Veterinary Technologist or Technician
Other Titles
Certified Veterinary Technician, Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician, Licensed Veterinary Technician, Medical Technologist, Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Laboratory Technician, Veterinary Nurse, Veterinary Technician
Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.
Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
Restrain animals during exams or procedures.
Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.
Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms.
Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.
Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.
Prepare animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas.
Discuss medical health of pets with clients, such as post-operative status.
Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers.
Take animals into treatment areas and assist with physical examinations by performing such duties as obtaining temperature, pulse, or respiration data.
Maintain laboratory, research, or treatment records, as well as inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies.
Take and develop diagnostic radiographs, using x-ray equipment.
Prepare treatment rooms for surgery.
Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment or instruments, as needed.
Perform dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth.
Clean kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, examination rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
Schedule appointments and procedures for animals.
Provide information or counseling regarding issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, or nutrition.
Dress and suture wounds and apply splints or other protective devices.
Maintain instruments, equipment, or machinery to ensure proper working condition.
Give enemas and perform catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.
Provide assistance with animal euthanasia and the disposal of remains.
Supervise or train veterinary students or other staff members.
Monitor medical supplies and place orders when inventory is low.
Perform a variety of office, clerical, or accounting duties, such as reception, billing, bookkeeping, or selling products.
Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush or cut animals' hair.
Conduct specialized procedures, such as animal branding or tattooing or hoof trimming.
Active Listening→ Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension→ Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination→ Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Service Orientation→ Actively looking for ways to help people.
Writing→ Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Science→ Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Social Perceptiveness→ Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Getting Information→ Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Documenting/Recording Information→ Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Assisting and Caring for Others→ Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates→ Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings→ Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events→ Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public→ Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material→ Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems→ Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Interacting With Computers→ Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization→ Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work→ Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Processing Information→ Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge→ Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Performing General Physical Activities→ Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards→ Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Training and Teaching Others→ Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others→ Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Analyzing Data or Information→ Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Controlling Machines and Processes→ Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles.
Handling and Moving Objects→ Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships→ Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information→ Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others→ Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing Administrative Activities→ Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Selling or Influencing Others→ Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Scheduling Work and Activities→ Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Monitor animals following surgeries or other treatments.
Maintain medical facility records.
Monitor animals conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.
Position animals for treatment or examination.
Treat medical emergencies.
Prepare medications or medical solutions.
Administer non-intravenous medications.
Immunize animals.
Test biological specimens to gather information about animals conditions.
Clean medical equipment or facilities.
Collect biological specimens from animals.
Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.
Sterilize medical equipment or instruments.
Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
Process x-rays or other medical images.
Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
Treat dental problems or diseases.
Apply bandages, dressings, or splints.
Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
Train medical providers.
Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.
Order medical supplies or equipment.
Merchandise healthcare products or services.
Perform clerical work in medical settings.
Process medical billing information.
