What Does a Veterinary Technician Do?

Veterinary technicians are like nurses who care for humans. However, veterinary technicians must know how to care for many species of animals, as opposed to nurses, who only need to know how to care for one species, humans. After only a few years of education and training, veterinary technicians are qualified to handle all the jobs required of them.

Assist Veterinarians

Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in many tasks. They help with surgical procedures, examinations and administering medications intravenously.

Conduct Laboratory Tests

Veterinary technicians conduct all sorts of laboratory tests, such as fecal tests, blood tests and urine analyses. They must know how to use the equipment and tools necessary to conduct these tests.

Educate Clients

Veterinary technicians are hands-on with clients. They explain procedures, surgeries and tests. Veterinary technicians teach clients how to care for animals, explaining the type of food the animals need, how to deal with certain behaviors and how to groom the animals.

Test Behavior

Veterinary technicians often do behavioral testing. This is especially true when the veterinary technician works in animal shelters or small veterinary practices. It is possible for veterinary technicians to specialize in animal behavior.

Train Animals

Veterinary technicians help with animal training. Many teach obedience classes. These classes can be for groups or one-on-one classes. They can teach obedience training to several different species, such as dogs, cats, ferrets and birds.