What is a 'veterinary technologist'?

Answer 1

To properly answer this question one must understand there are different levels of classification of staff members who assist in the field of veterinary medicine. The veterinary technologist is the one with the most formal education in the field and there are different classifications of a veterinary technologist or "vet tech."

To achieve the degree of veterinary technologist one has to go to a college/junior college that offers this course of study and it is typically a two year program. They take basic science classes related to veterinary medicine and animal care. In addition, there is a great deal of time spent learning how to perform laboratory work, taking radiographs, assisting in surgery, animal handling, and other techniques which must be mastered in order to be able to function in a veterinary practice. As part of the educational requirements, time must be spent working in a veterinary practice as an "extern" for a period of time determined by the particular curriculum of the school. Some veterinary technology programs are at schools in close proximity to a veterinary college, so a great deal of the practical experience is obtained there. Upon graduation from such a program, the degree of veterinary technologist is achieved. The graduate can then pursue a career in a private veterinary practice, academia, research, and other animal-related fields.

However, it does not stop there. A standardized test can then be taken and if passed the designation of "Certified Veterinary Technologist" (CVT) is awarded. A CVT can command a higher salary and can perform certain functions non-certified technologists cannot. For example, our practice has a four year accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association and one of the standards we must follow is that only a CVT can assist the veterinarian in surgery.

A veterinary assistant is someone who helps the veterinarians in a practice, does not have a veterinary technologist degree, but has learned essentially "on the job."

Some people take on-line courses but the degree will be for an animal care specialist (or something similar) but cannot achieve the designation as a veterinary technologist.

CVTs, veterinary technologists, and veterinary assistants are essential in the functioning of any veterinary practice. Depending upon the way a practice is run they may have a wide range of responsibilities and duties. They may place clients in exam rooms, take a history, aid the veterinarian during the physical examination, collect blood samples, take radiographs, conduct the laboratory testing, groom pets, treat hospitalized patients, spend a great deal of time interacting with the clients and explaining proper pet care or if a pet is being sent home with medication, how to properly administer the home treatments, assisting in surgery, the list goes on.

It is a worthwhile career and I know our practice could not function as effectively without them.

Answer 2

Owners of pets and other animals today expect state-of-the-art veterinary care. To provide this service, Veterinarians use the skills of veterinary technologists and technicians, who perform many of the same duties for a veterinarian that a nurse would for a physician, including routine laboratory and clinical procedures. Although specific job duties vary by employer, there often is little difference between the tasks carried out by technicians and by technologists, despite some differences in formal education and training. As a result, most workers in this occupation are called technicians. Veterinary technologists and technicians typically conduct clinical work in a private practice under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. They often perform various medical tests and treat and diagnose medical conditions and diseases in animals. 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. While most of these duties are performed in a laboratory setting, many are not. For example, some veterinary technicians obtain and record patients' case histories, expose and develop x rays and radiographs, and provide specialized nursing care. In addition, experienced veterinary technicians may discuss a pet's condition with its owners and train new clinic personnel. Veterinary technologists and technicians assisting small-animal practitioners usually care for companion animals, such as cats and dogs, but can perform a variety of duties with mice, rats, sheep, pigs, cattle, monkeys, birds, fish, and frogs. Very few veterinary technologists work in mixed animal practices where they care for both small companion animals and larger, nondomestic animals. Besides working in private clinics and animal hospitals, veterinary technologists and technicians may work in research facilities, where they administer medications orally or topically, prepare samples for laboratory examinations, and record information on an animal's genealogy, diet, weight, medications, food intake, and clinical signs of pain and distress. Some may sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment and provide routine postoperative care. At research facilities, veterinary technologists typically work under the guidance of Veterinarians or physicians. Some veterinary technologists vaccinate newly admitted animals and occasionally may have to euthanize seriously ill, severely injured, or unwanted animals. While the goal of most veterinary technologists and technicians is to promote animal health, some contribute to human health as well. Veterinary technologists occasionally assist Veterinarians in implementing research projects as they work with other scientists in medical-related fields such as gene therapy and cloning. Some find opportunities in biomedical research, wildlife medicine, the military, livestock management, or pharmaceutical sales. Work environment. People who love animals get satisfaction from working with and helping them. However, some of the work may be unpleasant, physically and emotionally demanding, and sometimes dangerous. At times, veterinary technicians must clean cages and lift, hold, or restrain animals, risking exposure to bites or scratches. These workers must take precautions when treating animals with germicides or insecticides. The work setting can be noisy. Veterinary technologists and technicians who witness abused animals or who euthanize unwanted, aged, or hopelessly injured animals may experience emotional stress. Those working for humane societies and animal shelters often deal with the public, some of whom might react with hostility to any implication that the owners are neglecting or abusing their pets. Such workers must maintain a calm and professional demeanor while they enforce the laws regarding animal care. In some animal hospitals, research facilities, and animal shelters, a veterinary technician is on duty 24 hours a day, which means that some may work night shifts. Most full-time veterinary technologists and technicians work about 40 hours a week, although some work 50 or more hours a week. For the source and more detailed information concerning this subject, click on the related links section indicated below.