Assist patients with hygiene or daily living activities.
Oral Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning→ The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Comprehension→ The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity→ The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Information Ordering→ The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g. , patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision→ The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Recognition→ The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension→ The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Speech Clarity→ The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Category Flexibility→ The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Finger Dexterity→ The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Flexibility of Closure→ The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Written Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Arm-Hand Steadiness→ The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Manual Dexterity→ The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Trunk Strength→ The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Auditory Attention→ The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Extent Flexibility→ The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Mathematical Reasoning→ The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility→ The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Perceptual Speed→ The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Static Strength→ The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Time Sharing→ The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Customer and Personal Service→ Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Language→ Knowledge of the structure and content of a language - English, French, Swahili et cetera - including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Biology→ Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Mathematics→ Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Medicine and Dentistry→ Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Clerical→ Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Database user interface and query software -- Data entry software; Microsoft Access; Structured query language SQL; Microsoft SQL Server; MySQL; Amazon Redshift; Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC; Amazon Web Services AWS software; Microsoft Access; Oracle JDBC; Transact-SQL; FileMaker Pro
Electronic mail software -- e.g., IBM Notes; Google Gmail; Microsoft Outlook
Internet browser software -- e.g., Apple Safari; Microsoft Edge; Google Chrome; Mozilla Firefox
Medical software -- Veterinary practice management software PMS
Office suite software -- e.g., Corel WordPerfect Office; Microsoft Office; Google Workspace; Apache OpenOffice.org
Presentation software -- e.g., Google Slides; Apple iWork Keynote; Corel Presentations; Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Corel Quattro Pro; Microsoft Excel; Google Sheets
Word processing software -- e.g., Corel Wordperfect; Microsoft Word; Google Docs
Air rifles or air handguns→ Capture rifles; Dart guns
Ambulances
Analgesic infusion sets or kits→ Infusion sets
Animal catching devices→ Animal capture nets; Animal catching poles; Animal snares
Animal husbandry equipment→ Cattle chutes; Dehorners; Hoof picks
Animal shearing or clipping equipment→ Electric animal clippers
Animal weighing scales→ Electronic animal scales
Anti shock garments→ Medical anti-shock trousers MAST
Arterial line catheters
Artificial airway holders
Automated external defibrillators AED or hard paddles→ Semiautomated or automatic external defibrillators AED
Benchtop centrifuges
Binocular light compound microscopes→ Optical compound microscopes
Blood collection needle→ Venoject needles
Blood collection syringes
Blood gas analyzers
Blood pressure recording units→ Blood pressure recorders
Butterfly needles→ Scalp vein needles
Cages or its accessories→ Squeeze cages
Cardiac output CO monitoring units or accessories→ Cardiac monitors; Portable cardiac monitors
Cardiac pacemaker generator or cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker CRT-P→ External pacers
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR protective shields or masks→ One-way valve pocket masks
Chemical or gas sterilizers→ Gas sterilizers
Chemistry analyzers→ Automated chemistry analyzers
Coagulation analyzers
Dental finishing or polishing discs→ Prophylaxis angles
Dental hand pieces or accessories→ Dental handpieces
Dental probes→ Dental explorers
Dental scalers or accessories→ Ultrasonic dental scalers
Dental x ray units→ Veterinary dental x ray equipment
Desktop computers
Digital cameras
Electrocardiography EKG transmitter or telemetry or accessories→ Telemetry units
Electrocardiography EKG units
Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment→ Electrosurgery units
Emergency medical service intravenous IV kit→ Intraosseous kits
Emergency medical services head immobilizers→ Head immobilization devices
Emergency medical services obstetrics kits→ Obstetrical OB kits
Emergency medical services suction units or accessories→ Airway suction units; Battery-powered portable suction units; Fixed-suction equipment
Emergency medical services tracheal tube or cricothyrotomy kits→ Cricothyrotomy kits
Emergency medical services triage tags→ Triage tags
Emergency response litters or stretchers or accessories→ Multi-level wheeled cots; Stair chairs
Emergency resuscitator or aspirator kits→ Resuscitation devices
Endotracheal tubes→ Endotracheal ET tubes
Enema kits or accessories→ Enema equipment
Enteral feeding administration sets→ Enteral feeding equipment
Esophageal tubes→ Esophageal tracheal airway devices
Extremity restraints→ Limb restraints
Finger ring removers→ Ring cutters
Flow sensors or regulators or components→ Wall-mounted oxygen regulators
