The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits veterinary technology programs throughout the United States and Canada through the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities. Students interested in a career in veterinary technology should have an aptitude for general science, math and biology and demonstrate basic language and communication skills. At this time, there is no credentialing exam for veterinary assistants. There are training programs for veterinary assistants, and some are trained on the job. The assistant may be asked to perform kennel work, assist in the restraint and handling of animals, feed and exercise the animals, or spend time on clerical duties. Veterinary assistants support the veterinarian and/or the veterinary technician in their daily tasks. While the majority of veterinary technicians are employed in private practice, the demand for technicians is rapidly expanding to include new employment opportunities in human and animal health-related areas and specialties such as military service, food safety inspection, teaching, zoo animal and wildlife care, diagnostic laboratory support, veterinary supply sales, animal control and humane society animal care, and drug and feed company technical service and sales. In addition to the responsibilities above, veterinary technicians employed in a biomedical research facility perform other duties under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, a biomedical research worker, or other scientist, such as supervising the humane care and handling of research animals and assisting in the implementation of research projects. They are trained to: obtain and record patient case histories collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures provide specialized nursing care prepare animals, instruments, and equipment for surgery assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures expose and develop radiographs (X-rays) advise and educate animal owners supervise and train practice personnel and perform dental prophylaxes. In a clinical practice setting, such as your local veterinary hospital, veterinary technicians handle many of the same responsibilities that nurses and other professionals perform for physicians – and, like veterinarians, they are trained to work with several species of animals. While a veterinary technician can assist in performing a wide variety of tasks, they cannot diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery, or engage in any activity prohibited by a state's veterinary practice act. They must pass a credentialing examination and keep up-to-date with continuing education to be considered licensed/registered/certified (the term used varies by state) veterinary technicians.Īll veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. In general, veterinary technicians obtain 2-4 years of post-high school education and have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in veterinary technology. Veterinary technicians have been educated in the care and handling of animals, the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in many laboratory and clinical procedures. American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR).Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA).AVMA Center for Veterinary Education Accreditation.AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network (CAN).Donate to American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF).
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