Being a Veterinary Technician

October was Veterinary Technician Month, though many of us feel that it could be a year-round celebration.

Many years ago (actually many, many) I thought that I wanted to be a Veterinarian, that was until I found out that I could be a Technician. I started a co-op at a vet clinic close to my home and realized that the person I would be reporting to was a Technician. At the time, I didn’t know what it was she did, but it sure looked great.

She got to do so many things with both the pets and people that it seemed like a good fit. Do you know what a technician can do? Check out the list below!

  • Diagnostics
  • Blood – blood collection from your pet, prep of the blood, testing of the blood in the house, reporting to the doctor about the results.
  • Fecal – stool testing (“poop”), looking for parasites, protozoa, eggs
  • Urine – urinalysis including cytology (looking at spun parts urine)
  • X-rays – taking the x-rays, ensuring positioned well
  • Ultrasound – doing the diagnostics that supply the radiologist with a report, collection of samples
  • Holding of pets – to make sure that they are safe from harm (both human and themselves)
  • Anesthetics – IV placement, assist with sedation, putting in endotracheal tubes, surgery prep, monitoring under anesthetic, post-surgery monitoring, clean up, sterilization of instruments, assist the doctor during surgery as needed.
  • Talking to clients – discussing medications (how and why the medications that the doctor wants are to be used, answering questions, explaining about surgeries or other procedures for clarity.
  • Assisting with Euthanasias – being a large part of the final visit with a loved one. We are there to help with all you and your pet’s needs.
  • Paperwork
  • Anything that is needed

There are so many more things that Technicians do it is hard to put them all down, but if you ask us, we would be happy to help you as we can.

We work as a team to make the clinic run well. Someday are more stressful than others, but we try to make it though by striving to make it better for all. I love my job and the people that I work with. I enjoy being a Technician, all year round.

Written by: Lisa Clifford, RVT