Forced air or mechanical convection general purpose incubators→ Laboratory mechanical convection incubators
Full body immersion hydrotherapy baths or tanks→ Veterinary immersion hydrotherapy equipment
Gas anesthesia apparatus→ Veterinary anesthesia machines
Glucose monitors or meters→ Glucometers
Handheld refractometers or polarimeters→ Handheld refractometers
Harnesses or its accessories→ Head halters
Hemocytometers
Hypodermic injection apparatus or accessories→ Epi-pens; Preload syringes
Hypodermic needle→ Hypodermic needles
Intermittent positive pressure breathing IPPB machines→ Mechanical intermittent positive pressure ventilators
Intravenous infusion pumps for general use→ Intravenous IV pressure infusers; Intravenous IV pumps
Intravenous or arterial arm boards→ Long arm boards; Short arm boards
Intravenous or arterial cannulas or accessories→ Intravenous IV cannulas
Intravenous or arterial tubing adapters or connectors or locks or caps or protectors→ Saline locks
Intravenous tubing with catheter administration kits→ Intravenous IV administration sets
Intubation forceps→ Adult Magill forceps
Intubation gauges or guides→ Esophageal intubation detection devices
Intubation stylets→ Adult stylets
Laboratory balances→ Laboratory scales
Laboratory diluters→ Automated diluters
Laryngoscopes or accessories→ Curved adult blades; Laryngoscopes; Straight adult blades; Straight pediatric blades (see all 5 examples)
Manual or electronic hematology differential cell counters→ Differential blood cell counters; Electronic blood cell counters
Medical acoustic stethoscope or accessory→ Mechanical stethoscopes
Medical aspiration or irrigation syringes→ Bulb syringes
Medical computed tomography CT or CAT scanners or tubes→ Computed tomography CT scanners
Medical gas cylinders or related devices→ Fixed-oxygen equipment; Portable oxygen equipment
Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI scanners→ Magnetic resonance imaging MRI systems
Medical nasal cannulae→ Oxygen nasal cannulae
Medical oxygen masks or parts→ Adult non-rebreather oxygen masks; Child oxygen masks; Infant oxygen masks
Medical radiation films or badges→ Radiation detecting film badges
Medical radiological positioning aids for general radiological use→ X ray patient positioning equipment
Medical radiological shielding aprons or masks or drapes→ Lead aprons; Lead thyroid collars
Medical radiological shielding gloves→ Lead gloves
Medical staff isolation or surgical masks→ Protective face shields
Medical syringe with needle→ Anesthesia syringes; Hypodermic syringes; Multiple dose syringes
Medical ultrasound or doppler or pulse echo or echography units for general diagnostic use→ Veterinary ultrasound equipment
Medical x ray darkroom equipment or supplies→ Manual darkroom developing equipment; X ray film processors
Medical x ray film or cassette→ X ray cassettes
Medical x ray intensifying screens→ X ray intensifying equipment
Medical x ray units for general diagnostic use→ Digital x ray equipment; Portable veterinary x ray equipment; Stationary veterinary x ray equipment
Microcentrifuges→ Microhematocrit centrifuges
Microscope slides
Mobile or transportable medical linear accelerators→ Linear accelerator equipment
Muzzles
Nasopharyngeal tubes→ Nasopharyngeal airways
Nebulizer or accessories→ Aerosol nebulizers; Humidification equipment; Nebulizers
Needleless intravenous injection syringe set or injection cannula→ Interlink syringe cannulas
Needleless vial or bag withdrawal cannulas or adapters or decanters→ Vial access cannulas
Non vacuum blood collection tubes or containers→ Blood tubes
Notebook computers→ Laptop computers
Ophthalmic tonometers or accessories→ Ophthalmic tonometers
Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets→ Ophthalmoscopes; Otoscopes
Orthopedic splint systems→ Cardboard splints; Rigid splints; Splints
Osmometers
Oxygen insufflator or its accessories→ Transtracheal jet insufflators
Oxygen therapy delivery system products accessories or its supplies→ Oxygen administration equipment
Patient stretchers or stretcher accessories→ Stretchers
Periodontal curettes
Personal computers
Protective gloves→ Bite gloves
Pulse oximeter units→ Pulse oximeters
Respiratory monitoring kits or its accessories→ Respiration monitors
Restraints→ Bovine tail restraints; Nose tongs
Resuscitation masks or accessories→ Ambu bags
Sledge hammer→ Sledgehammers
Specimen collection container→ Specimen collection containers
Steam autoclaves or sterilizers→ Steam autoclaves; Vacuum autoclaves
Surgical calipers or rulers→ Surgical calipers
Surgical retractors for general use→ Surgical retractors
Surgical scalpels or knives or blades or trephines or accessories→ Surgical scalpels
Suture needles
Suture removers→ Suture scissors
Tablet computers
Therapeutic heating or cooling units or systems→ Veterinary patient warming systems
Tourniquets
Ultrasonic cleaning equipment→ Ultrasonic instrument cleaners
Urinary catheterization kit→ Urinary catheters
Vacuum blood collection tubes or containers→ Evacuated blood collection tubes
Veterinary blood pressure testers→ Ultrasonic blood pressure monitors
Veterinary castration instruments→ Veterinary emasculators
Veterinary clinical thermometers→ Digital veterinary thermometers
Veterinary electrocardiograph ECG→ Animal electrocardiograph ECG units
Veterinary injection or suction units or accessories→ Balling guns; Veterinary suction equipment
Veterinary nail trimmers or cutters→ Animal nail trimmers; Hoof trimmers
Veterinary speculums→ Veterinary oral specula; Veterinary vaginal specula
Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative→ Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Social Orientation→ Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Relationships→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Working Conditions→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.