pet owners
As you can see, veterinary technologists and technicians can fill many roles in veterinary offices, research facilities, animal shelters and other facilities that offer animal care. They are an important part of a veterinary staff. Veterinary technologists and technicians held about 71,000 jobs in 2006. About 91 percent worked in veterinary services.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there should be many job opportunities due to the need to replace veterinary technologists and technicians who leave the occupation and for the growth of animal health facilities. Employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow 41 percent over the 2006-2016 period. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. Pets are becoming viewed as a member of the family, as some pet owners are willing to spend much more to ensure they stay healthy. Many pet owners will pay for operations that cost far more than the cost of the dog. As this trend continues, there has been a growing need for trained veterinary technicians.
Training
It will take more than a love for animals to get your foot in the door of this popular field. Employers are looking for job candidates that have received training through veterinary technology classes. Having a veterinary technology course that includes clinical experience with live animals can also help ensure employers you can work effectively in this environment. Having basic skills in a clinical or laboratory setting is extremely valuable for students pursuing a career in this field.
If a career as a veterinary technologist or technician interests you, enroll in veterinary technology classes today. Veterinary technology courses are your first step towards pursuing a growing and exciting career. Start today. To learn more about veterinary courses in the St. Peters area, click here.
Sanford-Brown College - St. Peters is close to many locations:
Cottleville, MO - approximately 4.0 miles
O' Fallon, MO - approximately 4.9 miles
St. Charles, MO - approximately 10.0 miles
St. Paul, MO - approximately 7.7 miles
Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Veterinary Technologists and Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos183.htm (visited January 28, 2009).