Animal Hospital of Casper - On Line

Careers In Veterinary Medicine

Certified Veterinary Technician

Duties and Responsibilities

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a veterinary technician?  In the exciting and fast paced world of veterinary medicine doctors often rely on the skills of a trained veterinary technician.  

Career Opportunities

Technicians are educated in the care and handling of animals, basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes and routine laboratory and clinical procedures.  In a practice vet techs might:

• obtain and record patient case histories

• collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures

• prepare patients, instruments, and equipment for surgery

• assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures

• expose and develop radiographs

• communicate with animal owners

• supervise and train clinic personnel

• dental prophylaxis  

In a biomedical research facility a veterinary technician might also:

• supervise the care and handling of animals

• assist in the implementation of research projects

A veterinary technician does not diagnose, prescribe, or perform surgery or engage in any activity prohibited by the state practice act.  All techs work under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Education Required

A majority of vet techs are employed in private practice.  However, the demand for technicians in other areas is on the rise.  Opportunities that exist for graduate veterinary technicians include:

• biomedical facilities

• diagnostic laboratories

• colleges/universities

• veterinary supply sales

• zoos and wildlife facilities

• humane societies & animal control facilities

• the military

• drug or feed manufacturing companies

• food safety inspection

A career in veterinary technology requires a minimum of two years college education.  A graduate veterinary technician receives either a certificate, a diploma, or an associate's degree.  Some programs may be longer and may culminate in a baccalaureate degree.  There are over 75 veterinary technology programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA); graduation from an AVMA - accredited veterinary technology program allows you to take the credentialing examination in any state in the country.  Correspondence courses are not accredited by the AVMA.

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