Animal health technologists have a wide range of duties. They create files
on animal patients by obtaining and recording information. They prepare animal
patients for treatment by the veterinarian and also prepare instruments and
equipment for surgery.
They collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures. They dress wounds
and assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures. They expose and
develop diagnostic radiographs and communicate with the animal's owners.
These workers may have different job titles in different areas. Titles
include animal health technologist, animal technician, veterinary assistant,
veterinary technologist or veterinary technician.
The difference between assistants, technicians and technologists has to
do with their education. Usually, someone with an "assistant" job is a layperson
who performs entry-level tasks. A technician has received a diploma from a
two- to four-year program.
Meanwhile, a technologist has a bachelor's degree in veterinary technology
from an accredited program. Generally, someone with a four-year degree would
act as a practice manager.
Marie Clark is a certified vet technologist in Arkansas. She suggests checking
with your local or state veterinary associations for more information on job
titles in your area.
Veterinary technicians work in veterinary clinics. They also work at facilities
like veterinary hospitals, biological research labs, drug or feed manufacturing
companies, animal production facilities, zoos and meat packing companies,
reports the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Duties at these facilities may include record keeping, animal care and
feeding, equipment and product maintenance, and carcass inspection. A technologist's
work is supervised by a scientist or a senior technologist.
The hours a tech works depend on what the employer requires. "Sometimes
we work late. You can't always go home on time due to an emergency," says
Christina Pander, a vet assistant in Pennsylvania.
"Summer is busier because animals are outside -- some get hit by cars.
Plus there's lots of raccoons around, diseases are spread more easily and
there are more fights."
Animal health techs need a variety of skills and aptitudes. First of all,
they need to like animals and have compassion for them. They need to be in
good physical condition and be able to remain calm under pressure.
They need to have excellent interpersonal skills and both oral and written
communication skills. Finally, they've got to have sound decision-making skills.
While almost everyone likes animals, this isn't a field for everyone. "I
highly recommend that students interested in this field volunteer at a veterinary
clinic to see what goes on behind the scenes. This often allows students to
make more informed career decisions," says Thomas Colville. He is a veterinarian
and professor at North Dakota State University.
"There's really a lot of cleanup," says veterinary technician Lauren Kaufman.
"People bring animals in sometimes to be euthanized. I think it's important
to volunteer and get that experience to see what you really want to do."